FolkMADS sponsors Albuquerque, Santa Fe, and Taos contra dances, concerts, camps, and other special events. "Contra" dances include contras, squares, mixers, and couple dances.

Unless noted on the calendar, admission to dances is $7 for members, $8 for nonmembers (increasing to $8/$9 on July 1). Students with ID receive half price admission and children up to 12 years of age are free. You don't need to come with a partner. Free instruction for beginners half an hour before the dance starts. Dances are smoke-free and alcohol-free. Children and teens are encouraged to participate if supervised by an adult.

In 2012 we moved to a new, regular location at the Albuquerque Square Dance Center. The reasons for the move were numerous, and there are many benefits to being a member group at the ASDC. Among the most important are two benefits that address major issues for our organization: secure storage for our equipment, and our own key to the facility. As much as we love the Heights Community Center, these factors make it feasible for us to continue our dance series. We also enjoy having the area of tables and chairs at the end of the dance hall, where we can socialize, take a break, and have snacks and beverages while still being in the same room.

FolKMADS Bylaws (PDF)

Click here for a brief history of FolkMADS and a list of past board members.

In keeping with our mission, FolkMADS offers small grants and scholarship to our members, to help defray the costs of attending workshops, camps, and other training for musicians, dancers, and callers. We are especially dedicated to helping encourage and develop youth participation in FolkMADS events, and offer this outreach program to members of all ages.

Click here for funding policies and application information.

Some grants funded in the past may be viewed here.