Big Scioty Barn Dance

First Congregational Church
444 East Broad Street, Columbus

Big Scioty was founded in 1985 by caller Kathy Anderson and a group of Columbus old-time musicians, Turkeys in the Straw.  Held two Saturdays a month at First Congregational Church in downtown Columbus, Big Scioty dances feature an exciting variety of talented bands and callers from around the Midwest and beyond.  Dances are well-attended, attracting a solid core of experienced contra dancers, as well as first-timers who quickly learn the moves while being welcomed into the Big Scioty community.

All Soles Columbus Contra Dance

First Unitarian Universalist Church
93 W. Weisheimer Road, Columbus

In 2000, I approached the leadership of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus with the idea of forming a new contra dance under the Merriment Committee of the church.  We hoped to provide a welcoming, beginner-friendly, intergenerational dance experience, where people could come without a partner and meet others while having fun and dancing to great live music.  All Soles Contra Dance has grown from a couple dozen dancers into a thriving, friendly dance community attracting as many as one hundred dancers to its monthly contra dances.  In 2003, First UU Church installed a gleaming wood floor, which has transformed Fellowship Hall.  A Social Dancing session is now held every Monday night, attracting even more dancers to the church.