Note: With winter, storms may cause cancelations or other changes for dances in New England. Check the web sites for specific dances for updates (don't rely on this list to have the most up-to-date information).
Note: Sarah Hirsh writes: The last Newport County contra dance of the season will be Saturday, April 12, and unfortunately, indefinitely... because I'm heading off to college (oh golly) in the fall, and so I'm actually (gasp) leaving the island. However, this doesn't mean the dance here has to die. If anyone is seriously interested in taking up management of the Newport Contra for fall 2008, please, talk to me! There could even be a small committee of people if bureaucracy doesn't scare you. I'd love to keep the momentum going. :).
You can contact Sarah through the Newport dance web site. (April 9, 2008)
Note: The Cape Cod dances (Woods Hole, Cotuit and East Sandwich) now have their own web site at http://www.capecontra.org. (March 26, 2008)
Note: The Quiet Corner Contra Dance in Hampton, Connecticut is looking for volunteers to help run all aspects of the dance in future years. Every dance group needs help ranging from the booking of bands and callers to making sure that the bathrooms have toilet paper so it does not take much to ensure that this dance series (and any other) continues and that the current volunteers do not burn out. Check the QCCD site for more information. (March 16, 2008)
Note: The weekend dance and music festival NOMAD held in the fall in New Haven in the fall has been canceled for 2008 due to the lack sufficient personnel in key organizing-committee positions. (February 14, 2008)
While I try to keep this schedule complete and up to date as much as possible, it's hard for any one person to do so. So, I recommend checking the following contra dance listings in addition to this list:
The geography for this schedule is limited to anything these three states. Links to other pages in the www.contradancelinks.com web site are listed at the bottom of the page.
A variety of dances on Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays happen at the Scout House in Concord, Massachusetts. While most of the dances have their own web sites, the Scout House does have some basic information and links to the individual dances.
And there is dancing at the Guiding Star Grange in Greenfield, Massachusetts just about every Friday and Saturday sponsored by various groups, bands and callers plus a few special dances on other days.
Amherst, Massachusetts - 2nd Saturday: Dances on 2nd Saturdays at the Munson Library, 1046 S East Street. Dances begin at 7:30pm and admission is $8. Please wear soft-soled shoes. For more information: (413) 259-2003. Email: jfownes@forwild.umass.edu. Web site: http://www.alongtheriver.com/dances.html.
Amherst, Massachusetts - 4th Saturday: Dances on 4th Saturdays at the Munson Library, 1046 S East Street. Dances begin at 7:15pm. Sliding scale: $5-$10. Web site: http://www.alongtheriver.com/dances.html.
Amherst, Massachusetts - 5th Saturday: Dances on 5th Saturdays at the Munson Library, 1046 S East Street. Dances begin at 7:30pm. Web site: http://www.alongtheriver.com/dances.html.
Arlington, Massachusetts - Squares: at Park Avenue Congregational Church (PACC), 50 Paul Revere Road in Arlington Heights. Admission: - $8 for CDS Boston Members, - $10 Adults, - $6 Young People. Dance is from 8pm to 11pm. Web site: http://www.cds-boston.org/american/
Arlington, Massachusetts - Waltz: Waltz Workshop on cross-step waltz. 2-5 pm. At Calvary Methodist Church, 300 Massachusetts Ave., (between East Arlington and Arlington Center). (Directions on church's website). Susan de Guardiola will teach basic and intermediate levels. General admission is $10, students $8. Further information: 781-395-1066. Web site: http://www.geocities.com/bostonwaltz/.
Arlington, Massachusetts - Gammaldans: Easy old-time Scandinavian dances, beginners welcome, on 2nd Sunday afternoons from 2pm to 5pm at Arlington Park Avenue Congregational Church, 50 Paul Revere Road, Arlington with lead musicians John Chambers and Matt Fitchtenbaum plus sit-ins. All dances $7. Contributions of refreshments are welcomed at all events. Please bring clean shotes, preferably leather-soled, to make turning easier and to protect the floor. For information, call Erica at 781-891-3207 or e-mail eph@ieee.org. Web site: http://www.speledans.org.
Arlington, Massachusetts - Speledans: Scandinavian dances on 1st and 3rd Saturday evenings from 8:00pm to 10:30pm at Arlington Park Avenue Congregational Church, 50 Paul Revere Road, Arlington, with lead musicians John Chambers and Matt Fitchtenbaum plus sit-ins. Some teaching during the early part of the evening. Some dance experience is helpful. All dances $7. Contributions of refreshments are welcomed at all events. Please bring clean shotes, preferably leather-soled, to make turning easier and to protect the floor. For information, call Erica at 781-891-3207 or e-mail eph@ieee.org. Web site: http://www.speledans.org.
Arlington, Massachusetts - Norwegian: Norwegian dances on 3rd Friday evenings from 8:00pm to 11:00pm at Church of Our Saviour, 21 Marathon Street, Arlington. Some dance experience is helpful. Contributions of refreshments are welcomed at all events. Please bring clean shotes, preferably leather-soled, to make turning easier and to protect the floor. For information, call Erica at 413-253-0525 or e-mail gmorse@comcast.net. Web site: http://www.speledans.org.
Arlington, Massachusetts - Special Dance: The dance is from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Park Avenue Congregational Church at 50 Paul Revere Road in Arlington. The church is just a moment up the hill from the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Park Avenue in Arlington Heights. Entry is $10 for adults, and $8 for students/children. Web site: None.
Becket, Massachusetts - LCFD Fall Dance Camp: Camp Chimney Corners in Becket, Massachusetts in western Massachusetts after several years of camping elsewhere. This is a YMCA camp that hosts groups throughout the year. It is a very nice looking camp sited on a lovely undeveloped lake. Gender role free dancing is the theme of LCFD dance camps. Our main focus is contra dancing, but we regularly supplement the program with English country dancing and for this camp we will also have some additional dance form (TBA) taught for beginners. We mainly attract lesbian and gay women and men, yet we welcome and get anyone who wants to dance without reference to gender roles. You don't need to bring a partner. Don't be shy, just ask someone to dance. Web site: http://www.lcfd.org/lcfd/camp/.
