Winter is a great time for contra dancing!

Posted on November 29, 2025 by doonemackay

Come cheer up, and warm up, at a community contra dance, on Saturday, December 13th, in Williamstown, MA. We’ll have live music in the New England tradition by George Wilson and Selma Kaplan, and calling by Luke Donforth.

This month, we will start with an introductory lesson at 7:15 PM. This is little earlier than the 7:30 start time you may be accustomed to. Please do come for the lesson if you can — Luke’s lesson is fun, engaging, and leads smoothly right into the evening’s dance program. It’s a perfect start for you or a friend who’s been hesitating to try something new — also a good refresher if you danced long ago and want to ease back into it — and a great way to help welcome newcomers to our community dance if you’re a regular.

Where: in the Community Hall of the First Congregational Church, 906 Main Street, Williamstown, MA
When: 7:15PM – 10:30PM, on Saturday, December 13th
Music by George Wilson on fiddle, with Selma Kaplan on keyboard

Calling by Luke Donforth, using Larks and Robins role terms
Cost: pay-what-you-can, donations of $12 – $20 recommended, but no one turned away for lack of funds
Respiratory Health Policy: Please stay home if you feel at all unwell, and we’ll be glad to see you next month. Masks are welcome, but not required. Windows open.

Music will be provided by George Wilson on fiddle with Selma Kaplan on keyboard. The two have been supporting contra dances with dynamic traditional music for well over thirty years. George’s fiddling, strongly influenced by Cape Breton and French Canadian styles, will lift your feet, and Selma’s piano will provide a solid and sensitive rhythmic foundation.

Additionally, this month, we’re having a playgroup from 10AM – 12PM, in the Williamstown Public Library. Anyone with an interest in learning to call, seeing what goes into calling, or just being a biddable dancer to help new callers learn, is very welcome.

As a community contra dance in a small college town, we try to be welcoming to a wide range of people and abilities. Contra dancing is a group activity, perfect for meeting neighbors, making new friends, or just enjoying live music and a low stakes, pleasant social activity. Come alone or with friends – no need to bring a partner. In contra dancing it is usual to find a new partner for each dance within the evening, and you’ll end up dancing with everyone in the hall, more or less. Newcomers, and families with children, please do come for the introductory lesson at 7:15.

We’d love it if you were to print and share the poster, to help new people find the dance!

The band’s from California, but we’re right here in Massachusetts

Posted on November 2, 2025 by doonemackay

This Saturday, November 8th, please come enjoy dancing in Williamstown, MA to music by California-based band, “Raven and Goose”, and calling by Ben Sachs-Hamilton of Northampton, MA.

11.8.2025: LATE BREAKING NEWS: Liz Nelson will be our caller tonight. (Ben unfortunately had to cancel.) Thank you, Liz!

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.

Caller Ben Sachs-Hamilton will teach using “larks and robins” role terms. Sachs-Hamilton has called and organized for dances across the northeast, with a focus on LGBTQ and gender-role-free dance communities. He fosters a welcoming and inclusive space for diverse groups of new and experienced dancers.

Raven & Goose are a nationally touring contra duo. With fiery fiddlin’ and foot stompin’ piano, they play original compositions and breathe new life into traditional tunes, all delivered with a passion that will get you up and dancing! Here is video of Raven & Goose playing for the NW Folk Festival, earlier this year: https://youtu.be/FmTgO-ZmdIg?si=Pk2NDQff3uYc3TvG

Additionally, Corwin and Grace, (of “Raven and Goose”), will lead a free workshop for contra dance musicians, from 2-4 PM on Saturday, November 8th. Workshop focus: adapting (standard repertoire) tunes to the dance being called. For example, what do you do if the dance has a balance you didn’t necessarily plan for?
The musicians’ workshop will be in Goodrich Hall, 863 Main St, Williamstown, MA 01267. The main door for the building is under the bell tower, near the driveway. We’ll be in the first floor meeting room, which has a piano. When you walk in, use the door to the left. You can park in the WCMA parking spots or on Spring Street.

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.. All are welcome. Come alone, or with friends — most people change partners for each dance throughout the evening. New dancers and families with children are encouraged to arrive by 7:30 for instruction in the basics.

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.

Visit www.NorthBerkshireDance.org/additional_information for more information

October is for Music and Dancing – Community Contra Dance in Williamstown

Posted on October 7, 2025 by doonemackay

On Saturday, October 11th, Quena Crain will call for our community contra dance here in Williamstown. And we’ll have music by Rebecca Weiss on fiddle with Seamus Connor on guitar. We hope you can come!

The dance will run 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the Community Hall of the First Congregational Church, 906 Main St., Williamstown. Larks and Robins role terms. Admission is pay-as-you-can, $12 – $20 suggested. No one turned away for lack of funds. This month, the dance is free for students at Williams College, thanks to funds from the student life committee.

Come alone or with a partner; most people change partners for each dance throughout the evening. New dancers and families with children are encouraged to arrive by 7:30 for instruction in the basics.

