Dance Information
The Chattahoochee Country Dancers (CCD) is a non-profit organization that sponsors contra dances in the Atlanta area. We are a local center of the Country Dance and Song Society of America (CDSS), are incorporated under the laws of the State of Georgia, and are recognized as tax exempt under IRS rules. CCD Dances are non-drinking and non-smoking events.
Tuesday Night Dances
Schedule
We hold dances on the 1st, 3rd*, and 5th Tuesdays at
Messiah Lutheran Church.
Dancing is from 7:30 - 10:00pm. *3rd Tuesday dances are Advanced Dances
Admission
- Admission is $3/person
- Students with ID: Buy one, get one free (i.e. two students showing up together each pay half price)
- Non-Dancers 16 and over: regular or student admission
- Non-Dancers under 16: free
Music
Tuesday night music is provided by a core band (see our Current Schedule for details). Local and visiting musicians are welcome to sit in with the core band. The core band selects and starts each tune, then visiting musicians chime in.
Friday Night Dances
Schedule
We dance every Friday in the Clarkston Community Center.
- 7:15pm - 7:45pm -- New Dancer Lesson
- 8:00 - 11:00pm -- Main Event
Admission
- Admission is $8/person for Intown Band nights; $9/person for Touring Band nights
- Students with ID: Buy one, get one free (i.e. two students showing up together each pay half price)
- Dancers under 16: $3/person for Intown Band nights; $4/person for Touring Band nights
- Non-Dancers 16 and over: regular or student admission
- Non-Dancers under 16: free
Special Event Dances
Advanced Challenge Contra Dances
Two or three times a year CCD hosts a Sunday evening "Advanced Challenge Dance." There is no beginner's workshop and these dances are for experienced dancers only. Check the Schedule for the next Advanced Challenge Dance.
Other Special Event Dances
CCD sponsors an annual New Year's Eve dance and collaborates with other local dance organizations to stage mini dance weekends throughout the year. Keep an eye on the CCD home page and the Schedule for announcements of upcoming special event dances.CCD Steering Committee
The CCD steering committee serves as a defacto Board of Directors for the organization and is made up of volunteers who each serve a three year term. Current members include:
| Margie Cooper | 404-815-9365 | coopermarjorie at bellsouth.net | |
| Jim Crawford | 404-274-4365 | 43jimcr at comcast.net | |
| Jennifer Horrocks | 678-570-7390 | jenny.dances at yahoo.com | |
| Sherry Kilpatrick | 404-849-6926 | moggyseven at bellsouth.net | Treasurer |
| Dave Marcus | 770-482-8717 | dmarcus123 at gmail.com | Secretary |
| Robert McGregor | 404-630-9042 | bobmcgregor at earthlink.net | |
| Robbin Ryan | 404-593-4911 | robbinryan at yahoo.com | Vice President |
| Janet Shepherd | 770 939-8646 | handsfour at bellsouth.net | |
| Tim Timmer | 678-777-3637 | timothy.timmer at yahoo.com | President |
Their responsibilities include CCD events, finances, artistic direction, publications, and other dance community concerns. The steering committee meets monthly (see CCD Schedule for meeting dates, time, and locations). Steering Committee Meetings are open to everyone.
Click here to access:
- Archived copies of the Steering Committee minutes
- Current By-laws of the Chattahoochee Country Dancers, Inc. (pdf)
Shoe Policy
Cliff Notes version:
"Don't wear anything
on our (rented) dance floor that can harm our (rented) dance floor."
Long Version:
- Don't let grit get ground into the dance floor
- Don't dance in shoes you wear outdoors
- Always brush off the soles of your dance shoes before stepping onto the dance floor
- Don't put dents in the dance floor
- Don't wear narrow heels; heels less than 1-1/2 inches across can leave dents in the floor.
ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDATION:
Don't wear tennis/gym/running shoes -- Your ankles and knees will thank you for it. Rubber soled shoes are designed to "stick" to a wood floor. You will
find it a lot easier and safer to dance if you wear shoes with a smooth (preferably leather or suede) sole. Socks work well too.
Hands Four...
Volunteering
It takes a community to stage a dance. Will you be a member of ours? Please contact George Snyder at 404-371-0191 for details of dance-related volunteer opportunities. Volunteer Documents:
After the Dance
Dancers and musicians often meet at the Corner Pub for food, drink, jokes, singing and conversation. (Map)
Community Activities
CCD sponors an annual picnic and members of the CCD community frequently host parties and other get togethers outside of Dance. The best way to hear about these chances to spend time getting to know your partners and neighbors is to sign up for the CCD listserv.
Policy on Inappropriate Behavior
Contra is a high-spirited dance that is elegant, lively and fun. It also needs to be and to feel safe. To help ensure the safety of our dancers, CCD will not condone inappropriate behavior.
Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to:
- Dancing in such a way that makes others feel physically challenged or threatened
- Actions that constitute harassment of any kind
If a fellow dancer behaves in a manner that seems inappropriate, it is suggested that you make an effort to let that person know. If you are not comfortable speaking directly with them, please ask anyone on the steering committee to do so for you. Dancers who repeatedly exhibit inappropriate behavior can, and have been, asked to leave.
Policy on Loved Ones (Children and Pets) at the Dance
Children
Children are welcome to dance with us! For the safety of all, children in the dance hall must be capable of behaving appropriately and parents must be available to be responsible for their children's actions.Animals
Experiencing an allergy or phobia attack can really put a damper on a dancer's evening so please leave your animal companions at home. You may want to show them a YouTube clip or the contra dance instruction DVD we have available though so they know what you are up to when you're gone.