May 9 Community Contra Dance in Williamstown

Welcome the spring season at a friendly contra dance!   North Berkshire Community Dance will hold its monthly contra dance on Saturday, May 0th.  The caller, Fern Bradley, will teach every dance to live traditional fiddle music by four talented local musicians led by Eric Buddington.

Contra dancing is the contemporary face of a living tradition; some of the dances are hundreds of years old, some are recently composed. Everyone is welcome. New dancers and families with children are encouraged to arrive at 7:15 for an introductory lesson. Come with or without a partner; most people change partners for each dance throughout the evening.

Fern Bradley will lead the evening activities.  Fern calls regularly for community dances of all sorts and sizes – so please feel welcome whatever your experience level. Come with friends, new or old!  Or come by yourself – contra dances are a great place to meet your neighbors thru a fun activity.

The music will be provided by Eric Buddington and Todd Reynolds on fiddle, Seamus Connor on guitar and mandolin, and Drew Zuckerman on bass. Ranging in age and experience from talented high school student (Drew) thru established career professional (Todd), these four share a love of improvisation, melody, and supporting community joy through music.  You can expect thoroughly danceable New England fiddle music, with plenty of subtle thrills for your ears interleaved throughout.

The dance will run 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the Community Hall of the First Congregational Church, 906 Main St., Williamstown. Admission is pay-as-you-can, $12 - $20 suggested, and barter (especially help with cleanup) is also welcome.  Visit www.NorthBerkshireDance.org for more information.

For optional extra fun, come to our pre-dance calling playgroup, 2 - 4PM at Goodrich Hall, 863 Main Street. Bring a dance you’d like to try calling – or simply help out as a biddable dancer on the floor.

Respiratory Illness Policy: Please stay home if you feel ill or have cold symptoms. We’ll be glad to see you next month!  Masks appreciated but not required.