There will also be a free workshop for musicians interested in learning to play contra dance music led by Eric Buddington, at Goodrich Hall (863 Main St, Williamstown, MA 0126) for 1:30-3:30 on the 11th. (The main door for the building is under the bell tower, near the driveway. We’ll be in the first floor meeting room, which has a piano. When you walk in, use the door to the left. You can park in the WCMA parking spots or on Spring street.)

It’s always a pleasure to have Quena call — she has been calling for contra dances much of her life, in small communities and also at large festivals across the country. She is really good at helping everyone in the room enjoy the dance in a relaxed, fun, social way. You’ll probably smile most of the evening. Also, whenever Quena calls for us, it seems more of our friends and neighbors from nearby Vermont come too, which increases the fun for all.

Our three performers: Quena with a big smile and microphone, Rebcca with fiddle in her lap, and Seamus in red bandanna with mandolin.

Music this month will be, for the first time ever, by Rebecca Weiss on fiddle playing with Seamus Connor on mandolin and guitar. Rebecca has played contra dance fiddle for many years, carrying on the musical and community building ethos of the late, beloved David Kaynor. She’s played for our dance several times, most recently with “Joy Factor” and before that with “Three out of Four Musicians Walk into Thirty-Two Bars”. Seamus you may know as a member of our dance organizing committee, and from the dance floor, but they are also adept with both mandolin and guitar, with a fluid and adaptable approach that brings out the best in their fellow musicians. This duo promises to be a treat to listen and dance to.

As always, please feel welcome to help more people find our dance by printing and sharing our flier, available at https://northberkshiredance.org/poster/

Respirational Health Policy: Please stay home if you feel ill or have cold symptoms, and we’ll be glad to see you next month! Masks always appreciated but not (currently) 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.

Back to Williamstown – First Fall Dance, September 13th

Posted on September 4, 2025 by doonemackay

On Saturday, September 13th, please join us for a lively contra dance taught by caller Jeff Walker, and energetic, New England-style fiddle music by Jeff and Kathy Walker.

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.

The dance will run 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the Community Hall of the First Congregational Church, 906 Main St., Williamstown, MA. Admission is pay-as-you-can, $12 – $20 suggested.

Jeff and Kathy Walker, with Eric Buddington sitting in, September 2023, Williamstown

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. Jeff’s hallmark clear instructions and infectious enthusiasm combine with the band’s high-energy music to create an evening of dancing just right for the level of experience of the crowd. 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.

Smiling dancers in a move called the “courtesy turn”. April 2025 dance, Williamstown

Respiratory Health Policy: Please stay home if you feel unwell. We’ll be happy to see you next month. Masks always welcome.

Visit www.NorthBerkshireDance.org/additional_information for general information about our series. And https://northberkshiredance.org/poster/ for our latest dance flyer.

August 9th Dance, in North Adams!!!

Posted on August 1, 2025 by doonemackay

Reminder: we are in North Adams (not Williamstown) for the summer.
Please come to our community oriented contra dance! It’s welcoming to new and experienced dancers alike.

This month again, music will be supplied by local musicians in new and exciting combinations. We’re calling the format “Mixer Bands.” If you’re interested in playing, please email SeamusDConnor@gmail.com, with ideas on tunes you want to play and people you want to play with.

Our caller for August is Andy Davis. Andy will teach all the dances in an inclusive and welcoming style, using gender-free phrasing. His goal is to put everyone at ease so they can have fun and dance – 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.

Date and Time: Saturday, August 9th, from 7:30 – 10:30PM

Admission: pay-as-you-can, $5-$20 suggested.

Location: Saints Episcopal Church, 59 Summer Street, North Adams MA. Use the door closest to the post office; we’re in the upstairs community room.

Poster: https://northberkshiredance.org/poster/ please print and share!!!

Music: Mixer Bands, possibly including you! Musicians, please email SeamusDConnor@gmail.com.

Calling playgroup: 3-5 PM. This is for anyone interested in learning to call, or helping out as a dancer for beginning callers.

Water bottles recommended! The weather may be cooler than last month, but we’ll probably still be glad of open windows and fans.

Community Contra Dance – July 12th

Posted on July 4, 2025 by doonemackay

Next dance, July 12th.

The fabulous Liz Nelson will call, and not only that, also teach a calling workshop!

Also, as part of our extra-inclusive, extra inviting North Adams location theme, we’re having music by “mixer bands” again – great for any contra dance musicians, especially those who want a little more freedom & responsibility than found in an open band situation.

Play a little, dance a little, maybe even come to the afternoon workshop and call a little…

This contra dance is open and welcoming to all, and a great place to meet your neighbors. Newcomers always welcome!

July 12th, in the Community Hall of the All Saints Episcopal Church in North Adams (next door to the post office).

7:30PM for the dance,

3PM for the calling workshop

suggested donation: $5 – $15

Please email DooneMacKay@gmail.com to sign up for the calling workshop; email SeamusDConnor@gmail.com if you’d like to play in a band.

Sunday Afternoon Dance on June 15th – North Adams for the Summer

Posted on June 4, 2025 by doonemackay

NORTH ADAMS — Sunday, June 15th at 3:30pm: come to a delightful community contra dance! North Berkshire Community Dance will hold its monthly contra dance with calling by Hannah Johlas, and live music provided by an open band.

