Brevard Old Time Street Dances

Brevard’s Old Time Street Dance returns to Brevard’s downtown Tuesday, June 18, and will run every Tuesday through Aug. 6. Free dance instruction starts at 6:30, and authentic Appalachian dance runs from 7 until 9 p.m.

Carolina Blue is back with live music. There will be a children’s circle, separate from the adult circles, to make it easy and safe for dancers of all ages to participate. Parents are welcome to join their child in the young children’s circle.

Joe Smith will return as caller for the 2019 season.

Smith urges everyone to “get a bite to eat and shop downtown before the music starts. Then put out your folding chair, get comfortable, and stay a while.”

The Old Time Street Dances began in the 1940s and ran through the 1960s. After that, the dances happened on an irregular basis until 1998 when they were brought back by Bill Tinsley and Rob Ewen, now both deceased. This makes the Old Time Street Dances in downtown Brevard a 79-year institution.

The dances are sponsored by the Heart of Brevard and Transylvania County Tourism, as well as many local merchants and individuals who want to keep this unique tradition alive. Participants are also given the opportunity to make contributions at each of the dances to help offset expenses.