WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — North Berkshire Community Dance will hold its monthly contra dance on Saturday, April 13, with live music by "Spare Parts", and calling (teaching) by Jonathan Greene. 

 

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 is also welcome.

 

According to a press release:

 

Contra dancing is a living tradition in New England; for hundreds of years, neighbors and friends have made their own social entertainment in this easy and highly collaborative dance form.  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.

 

Jonathan Greene, the caller, will teach all the dances, using "gents and ladies" role terms.  Jonathan regularly calls at the popular Lenox contra dance series, and lately has been working to keep local contra dancing alive and lively by teaching new callers at a "callers club" dance series in Housatonic.

 

Berkshire County band, "Spare Parts" will provide live dance music, performing the traditional fiddle tunes.  Bill Matthiesen on piano and Liz Stell on flute combine with one or more "spare parts du jour."  For our April 13 dance, fiddler Eric Buddington will round out the sound.

 

Covid Policy: NBCD encourages masks, but no longer requires them.