I did this a couple weeks ago and had no trouble at the crossing. Was traveling with the band, we answered questions honestly, said we were performing at one contra dance, explained what contra dancing was, and they let us through with no fuss. Americans performing limited engagements do not need work permits: https://www.immigration.ca/performing-artists-do-not-require-work-permit-in-canada/

The organizers did provide me a "Letter of Engagement" with the details of the gig, which might be wise to have just in case, but no one asked me to produce it at any point.

Harris Lapiroff

Dance Caller and Organizer
Boston Intergenerational Dance Advocates Board (Cambridge MA)
Pinewoods Camp, Inc Board (Plymouth MA)
https://chromamine.com/contra/

On Wed, Sep 20, 2023, at 9:56 AM, Mary Collins via Contra Callers wrote:
Living near Buffalo, NY we cross a lot.  Generally if I am just dancing I promote the dance to the border person - they pass us through pretty quickly.  IF I am calling, I do not mention it specifically, I say I am going to a dance at... Less information is more.  However, as Chuck mentioned, if you are being paid huge sums that will be reported to CA, then I think you probably should say  you are calling at ... As a tax preparer you should report all income received and there are special forms for monies earned on foreign soil.

Mary Collins
Buffalo NY area
"And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who couldn't hear the music." - Nietzsche

“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass ... it's about learning to dance in the rain!” ~ unknown


On Tue, Sep 19, 2023 at 8:58 PM Sue C. Hulsether via Contra Callers <contracallers@lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
Cross-posting to Callers and Trad Callers lists, please excuse the duplicates.

Friends and Colleagues,
I am seeking wisdom from U.S. callers who’ve recently crossed the border into Canada to do a gig.  Words to say or not say?  Documentation of gig needed?  Problems or ease you have had?

thanks in advance,

sue
Sue Hulsether

shulsether (at) mac (dot) com
Cell:  608/632-1267
Home:  608/629-6250
P.O. Box 363, Viroqua, WI. 54665


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