Berlin, Massachusetts: Berlin Town Hall, 12 Woodward Avenue, 2nd floor (Just down the street from the old location at First Parish Church). Dance is from 8 pm to 11 pm; Cost: $5 per person, $12 max per family; Refreshments will be served. Our contra dances are taught to all ages. Singles are welcome. We recommend wearing lightweight loose fitting clothes as well as clean soft soled shoes. Hope to see you there. Call (978) 273-8238 for information or weather related cancellations. Web site: http://www.geocities.com/brlncountryorch/.
Berlin, Massachusetts - Family Dance: Family Dances at Berlin Town Hall, 12 Woodward Avenue, 2nd floor (Just down the street from the old location at First Parish Church) on Sundays from 3pm to 5pm and the cost is free. We recommend wearing lightweight loose fitting clothes as well as clean soft soled shoes. Hope to see you there. Call (978) 838-2738 for information or weather related cancellations. Web site: http://www.geocities.com/brlncountryorch/.
Branford, Connecticut: NHCD Contra dances are usually held twice a month on Saturday nights, from 8:00 - 11:00 PM. Admission is $10.00. Come Early for the Beginners Lesson at 7:30 and Join Us On The Dance Floor!! Partners are not needed; come alone or with a friend. No experience is necessary, a beginner's session, held 30 minutes before each dance, can teach you everything you need to know to get started. The only requirement is that you wear soft soled shoes (i.e. no soles that would mark up the floor, no high heels). For more information, a complete schedule or directions call: (203) 776-1812. Dances are held at the Branford Community House (BCH) (all dances in the summer are Air-Conditioned) and the Branford Canoe Brook Center (CBC). The location is noted next to each date on the schedule page. For directions to each location please click on the links. Web site: http://www1.ctcontra.com:81/nhcd/.
Brookfield, Massachusetts: The Brookfield Cultural Council will sponsor a contradance at the Brookfield Town Hall (6 Central Street) on Saturday, September 15, 2007, from 7-10 p.m. Tickets are $3 per person. The contradance will be a traditional New England folk dance, with live music and a caller giving instructions on dance steps. The dance is open to all ages and all levels of experience. Dress is casual, and a dancing partner is not necessary. For more information, contact Kate or Bill Simpson at (508) 867-6897 or brookfieldculturalcouncil@yahoo.com. Web site: http://www.socialweb.net/Clients/Brookfield/?id=61001.
Cambridge, Massachusetts - MIT: Contra Dance for All at MIT, usually second and fourth Tuesdays. 8:00-10:30 PM, usually in the MIT Student Center, 84 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge MA, in rooms 491 or 407 (4th floor), or Lobdell Dining Hall or the Sala de Puerto Rico (2nd floor). Free parking in the N10 Lot, on Albany Street just east of Massachusetts Avenue. All welcome, especially students! No partner or experience necessary. All dances are taught. Want to play in the band or learn to call? Students and others are welcome to sit in with the band or call dances in this series! Donation: Free for MIT and Wellesley Students! Donation requested from other students: $3. Donation for non-students: $6. For more information: Ann Cowan (617) 354-0864 or email acowan3 [at] earthlink.net. Website: http://mit.edu/fdc/contra.html.
Carlisle, Massachusetts: Unitarian Church in Carlisle (27 School Street), located in Carlisle Center on the common, just off Route 225, by the only rotary on town. Pot-luck at 6:30, dance 8:00-10:30. $5. Info: (617) 661-1865 or (617) 965-0542. Web site: http://www.contradancelinks.com/carlisle.html.
Concord, Massachusetts - Mondays: Concord Scout House -- 74 Walden St., Concord, MA . Route 2 to Route 126 (4 miles west of 128), north 1 mile. Hall is on left before Congregational Church. Plenty of free parking (but not in the church lot, please!). Walk-through instructions for all dances; beginners and singles welcome. Please bring a clean pair of shoes to change into for dancing. Dance is from 7:30-10:30pm, admission $8 to $10. Students under 21, $5 (or more). For more information call (781) 272-0396 or (978) 369-1232. Cancellations only when the police advise against all driving. Please DO NOT park in the church lot next to the Scout House. Web site: http://lydiamusic.org/concord.html.
Concord, Massachusetts - Cotillion: A party and dance featuring classic contras and 19th century lancers and quadrilles with a few couple dances, waltzes, etc.. Tony Parkes, prompter, with Spare Parts. Please DO NOT park in the church lot next to the Scout House. Reception at 6:15pm. Dancing from 6:45pm to 10:30pm. Dessert buffet at interval. Elegant attire requested. Tickets: $15 in advance, $17 at the door if any remain; $10 for students under 21; attendance limited to 150. Info 781-272-0396 or 978/667-7459. Web site: http://www.facone.org/fdrb/home/index.html.
Concord, Massachusetts - Summer Saturdays: Contras, Squares, and Couple Dances at the Concord Scout House, 74 Walden Street, Concord, MA 8 to 11 PM - Beginners and Singles Welcome - All dances taught. Admission $8.00 - For more information call 617-547-7781. Please bring a pair of clean shoes to change into for Dancing. Please DO NOT park in the church lot next to the Scout House. Web site: http://www.contradancelinks.com/summer_saturdays.html or http://www.configular.com/dance/summersats/index.html.
