Time:

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

Covid Policy — Masks and vaccinations:  Our Covid policy will follow that of the Friends of the Greenfield Dance, with masks and proof of Covid-19 vaccination required. Optional pre-registration at https://tinyurl.com/NorthBerkshireDancePreReg will help reduce time in lines at the door.

Preregistration (optional):  https://tinyurl.com/NorthBerkshireDancePreReg

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.)

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 role terms.  However, in this time of transition, each individual caller still chooses the terms they’ll use for a given evening. So far in 2023 we’ve had some Larks and Ravens, and some positional calling, with nary a mention of Gents and Ladies. This is 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: