Time:

Second Saturdays, monthly.  Starts with a brief introductory lesson at 7:30 PM and ends around 10:30 PM.

What Is Contra Dancing?

Contra dance is a fun, easy style of folk dance which has flourished in New England since the 1700s. Partners form lines and dance a short sequence of steps with their neighbors. At the end of the sequence, each couple progresses on to meet new neighbors. Over the course of the dance, each couple travels the length of the line and dances with every other couple.  (Thanks to Lisa Sieverts and the Peterborough Contra Dance website for this description.)

However, the “contra formation” described above is not the only thing! Our community style events include a sprinkling of dances in other formations, including square and circle dances, and one or two simple couples dances, like the waltz and the schottische, each evening.

Respiratory lllness Policy – updated 12/2024

Please stay home if you feel ill, have a headache, or have cold symptoms. We’ll be glad to see you next month! Masks appreciated but not 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. You may wish to bring a spare mask to change into for comfort throughout the evening.

Role Terms: Although contemporary contra dancing has roots several centuries back, it’s a living tradition, being gradually changed by its participants.  Our dance series in Williamstown now favors non-gendered terminology, and that’s what you’ll hear at four out of five dances. However, sometimes we’ll choose a theme (such as the Old Chestnuts dance) that seem better suited to the traditional “Gents and Ladies” role terms. We will announce the chosen terms for each dance in advance. No matter the terms used, we wish you to feel free to dance whatever role you please.
In 2023 we’ve had mostly “Larks and Robins”, along with some positional calling. One caller chose to use “Rice and Lentils”, and another used “the person dancing the gentleman’s/lady’s role.” Some of these terms are new for many of us, and yet, overall, we’re finding it easy and joyful to dance with each person based on their position, without worrying whether they’re right or wrong.

Footwear:  To protect the floor, please bring a pair of clean, comfortable shoes specifically for dancing.  (Grit from street shoes will damage the floor.)  Or dance in socks if you prefer.

Other Considerations:

Dancing can be strenuous.  It’s a good idea to bring a water bottle with you.  In warmer months,  a handkerchief or a change of shirt will help keep you and your partners comfortable. For the comfort of all our dancers, we would like this dance to be fragrance, smoke, and drug free.

Contact:

If you have any questions, please send us an email using the form below: