Frequently Asked Questions About Dances
If you have general questions that should be included here please send us a message. Refer to the contact page.
What does it cost to attend a dance?
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MFS dances are on a 'pay as you can' donation basis, we trust each attendee to determine an amount that works for them while realizing that there are expenses to put on a dance.
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The suggested donation amount is $10, but we trust each participant to contribute what they can based on their personal situation.
What if I don't have cash or the correct amount?
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If you don't have cash we offer Venmo at all dances and Square payment at contra dances.
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You always have the option to pay more or less now and make up the difference at a future dance.
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At some dances we may have greeters available to make change.
What is acceptable attire for attendance at a dance?
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What matters is that you can dance the night away in comfort. If you feel comfortable, you'll feel appropriately dressed. You are likely to heat up with the activity of dancing. Wear or bring along a light inner top layer.
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Dancers should wear comfortable shoes with soft non-marking soles to help protect the very suitable wooden dance floor.
What is proper dance etiquette?
We wish to promote an inclusive and egalitarian spirit in our dancing. With that in mind we offer these suggestions to help insure an enjoyable experience for all:
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If you want to dance, come to the dance floor and join a set or circle. If it is a partner dance, ask or accept an invitation from someone to dance with you. If it is a longways set dance form the set from the top of the hall where the musicians and caller are, with partners facing each other. Dancers joining a set should join at the bottom of the set.
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When forming sets, keep hands joined until the whole longways set is complete; avoid leaving people without a partner.
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Some dances use positional references, such as Larks and Robins in calling. You may dance either role.
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Anyone may ask anyone else to dance. You are always free to say no when someone asks you to dance. You don’t have to give a reason; you can just say “No, thank you.” If you ask someone to dance and they say “No,” take it gracefully and move on.
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It's appropriate to introduce yourself to others, and don't be shy about letting them know you are a new or inexperienced dancer.
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If you help within your sets, please do so with eye contact and smiles rather than words or physical contact; mistakes happen, smile and keep dancing. While it is courteous to help those in your set, please direct most of your attention to the caller or instructor leading the dance.
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Look at the person you’re dancing with. There’s a human at the end of that hand and arm.
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Avoid wearing any scented products as they are harmful to some of our dancers. See our page on fragrance-free dancing.
What about safety?
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Everyone should feel safe at our dances. Please dance with consideration for your fellow dancers, with energy but without force, with zest but also with control. If anything another dancer does causes a problem, talk to them if you can, or let one the dance organizers or instructors know.
What about fragrances?
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Several members of our dance community are extremely sensitive to various chemicals found in fragrances, after-shave, deodorants, colognes, etc. Please respect the guidelines for fragrance-free dancing.
How will dance instruction be given or dances called?
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Prior to each dance, instruction will be given. There will be prompting (calling) as each dance begins. Additional prompting will be given as necessary.
Will water and snacks be available?​
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During each dance event we pause for water and light snacks.
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Water will be available during the event, but you are strongly advised to bring your own water bottle.
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Attendees are invited to bring snacks to share with the other dancers. NO PEANUTS please -- we do have some dancers with allergies.
Are changing rooms available?
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The venues we dance in typically have two restrooms with limited capacity. You are advised to change into dance clothes before you arrive.
Is parking available?
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We dance at the Elks Lodge for most dances. There is a parking garage to the South of the Elks Lodge.
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There is on-street parking in the blocks adjacent to the Elks Lodge.
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There is typically no fee for parking during normal dance hours.
Is the facility air-conditioned?
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The Elks Lodge, where we typically dance, is not air conditioned. Additional fans will be strategically placed when the venue gets too warm. Dress appropriately and in layers, so you can peel down to lighter layers when the dancing gets too warm.
What about COVID?
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If you have COVID concerns, masks (N95 / KN95 / KF94) and vaccinations are suggested but not required. As with all social occasions, if you are not feeling well or have symptoms it is best to sit one out and invest in some home care and rest.
More questions? Contacts?
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Consult the Missoula Folklore Society webpages; particularly the dance pages.
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If your questions are still unanswered, please reach out and contact someone in the Folklore Society or come to a dance and visit with others.
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We encourage dancers to reach out if they have ideas on how we might improve the dance experience; particularly for new dancers.