Concord, Massachusetts - 1st Saturdays: Very occasional 1st Saturday dance at the Concord Scout House (Scout House, 74 Walden St). Admission: $9 (CDS Boston Members $7). For more info, call (781) 662-6710 or e-mail nedc@cds-boston.org. Sponsored by Country Dance Society, Boston Centre; New England Dance Committee. Please DO NOT park in the church lot next to the Scout House. Web site: http://www.cds-boston.org/american - American Dance Program
Concord, Massachusetts - 2nd Saturdays: At the Scout House, 74 Walden St., 8 pm. $9 and $7 (CDS members) (students with ID $5). Please bring clean soft-soled shoes to dance in (not your street shoes). 8 - 11 pm. Please DO NOT park in the church lot next to the Scout House. Web site: http://www.cds-boston.org/american.
Concord, Massachusetts - 3rd Saturdays:Scout House, 74 Walden St., 8 pm. $8 admission unless noted otherwise (students may be $5 or $6). Bring clean shoes, please! For more information, call Beth Parkes at (978) 667-7459. Please DO NOT park in the church lot next to the Scout House. Web site: http://www.hands4.com/csh/.
Concord, Massachusetts - 4th Saturdays: Scout House, 74 Walden St., 8 pm. $8 admission, $6 for students under 20. Dances in 2006-2007 in September-June. Contras and squares. Bring clean shoes, please! Please DO NOT park in the church lot next to the Scout House. For more information, call Walter Lenk at (617) 547-7781 or (978) 369-1232. Web site: http://www.configular.com/dance/.
Concord, Massachusetts - 5th Saturdays: Occasional 5th Saturday dances at the Scout House, 74 Walden St., 8 pm. Admission to the dance is $9, $7 for CDS Boston members; Bring clean shoes, please! Please DO NOT park in the church lot next to the Scout House. Info: 781/662-6710. Sponsored by Country Dance Society, Boston Centre, American Dance Program. For more info, call (781) 662-6710 or 617-802-2905. Dance Contact: nedc@cds-boston.org.Web site: http://www.cds-boston.org/ - American Dance Program.
Concord, Massachusetts - 5th Fridays: Occasional 5th Saturday dances at the Scout House, 74 Walden St., 8 pm. Admission to the dance is $9, $7 for CDS Boston members; Bring clean shoes, please! Info: 781/662-6710. Sponsored by Country Dance Society, Boston Centre, American Dance Program. For more info, call (781) 662-6710 or 617-802-2905. Please DO NOT park in the church lot next to the Scout House. Dance Contact: nedc@cds-boston.org.Web site: http://www.cds-boston.org/ - American Dance Program.
Concord, Massachusetts - Craft Fair: Generally the first Saturday in December - Scout House, 74 Walden Street near Concord Center. Contra Dance 8:00 - 11:00 PM; Sixth Annual Holiday Craft Fair: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM. Admission to the dance is $9, $7 for CDS Boston members; For more info, call (781) 662-6710. Dance Contact: nedc@cds-boston.org. Please DO NOT park in the church lot next to the Scout House. Over 30 craft and artisans exhibiting their wares from 10am to 5pm. Craft Fair Contact: Geatana Freniere (978) 369-2212. Sponsored by Country Dance Society, Boston Centre; New England Dance Committee.Web site: http://www.cds-boston.org/ - American Dance Program.
Concord, Massachusetts - Challenging Contras: The First Friday Challenging Contra Dance series at the Concord Scout House, 74 Walden St, Concord. This event features dances for those familiar with Contras. The dance is from 8:00 PM - 11:00 PM; and admission is $9; under 21, $7. "Experienced" means that dancers should know how to do basic contra dance figures, and also know the figures "roll away", "California twirl," "pass through to a wave," and "contra corners" without being taught. Dancers should know where to be at the start of each dance phrase and how to recover from a lapse. Dancers assist their partner and neighbor to the next move and execute flourishes safely and on time without disturbing others. For more info, call (978) 779-6077. Please DO NOT park in the church lot next to the Scout House. Web site: http://www.tiac.net/~mabaker/challenging-contras.html.
Concord, Massachusetts - Family Dances: NEFFA and Folk Arts Center Family Dances at the Scout House, 74 Walden Street. All dances will be taught. Dances are appropriate for ages 5 and up. Parents are responsible for their children. Admission: $5/person, $25/family maximum. Info: (781) 662-7476 FAC, (781) 662-6710 NEFFA. Dances are from 2pm to 4pm. Please DO NOT park in the church lot next to the Scout House. Help protect the wooden floor by bringing a separate pair of clean, soft-soled shoes to dance in. For safety's sake, childen must dance in shoes, not socks or bare feet. International folk dancing on other dates. Web site: http://www.facone.org/programs/program/familydance.htm.
Concord, Massachusetts - New Year's Eve: Contras, Squares and Couple Dances on New Year's Eve at the Scout House, 74 Walden Street, Concord, 8pm-1am. $12. Desserts and other munchies welcome for the 10:30pm break. Please DO NOT park in the church lot next to the Scout House. Info: 617/547-7781. Web site: None.
Concord, Massachusetts - Occasional Sundays: at the Concord Scout House is a series of uncommon dance events that will appear on random Sundays, less than once a month. All start at 7:30 PM. Please DO NOT park in the church lot next to the Scout House. For more info, call (781) 662-6710 or e-mail nedc@cds-boston.org. Sponsored by Country Dance Society, Boston Centre; New England Dance Committee. Web site: http://www.cds-boston.org/american - American Dance Program
Concord, Massachusetts - Benefit Dance: Benefit for the Scout House in Concord. Dance is from 8pm to 11:00pm at the Scout House, 74 Walden Street, Concord. Admission is $15; students $10. For more Information for this benefit: (781) 662-6710. Please DO NOT park in the church lot next to the Scout House. Web site: http://www.cds-boston.org/ - American Dance Program
Concord, Massachusetts - Halloween: Dance is from 8pm to 11:30pm at the Scout House, 74 Walden Street, Concord. Costume awards and door prizes. Admission is $10. For more information call 781-662-6710 or 617-802-2905 or e-mail nedc@cds-boston.org. Please DO NOT park in the church lot next to the Scout House. Web site: http://www.cds-boston.org/american - American Dance Program
Concord, Massachusetts Post-Thanksgiving Dance: Dance is from 8pm to 11:00pm at the Scout House, 74 Walden Street, Concord. Admission $9, CDS Boston Members $7, Students and Young people, $5. Please DO NOT park in the church lot next to the Scout House. For more information call 617-802-2905 or e-mail nedc@cds-boston.org. Web site: http://www.cds-boston.org/american - American Dance Program
Concord, Massachusetts - NEFFA Thursday Night: All dances at the Scout House, 74 Walden Street, Concord.7:30pm-10:30pm -- $8 ($5 for full-time students up to college undergrad). Please bring soft-soled shoes! Info: (781) 272-0396 or (508) 229-2854. This dance is sponsored by NEFFA. We will cancel the dance if Concord declares a snow emergency, or if we feel that weather conditions would make for unsafe travel. No animals (other than service animals) are allowed in the building. Web site: http://www.neffa.org/Thurs.html.
Cornwall, Connecticut: Motherhouse sponsors contra dances at the Town Hall, 24 Pine Street, generally on the 1st Saturday of the month from 7:00pm to 9:30pm. Suggested Donation: $5/adult, $3/child. For more information send us an email or call Rachel Gall (860) 672-6328. Web site: http://www.motherhouse.us/contradances.htm.
Cotuit, Massachusetts: Freedom Hall, from Route 28 (just east of the intersection of Route28 and Route 130) take Main Street. into Cotuit. Go through the center of the village, Freedom Hall is number 976 on your left. Admission is $7. Dance is from 8pm to 11pm. Contact 508-563-6750 or shawbam@peoplepc.com. Web site: http://www.capecontra.org.
Cranston, Rhode Island: The Southside Community Land Trust hosts an annual hoedown (Farm tours, live music, dancing, local food and beverages!) from 4pm to 8pm at the Urban Edge Farm in the western part of Cranston, 31 Pippin Orchard Road. Call (401) 273-9419 or e-mail sclt@southsideclt.org. Web site http://www.southsideclt.org/.
Danbury, Connecticut: Contra Dances at Western Connecticut State University at the midtown campus in the Bill Williams Gymnasium on Osborne Street, in Berkshire Hall on the 4th Saturday of the month. Ample free parking. Donation: $8 (WCSU students $5 with ID). Please: Clean soft-soled shoes only! No high heels. Grit from the street will damage the gym floor! Bring clean shoes to change into from your street shoes. Dance on hiatus until September 2008. Web site: http://www.conntras.org/danbury.htm.
Dorchester, Massachusetts: At the First Parish Unitarian Universalist Church located on top of Meetinghouse Hill at 10 Parish Street. BBQ and Square Dance. Fried chicken and fixings: 6-7 PM $10. Square Dance featuring Cliff and Senta Brodeur: 7-9 PM $15. Beer, wine and soft drinks available. Proceeds to benefit building restoration fund. E-mail: kristinehoag@comcast.net. Telephone: 617-436-0527. Web site: http://firstparish.com.
East Hartford, Connecticut - Mostly Waltz: Except as noted, 3-6 pm Sunday afternoons at the South Senior Center, 70 Canterbury Street, East Hartford, with a free beginner workshop 2-3 pm and intermediate-level first and second band break workshops by Robert Bolstrum. Three of every four dances are waltzes. Dance admission is $10 ($9 for HCD members). Refreshments served, all ages welcome, no partner required. Web site: http://www.hcdance.org/waltz.htm.
East Sandwich, Massachusetts: The East Sandwich Grange Hall is about an hour south of Boston. From Exit 3 of the Mid Cape Highway (Route 6) go north on Quaker Meetinghouse Road for about a mile, until you reach Route 6A. Turn right on 6A and travel for one mile. Turn right on Old County Road (across from the East Sandwich Post Office). The Grange Hall is on the left a bit past the railroad tracks and next to the Benjamin Nye Homestead. Admission is $7. Dance is from 8pm to 11pm. Contact (508) 362-2767 or 508-563-6934 or e-mail shawbam@peoplepc.com. Web site: http://www.capecontra.org.
Enfield, Connecticut: Shindigs at the Barn (Powder Mill, that is). The Powder Mill Barn contra dance is (usually) the 4th Sunday of each Month, October through May, from 7:00 - 10:00 PM, with a beginner workshop starting around 6:30 PM. Live Music. Admission is $8; students $6. Each dance taught quickly by Ralph Sweet or other guest callers. Have fun the first time you come! You don't have to bring a partner! Learn by doing! Casual dress (best no high heels, though). Web site: http://www.sweetheartflute.com/Barn/calendar.html.
Foster, Rhode Island - Rhode Island Folk Festival: The Festival is an annual music and dance event held in Foster, Rhode Island. Ticket prices vary between adults and children and full day, day and evening sessions. The festival is held at the Peeptoad Coffeehouse, 81 East Killingly Road in the North Foster Baptist Church. For more information contact Elwood Donnelly at 401-392-1322 or e-mail info@rifolkfestival.org. Web site: http://www.fosteringarts.org/rifolkfestival/.
Goshen, Massachusetts - Traditional Square Dancing: also known as "Eastern Style" or "Old Fashioned Square Dancing" at the Goshen Town Hall (Route 9, about 12 miles West of Northampton MA) on second Saturdays in Oct, Nov, and Dec, and again in Mar, Apr and May to live music. This has always been easy, fun square dancing where anyone could come at any time without having to take lessons and enjoy themselves, as they still do today at the contra dances.
