As a community dance in a small college town, we welcome people of all ages and backgrounds into the ever-changing tradition of New England contra dance. Contra dancing is the contemporary face of a living tradition; some of the dances are hundreds of years old, some are recently composed. All are good fun and a pleasurable occasion for meeting and interacting with people both new and familiar.
North Berkshire Dances are held on the second Saturdays of the month from 7:30 to 10 PM. Dances include contras and squares all done to great live music. The sessions are open to beginners, families, and life-long dancers! All dances are taught and no partner is required. Come alone or bring a friend or two.
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. A few background reminders about our dance: as a community dance in a small college town, we try to be welcoming to and fun for a wide range of dancers. More experienced dancers can certainly enjoy the first half (simpler dances make socializing easier and more relaxed) and can help guide new dancers, but some may prefer the second half ot the evening when we often shake out somewhat more complex or vigorous dances.
The dances run 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. on the second Saturday (most months) Admission is pay-as-you-can, $12 – $20 suggested, and barter (especially help with cleanup) is also welcome.
September-May location: Community Hall of the First Congregational Church, 906 Main St., Williamstown.
June-August location: Community Hall of the All Saints Episcopal Church, 59 Summer St., North Adams.
Covid Policy:
- We no longer require masks at our events. But, please, please, feel welcome to wear a mask!
- Stay home if you are not feeling well (headache, fever, or cold symptoms) or if you suspect that you may have been exposed to Covid 19. Come next month, instead.
- Covid exposure notification signup will be available at each dance if you wish to be notified directly of any report of possible Covid exposure. To protect your privacy, we’ll destroy the list two weeks after each dance.
- If you find that you are Covid positive within 5 days after attending our dance, we require that you notify the organizers (so that they can notify other dancers of their potential exposure). Your privacy will be preserved.
For more information, Visit www.northberkshiredance.org or the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/