New Haven – The Lavender Contra Collective gathered on the second floor of Group Project at 140 Bradley Street for its latest gender‑free contra dance session. The bi‑weekly event, which began in June 2025 and moved to its current location in April 2026, welcomes dancers of all ages and experience levels.
Inclusive dancing for all
Organizers Meggie Czepiel, Corrine Evans and Jocelyn Kurtze emphasized that participants need no partner and no prior dancing background. “Anyone can dance any role,” Evans said, noting the group’s use of the terms “larks and robins” instead of the traditional “ladies and gents” to keep the experience inclusive.
The two‑hour meeting started with a beginner lesson led by caller Jocelyn Kurtze, who has danced in Philadelphia and Massachusetts. After learning basic steps, attendees chose to be a lark or a robin and paired up for each dance, with partners free to change between tunes.
Live music and community spirit
A live band featuring David Heiser (guitar), Sarah Prown (banjo), Harry Bolick (fiddle) and Brian Slattery (fiddle) provided Appalachian fiddle tunes throughout the evening. The music, combined with the caller’s clear instructions, helped newcomers feel confident and enjoy the dance.
Participants reported feeling “dizzy with delight” as they learned and practiced the steps. The supportive atmosphere allowed dancers to laugh at missteps and help each other, reinforcing the collective’s mission to preserve contra‑dance tradition while creating a welcoming gathering place for queer people and allies in New Haven.
Looking ahead
Attendees left the session smiling and already planning their next visit. For more information, the Lavender Contra Collective directs interested dancers to its Instagram page.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