Granby, Connecticut: Since 1994, Granby Family Dance has danced French-Canadian circle dances, English country dances, square dances, Virginia Reels and contra dances. 1st Fridays, 7:00pm-9:00pm, October-June. Enjoyed by all ages from the young to the young at heart. South Church Parish Hall, 242 Salmon Brook Rd. (Rt. 10) (.2 mi south from Rt. 10-Rt 20 junction). Children under 6 need an adult partner. Come and join the fun. Web site: http://www.granbyfamilydance.org/.
Greenfield, Massachusetts - 1st Friday: Generally with The Moving Violations and guest callers at the Guiding Star Grange #1, 401 Chapman Street. Swedish dancing from 8:00 to 8:30; contras from 8:30. Admission $8-$10. Web site: http://www.guidingstargrange.org/Events/events.html
Greenfield, Massachusetts - 1st Saturday: Generally with Wild Asparagus and caller George Marshall at the Guiding Star Grange #1, 401 Chapman Street. The dance starts at 8:00 with a short beginner's workshop and goes till 11:30. Admission is $10 ($8 students) at the door. Web site: http://www.guidingstargrange.org/Events/events.html
Greenfield, Massachusetts - 2nd, 4th and 5th Fridays: Music from the Greenfield Dance Band (or members of) with guest callers at the Guiding Star Grange #1, 401 Chapman Street. 6:30 PM: Potluck Supper (all welcome!) 7:30 PM: Music for Swedish dances (hambo, polska, etc.) 8:00 - Midnight: Contras, more Swedish, etc. Admission is by self-determined donation (a.k.a. The Honor System) with $10 or barter equivalent suggested. For more information: David Kaynor, (413) 367-9380, davidkaynor@mac.com. Web site: http://www.guidingstargrange.org/Events/events.html
Greenfield, Massachusetts - 2nd and 4th Saturdays: Tophill Dances Featuring varied bands and callers at the Guiding Star Grange #1, 401 Chapman Street. More info: (413) 773-1671 or Tophill Music. Start times and admissions vary but usually the dance starts at 8pm with admission from $8 to $10. Web site: http://www.guidingstargrange.org/Events/events.html
Greenfield, Massachusetts - 3rd Fridays: Various bands and callers at the Guiding Star Grange #1, 401 Chapman Street. 6:30 PM: Potluck Supper to which all are invited; 7:30 PM music for Swedish dances; 8:00 - midnight: Contras, more Swedish, etc. Admission by self-determined donation; $10 or barter equivalent suggested. Web site: http://www.guidingstargrange.org/Events/events.html
Greenfield, Massachusetts - 3rd Saturdays: An eclectic variety of top musicians and callers at the Guiding Star Grange #1, 401 Chapman Street. Start time: 8pm with admission from $8 to $10. Info: 413 774-2830. Web site: http://www.guidingstargrange.org/Events/events.html
Greenfield, Massachusetts - Various Saturdays: Different programs (musicians and callers) for each dance at the Guiding Star Grange #1, 401 Chapman Street. Admissions vary. Dances usually begin at 8pm. Web site: http://www.guidingstargrange.org/Events/events.html
Greenfield, Massachusetts - Various Sundays: Different afternoon and evening dances with various callers and musicians on some Sundays at the Guiding Star Grange #1, 401 Chapman Street. Start times and admission cost vary. Web site: http://www.guidingstargrange.org/Events/events.html
Greenfield, Massachusetts - Fall Frolic: A full day of dancing for the benefit of the Friends of the Guiding Star Grange at the Guiding Star Grange #1, 401 Chapman Street. Web site: http://www.guidingstargrange.org/Events/events.html
Greenfield, Massachusetts - New Year's Eve: Contra dance with couple dance interludes. 7:00pm-1:00am. Swedish couple dancing from 7:00pm-8:00pm at the Guiding Star Grange. $12 students/$15 the rest of us Will barter for help with the hall/clean-up,set-up. Please bring potluck snacks to share at the pre-midnight break! Web site: http://www.guidingstargrange.org/Events/events.html
Greenfield, Massachusetts - Family Dance: Annual Family Contra Dance to benefit the Greenfield Center School. Dancing at 3:00- 5:30pm at the Guiding Star Grange,401 Chapman Street. There will be a short break for songs and snacks. $8/6/4 for adults/seniors/kids (5 and under free) Web site: http://www.guidingstargrange.org/Events/events.html
Greenfield, Massachusetts - Mostly Waltz: Monthly Mostly Waltz dance at the Guiding Star Grange, 401 Chapman Street from 7:30pm to 9:30pm with recorded music and waltzing with a smattering of other couple dances. E-mail Richard Wyatt for more information. Web site: None.
Greenwich, Connecticut: at the Round Hill Community House, 397 Round Hill Road. All dances are $10, 8:00-11:00 p.m. unless otherwise specified, with basics for beginners at 7:30. Partners not required. Please bring a separate pair of clean, flat, soft-soled shoes for dancing. For further information, call (914) 244-7248 (24 hours). Web site: http://www.roundhill.net/
Groton, Massachusetts - Banjo Camp North: Banjo Camp North is a weekend-long celebration of the 5-string banjo in both old time and bluegrass styles. The camp is at a beautiful wooded lakeside setting near Groton. Cabins are heated, so you don't have to worry about our unpredictable New England weather. Contact Mike Holmes, Banjo Camp North, 35 Crescent St. #213, Waltham, MA 02453 or (781) 209-1130 or e-mail mholmes@mugwumps.com. Web site: http://www.mugwumps.com/bcn.html.
Groton, Massachusetts: The Contra Banditos hosts a Family Barn Dance series at the Groton Grange Hall, 80 Champney Street. Donations accepted at the door. Adults $5, children and seniors $3, Family maximum $15 Refreshments served! For more info contact Ashling at (978) 448-3990 or e-mail ashling@verizon.net. Web site: http://www.contrabanditos.com.
