Please come to our first dance of the fall season, on Saturday, September 16th. We’ll haveh a lively community contra dance taught by caller Jeff Walker, and energetic, New England-style fiddle music.

As a community dance in a small college town, we like to welcome everyone into the ever-changing tradition of New England contra dances. Some of the dances are hundreds of years old, some are recently composed. This month, Jeff’s hallmark clear instructions and infectious enthusiasm will combine with the band’s high-energy music to create an unforgettable evening of dancing just right for the level of experience of the crowd. Everyone is welcome. New dancers and families with children are encouraged to arrive at 7:30 for an introductory lesson. Come with or without a partner; most people change partners for each dance throughout the evening.

Kathy and Jeff Walker have been playing New England-style dance music for over 40 years. Kathy plays fiddle and Jeff accompanies her on guitar and calls. Their repertoire spans the Celtic world drawing tunes from Ireland, Scotland, Galicia, French Canada, Cape Breton, and Appalachia, and includes many kinds of dance music from fast, energetic jigs and reels to slow, beautiful waltzes.

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.

Covid Policy: NBCD encourages masks, though they are no longer required. Be aware that contradance isn’t made to social distance, as whoever your partner, you’ll wind up dancing with everyone in the room. Bring a spare mask to change into, for comfort throughout the evening.

Role Terms: at our September 16th dance, Jeff will refer to “the person dancing the lady’s role” and the person dancing the gentleman’s role”, making it clear that these are roles taken within the dance, not social identities.