The skinny: "American-style" contra is becoming very popular in England. When we first started discussing the idea of an England tour, lots of folks inquired about going along, but few could take the time to disappear for the full four weeks. Sooo.... we decided to make it a do-it-yourself contra vacation.

This is an opportunity to visit England and show 'em contra dancing Colonial style! Rather than a flat-rate dance camp, this is an opportunity to build your own trip, so you can go as fancy or frugal as you wish, and set your own itinerary, hitting as many dances as you want.

Avoid the traditional tourist traps by becoming a dance ambassador and meeting like-minded UK dancers. Join our Facebook Group to join forces with other dance-gypsies to share expenses.

We'll be in England from June 9 - 30, playing festivals and locals dances, including the Litchfield Folk Festival and The Bakewell Day of Dance; the amazing London Barn Dance; and various local dances including John Sweeney's Contrafusion, which is styled directly from the Asheville Dance Community!

And for all you die hard dance gypsies, we've created a mid-week dance camp! Stay at the picturesque Yarn Market Hotel complete with three course dinners. Dance in the 16th century Tithe Barn and at the beautiful Lynton Town Hall; explore the gorgeous seaside moors of Lynmouth; meet the locals.

Stay at the picturesque Yarn Market Hotel complete with three course dinners. Dance in the 16th century Tithe Barn and at the beautiful Lynton Town Hall. Explore the gorgeous seaside moors of Lynmouth. Meet the locals.

There will be a Tuesday afternoon and Tuesday evening Dance in the beautifully restored Tithe Barn, the original barn of the 16th century Benedictine Monastery in Dunster.

Then on Wednesday there will be a morning dance in the Tithe Barn and then either hike across the moors to Lynton/Lynmouth or avail yourself of the free transportation provided by the Yarn Market Hotel.

Explore the seaside cliffs, beautiful harbor and dramatic scenery, checkout the Lynton-Lynmouth Cliff Railway which runs on water alone! (Seewww.youtube.com/watch?v=zYuHj8-2184) Then gather at the magnificent town hall for a catered dinner and evening dance. After the dance board the complimentary buses for the quick trip back to the Yarn Market.

Thursday we'll be back at the Tithe Barn for a full day of dancing - morning, afternoon, and evening.

The proprietor of Yarn Market Hotel, Antony Brunt, is a dance gypsy himself and is offering a great package deal for those who sign up by May 31st. Three nights double or twin occupancy, full English Breakfast, three course dinner, and transportation to the Wednesday night Lynton Dance for £160 each (that's pounds - roughly $240 at current exchange rates).

The cost for the dancing is a mere $75 (£50), ($90 or £60 after May 31).

Register separately for the dancing and the accomodations/transportation package:
Dancing: Click here for Registration information.

Accomodations and transportation among dance venues:
The Yarn Market Hotel - main page;
Overview of the dance-camp package;
Reserve your room and board.  Note: don't use the "Book Online" page. Use this contact page to sign up for the package deal. Be sure to choose "Contra Dance" under "Special Break Wanted".
Also note: in the message space, tell them what country you live in, so if they need to call you, they can use the correct country code.

Note: All other dances on the tour require separate admission. Local dances run ~£5-9.
Lichfield Festival admission is £18-35 (Sat. only vs. whole weekend);
Bakewell Day of Dance is £6 for the evening dance; £2 per daytime workshop
Nightly lodging will vary depending on what you choose, and whether you team up with other dancers to share expenses.
Similarly, transportation between dances will vary. Some public transit may be available, but it will likely be cheaper and easier to team up with other dancers and rent a car.
We recommend using the Facebook Group to post options you've uncovered and connect with other travelers.