Hampton, Connecticut: Quiet Corner Contra Dances held on the 1st Saturday of the month at Hampton Congregational Church at 256 Main St in Hampton, CT (on Rt 97. Contact Rich Donovan the coordinator for the Quiet Corner Contra Dances can be reached at 880 208 5819 (cell phone) or 860 455 1385 (home) or by e-mail at donovr@yahoo.com. Web site: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/QuietCornerContraDance
Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts: Boston Gay and Lesbian Contra Dancers present contras, some squares and English country dancing, featuring live music at most dances. Location: 1st Church of Jamaica Plain (Unitarian-Universalist), corner of Centre and Eliot Streets (at the monument), Jamaica Plain, Boston, MA. Time:7:30-11:00 Admission: For regular evening dances: $10. Pay less if you can't afford it. Children under 12 get in free. For afternoon workshops and advanced dances: $10. Coupon books: $40, good for five admissions*. Second dance free cards: newcomers can come again and dance free*! (* except special dances). For more information: JP-Dance (at site) LCFD.com or call Janet: (617) 522-2216 or Chris Ricciotti at home: 781-982-8042, cell 617-852-4042. Web site: http://www.lcfd.org/jp/.
Killingly, Connecticut - Traditional Square Dancing: (not MWSD) Square Dancing at the Killingly Grange Hall on 2nd Saturdays. Web site: http://www.sweetheartflute.com/Barn/tradsq.html with e-mail contact listed.
Lancaster, Massachusetts: New dance series (starting in June 2007) at the Lancaster Town Hall, 695 Main Street (Route 70) from 2:00 to 5:00pm. $8 admission ($5 students and children) to pay band, caller and use of space. Bring soft-soled, clean, shoes (clean tennis sneakers are great). Potluck refreshments at intermission. Contact Jill Novak at 978-339-3918 or at songsailormusic@yahoo.com. Web site: http://www.songsailor.com/contra.html.
Lenox, Massachusetts: 3rd Saturday night of each month. Admission: $8-10 adults, $6 children. Beginner Workshop from 8PM to 8:30PM. Dance starts at 8:30PM. The dance is held at Lenox Community Center, 65 Walker Street. Experience the pleasure of dancing on a beautiful wood floor, in a high-ceiling second floor (handicap accessible) ballroom with a raised stage. Web site: http://www.berkshire.net/CLDMS/CLDMS-DanceInfo.htm.
Lexington, Massachusetts: The band Roaring Jelly hosts a series of monthly dances, with caller Susan Elberger which run from 8-11pm every third Friday from September through June (September 2007 will be fourth Friday (September 28, 2007). Most dances are at the First Parish Church, 7 Harrington Road, Lexington, MA. There is plenty of free parking in back of the church. Directions to this dance are available online. All dances are taught and called. There is also a special beginner session at 7:45pm. Refreshments are served at intermission. Admission for adults is $6.00 ($20 maximum per family), children 12 and under are admitted free with a parent. Any weather-related cancelations will be reported on the answering machine at (781) 944-3544 after 3:00 PM on the day of the event. Web site: http://www.roaringjelly.org. Roaring Jelly Dance Friends email list: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RJDanceFriends.
Lincoln, Massachusetts - Thanksgiving Day: at the Smith School Gym, Ballfield Road, Lincoln from 7-10 p.m. Lincoln First Parish sponsors a Thanksgiving Day contra and square dance. $5 adults and students; $3 children ages 10 and under. For more information, call 781-259-0692 or e-mail kwinchell@comcast.net. Web site: http://www.firstparishinlincoln.org.
Mansfield, Massachusetts - New England Folk Festival (NEFFA): The festival is a fabulous blend of dance, music, crafts, and food from many lands. The 2007 Festival, currently scheduled for April 20-22 in Mansfield, Massachusetts (near Interstate 495 and 95) at the Mansfield High and Middle School, will be our 63rd annual Festival. One of the things that makes the Festival special is that all performers donate their talents as volunteers. Web site: http://www.neffa.org/~neffa.
Medford, Massachusetts - Christmas Day: Christmas English and Contra Dance at Springstep, 98 George P. Hassett Drive, Medford Square, MA. 8:30 dance. Harp concert at 7pm. Suggested donation of $8. Special rates for families. No partner necessary. Newcomers welcome. Info: 781/665-3835. For more information: Campbell.Kaynor@biogenidec.com".Web site: http://www.springstep.org/
Medford, Massachusetts - Mostly Waltz: This series duplicates the Mostly Waltz afternoons held in other cities across North America. A variety of waltz tunes and tempos will be played, and every third number will be a different couple dance polka, hambo, schottis, swing, tango, one-step, zwiefacher, etc. All regular dances are on Sunday afternoons from 2:15 to 5:30 pm at Springstep (http://www.springstep.org) in Medford, MA. $12 admission, $8 for students. Singles and couples welcome. There will be basic rotary waltz instruction from 2:15 pm to 3:00 pm, followed by wonderful live music for dancing until 5:30 pm. Please bring clean shoes, ideally leather-soled, to make turning easier and to protect the floor. Springstep is located at 98 George P. Hassett Drive in Medford Square. http://www.geocities.com/bostonwaltz/.
Medford, Massachusetts - Mostly Waltz - Workshops : This workshop series is in addition to the regular Mostly Waltz series in Medford. Each workshop covers a particular topic on a Saturday afternoon from 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm at Springstep (http://www.springstep.org) in Medford, MA. $10 admission, $8 for students. Singles and couples welcome. Recorded music. Please bring clean shoes, ideally leather-soled, to make turning easier and to protect the floor. Springstep is located at 98 George P. Hassett Drive in Medford Square. http://www.geocities.com/bostonwaltz/.