All are welcome. Come alone, or with friends – most people change partners for each dance throughout the event. New dancers and families with children are encouraged to arrive by 3:30 for instruction in the basics.

Hannah Johlas will call all dances, starting the evening with easy dances friendly to newcomers and families with children. Hannah will teach new moves and skills as needed, so that beginners can dance with everyone right from the start.

Music will be provided by an open band, led by Van Kaynor on fiddle and Becky Hollingsworth on keyboard. “Open band” means that anyone with an acoustic instrument is welcome to join. A list of likely tunes is available at https://northberkshiredance.org/tune-list/

The dance will run 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Community Hall of the All Saints Episcopal Church, 59 Summer St., North Adams. Admission is pay-as-you-can: $5 – $15, or barter equivalent, suggested.

Also happening this weekend, in the same space, and possibly with crossover appeal, is a BalFolk dance event. Check it out: https://sites.google.com/view/berkshirefolkarts/the-schedule

Joy Factor! May 10th Contra Dance in Williamstown, MA

Posted on May 3, 2025 by doonemackay

Guess what! We’re having another dance in Williamstown, this time on May 10th. Peter Stix will call to music by Joy Factor!

As usual, the dance will start at 7:30 and be held in the community hall of the First Congregational Church (the iconic white church on main street). Admission is self-determined; $12 – 20 suggested. Everyone is welcome! Come alone or with a partner or with your whole family!

Here’s a picture from a recent dance:

Here’s a picture of the band:

smiling happy musicians: Gianna Marzilli Ericson and Rebecca Rose Weiss on fiddles and Henry Yoshimura on guitar.

More general information is on our website, here: https://northberkshiredance.org/additional_information/

And if you’d like to help invite more people to have fun dancing, please print and post our flier: https://northberkshiredance.org/poster/

Hope to see you there!

(Oh, pretty soon it’ll be time to announce our summer season. We’ll be in North Adams again, in the friendly All Saints Episcopal Church, next door to the post office. Our June dance will be on SUNDAY afternoon (extraordinary!), so that we can all go to the special BalFolk event also happening in North Adams that same weekend.)

April 12th Dance – Tomorrow!!! (Open band, too.)

Posted on April 12, 2025 by doonemackay

Tomorrow night, we’re having our usual cheerful, friendly second Saturday monthly contra dance in Williamstown. We do our best to be welcoming to new and experienced dancers alike.

Date and Time: Saturday, April 12th, from 7:30 – 10:30PM

Admission: pay-as-you-can, $12 – $20 suggested.

Location: in the community hall of the First Congregational Church, in Williamstown. This is the iconic white church in the center of town.

Poster: https://northberkshiredance.org/poster/ please print and share!!!

Music: Open Band, possibly including you! Tune list here: https://northberkshiredance.org/tune-list/

Calling playgroup: 2 – 3:30 PM in the Williamstown public library.

This month we will have live music from an open band (hopefully including you!) The band will be led by the friendly, engaging, Seamus Connor on guitar and Eric Buddington on fiddle. “Open band” means that anyone is welcome to join — there’s a tune list you can peruse in advance here: https://northberkshiredance.org/tune-list/

Jon Greene, the caller, will teach all the dances. Jon regularly calls at the popular Lenox, MA contra dance series, and lately has been coaching new callers at a “callers club” dance series in Housatonic. As usual, we recommend that families with children plan to come for the first half of the evening – Jon is good at choosing dances suitable for all ages — his own grandchildren tend to head home during the break however, and that can influence the programming.

We look forward to seeing you there!

A New Month is Upon Us – Let’s Dance!

Posted on March 2, 2025 by doonemackay

On Saturday, March 8th, Luke Donforth is coming all the way from Burlington to call for us, to elegant, worldly, traditional fiddle music played by Spare Parts.

The dance will run 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 8th, in the Community Hall of the First Congregational Church, 906 Main St., Williamstown. Admission is pay-as-you-can: $12 – $20 suggested.

Luke Donforth, the caller, will use “larks and robins” role terms. He brings a warmth to the mic and focuses on facilitating everyone in the hall joyously moving to the music.

Berkshire County band, “Spare Parts” will provide live dance music, performing the traditional fiddle tunes in rich and elegant arrangements. Bill Matthiesen on piano and Liz Stell on flute combine with one or more “spareparts du jour.” For our March 8th dance, fiddler Eric Buddington will round out the sound with improvisational flair. Spare Parts has performed for period events, contradances, English dances, weddings, parties, concerts, and dance camps from Alaska to Maine. Their historic dance music has been used worldwide in motion pictures (Bright Star) and theater productions as well as television programs including Mercy Street (PBS), Antiques Roadshow and numerous programs on the History Channel (even SpongeBob SquarePants!).

For optional extra fun, come to our pre-dance calling workshop/practicum in the Williamstown Public Library, 2 – 3:30. Bring a dance you’d like to workshop in a friendly group setting – 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.