Tallahassee Community Friends of Old Time Dance (or TCFOOTD) started in 1982 with a small group of people who were (or wanted to be) dancers, musicians, or callers. It has grown through the years from a small, sometimes one-square dance to rather large, sometimes crowded contra dances. The group is a non-profit organization dedicated to the enjoyment, preservation, and study of American traditional and historic dance, music, and song.

Contra Dancing is a modern version of what people used to do at Barn Dances across America.  It comes from English Country Dancing and similar dances in France, Scotland and elsewhere, that go back at least to the 1500s in Europe.  The dances are to live music, typically old-time Appalachian, Irish or New England string music, and to modern cousins of those styles. Each dance is usually taught by a caller, who then calls the moves during the dance.

They are energetic dances, and the tempo is usually a moderate to fast walking pace.  At a contra dance, in addition to contras, you may encounter a variety of dances such as squares, circles, waltzes, and others.