Medway, Massachusetts: You're invited to a lively evening of dancing. It's fun, informal and easy! Beginners are always welcome; the caller will lead you through each dance. Come alone or with friends. See you there! Admission is $7.00; teens are $3.00 and children 12 and under are free. Location: Christ Episcopal Church, School Street in Medway, Massachusetts. Time is from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Please wear or bring soft-soled shoes to protect the floor. For more information, call Maria at 508-740-8508 or Shelly at (508) 429-1773 or e-mail medwaycontras@gmail.com. Web site: http://www.contradancelinks.com/medway.html.
Melrose, Massachusetts: 3rd Saturdays from 7pm to 10pm. Come to listen, listen and dance, or try your hand with the live band. All dances are taught by a caller. Tell your friends and bring your neighbors--this is a great family event and opportunity to socialize with your neighbors! Singles do not have to have a partner to participate. Refreshments provided. Unitarian Universalist Church, 70 West Emerson Street. Donations voluntary ($6 suggested). Web site:http://mysite.verizon.net/manystrings6/dance/.
Melrose, Massachusetts - Christmas Day: English and Contras from 7-11PM at the Melrose Unitarian Universalist Church, across from the library, 70 West Emerson St. in Melrose MA, Donations voluntary (suggested $6-8). Cammy Kaynor with family and friends will continue a long tradition of music and dancing, from English to Contra, on Christmas night. We welcome sit-ins in the band and newcomers on the dance floor for this community event. Call 781-665-3835 or email CammyDance@earthlink.net. Web site: None.
Middletown, Connecticut: Contra dances at Wesleyan College. 8:00pm-11:00pm, 92 Theatre, top of the hill, off of High Street or Beckham Hall (on Wyllys Avenue). Family, friends, acquaintances all welcome. Contact: 339 440 0532 or etroll@wesleyan.edu for more information. Web site: None.
Middletown, Rhode Island: Newport County Community from 8:00pm to 11:00pm at Aquidneck Elementary School, 70 Reservoir Rd. All ages welcome. Singles, couples, families -- come and bring your friends, and soft-soled shoes. Admission: $5 for students/seniors, $7 adults, 10 years old and under are free. E-mail: flamingoemporium@gmail.com. Telephone (401) 849 3466. Web site: http://www.newportdance.org/.
Montague, Massachusetts - Various Thursdays: Montague Grange #141, 34 Main Street. Dancing from 8:00pm-10:30pm(summers), 7:30pm-10:30pm (fall and winter), beginners are welcome, admission is $8. More info: (413) 658-5320. Web site: http://www.guidingstargrange.org/Events/events.html#Montague.
Montague, Massachusetts - LCFD: Montague Grange #141, 34 Main Street. Dancing from 7pm to 10pm except for experienced sessions (see web site for details). Admission: $7-$10, $5 with valid student ID. Web site: http://www.lcfd.org/westma/
Montague, Massachusetts - Scandinavian: An afternoon of Scandinavian dances at the Montague Grange #141, 34 Main Street. Dancing from 3pm to 6pm. Admission: $8 Web site: http://www.guidingstargrange.org/Events/events.html#Montague
Montague, Massachusetts - Open Band/Open Mic: All-Comers Band with Open Mic for Callers, hosted by April Grant. Admission free, but donations for hall accepted and appreciated. Dances are held at the Montague Grange #141, 34 Main Street. Info: 413-584-7725 or e-mail aprilcath@yahoo.com. Web site: http://www.guidingstargrange.org/Events/events.html#Montague
Montague, Massachusetts - Special: Special dances on special days. Check web site for times, admission prices, etc. Dances are held at the Montague Grange #141, 34 Main Street. Web site: http://www.guidingstargrange.org/Events/events.html#Montague
Mystic, Connecticut: At Frohsinn Hall aka the German Club, Route 27, across from Mystic Seaport, from Exit 90 on Interstate 95 (1 mile from I-95 exit 90 no turns! From I-95 S: Exit 90, south on Rt. 27 toward Mystic Seaport. Hall is on left after you pass Seamen s Inne restaurant and just before the Mystic Seaport Stores and main Mystic Seaport entrance). Beginners, singles, GLBT and families welcome. The dance is from 8:00pm to 11:00pm with a beginner's workshop at 7:45pm. Admission is $8; students $5; under 12, $2. Information: 860-961-9321 or 401-487-9713. Parking is on the street. Wear soft-soled shoes and cool, comfortable clothing. Smoke- and alcohol-free. Apple cider never tasted so good!. Web site: http://www.conntras.org.
New Haven, Connecticut - NOMAD: NOMAD (NOrtheast Music, Art and Dance) 2007 will be Nov 2-4, 2007, at the Wilbur Cross High School. The annual festival of traditional music and dance features participatory dance sessions, including contras, squares, English country, international, and more, concerts of folk music from the US and around the world, musical instrument workshops, sing-alongs and song-swaps, dance performances, family song, dance, and craft activities, storytelling for kids and adults, handcrafts and folk bazaar,hHallway jams (and a place to check your instruments), great food and much more The festival is very kid friendly. For example, this year there will be an extended hands-on craft area in the cafeteria. Web site: http://www.nomadfest.org/.
New Haven, Connecticut - Elm City Waltz: Elm City Waltz on various Fridays including waltzes, tango, schottische, one-step, and polka. Yale School of Forestry, Bowers Auditorium, Sage Hall, 205 Prospect Street. $5 per person, $3 under 21 or with Yale/other Student ID. Lesson 7:45pm-8:15pm, dancing 8:30pm-11:30pm. http://www.lse.org/waltz/.
North Adams, Massachusetts: 3rd (generally) Friday nigt of each month. Dances are held at St John's Social Hall on Summer Street with plenty of parking in the former KMART lot in North Adams. Doors open at 6:30PM. Beginners instruction at 7pm with dance following. Dance begins at 7:30PM. First time dancers get in free so bring a friend! Music by the Flying Garbanzos. Sit in's welcome. Callers (if not listed) will be announced at the dance. Web site: http://www.berkshire.net/CLDMS/CLDMS-DanceInfo.htm.
North Andover, Massachusetts: At the Old Center Hall, 3 Great Pond Road from 6pm to 9pm and sponsored by the North Parish Unitarian Universalist Church and by Interweave North Parish. $8 for adults and $5 for children, maximum of $25 per family. Call 978-996-6373. Web site: http://www.northparish.org/.
North Scituate, Rhode Island - People's Power and Light: There will be a benefit contra dance for the People's Power and Light (PP and L), Rhode Island s non-profit Energy Consumer s Alliance to support its Oil Bank program from 7:00pm to 10:00pm at the Scituate Preservation Society's Historic Grange Building #33, at 706 Hartford Pike in North Scituate. Sponsors include the Scituate Advocates for Everyone (SAFE) and Scituate High School's NEED Project and all donations will go to the Oil Bank. For more information, contact Celia Winsor at 401-323-8297. Web site: None.
North Scituate, Rhode Island - NEED Project: There will be a benefit contra dance and the three dollar entrance fee for the dance will go to support the SHS NEED Project. Student leaders from the club plan to travel to the NEED Youth Awards Conference in Washington, DC, in June. The club is currently running two other fundraisers that are also consistent with the club s goals of helping people to reduce their individual carbon footprints. If you wish to support the SHS NEED Project in their quest to raise funds for their trip to Washington DC more directly, donations can be sent to SHS NEED Project, Scituate High School, 94 Trimtown Rd., N. Scituate, RI 02857. We hope to see you at the dance on April 4th from 7-10pm at Scituate High School! All ages are welcome. All dances are taught. No partners are necessary. Individuals under 18 not accompanied by an adult must arrive by 7:30 and remain until 9:45. Contact Shannon Donovan sciencepup@hotmail.com for more information. Web site: None.
Northboro, Massachusetts: Held at the First Parish Unitarian Universalist church in Northboro. Each month The Polymorphous String Band (and friends) provide live and lively music for a variety of great New England callers. The dance begins at 8:00pm and goes until 11:00pm with a break halfway through the evening. Admission is $7.00 which includes refreshments served at the break. A hallmark feature of our dance is the smorgasbord of baked goods served each month with lemonade. By advance arrangement, people wishing to bring a baked good can receive a free admission - please contact Jon Weinberg if you'd like to bring something on a particular month. Singles and couples, new and experienced dancers are welcome. If the weather on the day of the dance is questionable, call (978) 365-3883 for confirmation that the dance is being held. We'll try to make decisions on weather cancellations by 5:00pm the evening of the dance. Web site: http://www.JonWeinberg.com/northboro/.
Norwalk, Connecticut: The Cranbury Country Dancers participate in historic and traditional American contras and English country dancing on the first and third Friday of the month (except July and August) at the Cranbury Community Chapel, Newtown Ave. and Frank St. All dances are taught and partners are not necessary. Time: 8:00pm-10:30pm. Price: $8. For details, call (203) 226-6681. Web site: http://www.geocities.com/cranburydancers/
Plymouth, Massachusetts - First Weekend: The Country Dance Society Boston Centre at Pinewoods. First Weekend from June 13 to June 15, 2008. Web site:http://www.cds-boston.org/camp.html.
Plymouth, Massachusetts - Independence Day Weekend: Country Dance Society Boston Centre at Pinewoods. Independence Day weekend from July 3 to July 7, 2008. Web site: http://www.cds-boston.org/camp.html.
Plymouth, Massachusetts - Family Week: The Country Dance and Song Society at Pinewoods. Family Week from July 26 to August 2, 2008. Web site: http://www.cdss.org/programs/.
Plymouth, Massachusetts - English-American Week: The Country Dance and Song Society at Pinewoods. English and American Dance Week from August 23 to August 30, 2008. Web site: http://www.cdss.org/programs/.
Plymouth, Massachusetts - Campers' Week: The Country Dance and Song Society at Pinewoods. Campers Week from August 16 to August 23, 2008. Web site: http://www.cdss.org/programs/.
Plymouth, Massachusetts - Contra Callers Week: The Country Dance and Song Society at Pinewoods. Contra Callers Week from August 9 to August 16, 2008. Web site: http://www.cdss.org/programs/.
Plymouth, Massachusetts - American Dance and Music Week: The Country Dance and Song Society at Pinewoods. American Dance and Music Week from August 9 to August 16, 2008. Web site: http://www.cdss.org/programs/.
Plymouth, Massachusetts - Folk Music Week: The Country Dance and Song Society at Pinewoods. Folk Music Week from July 19 to July 26, 2008. Web site: http://www.cdss.org/programs/.
Plymouth, Massachusetts - Square Dance Callers Week: The Country Dance and Song Society at Pinewoods. Square Dance Callers Week from August 23 to August 30, 2007. Web site: http://www.cdss.org/programs/.
Plymouth, Massachusetts - Community Dance Leaders: The Country Dance and Song Society at Pinewoods. Community Dance Leaders Week from July 19 to July 26, 2008. Web site: http://www.cdss.org/programs/.
Plymouth, Massachusetts - Labor Day Weekend: The Country Dance Society Boston Centre at Pinewoods. Labor Day Weekend from August 30 to September 2, 2008. Web site:http://www.cds-boston.org/camp.html.
Providence, Rhode Island: Brown University Contra and Folk Dance club, generally on the 1st and 3rd Fridays of the month when Brown is in session. 8pm to 11:30pm. Leung Gallery or Sayles Hall. General admission $7, Students $5. Web site: http://www.contradancelinks.com/brown.html.
Reading, Massachusetts: Ivy Chord Coffeehouse - Contra and Square Dance with Sarah Gregory-Smith. Instruction at 7:00pm; dance begins at 7:30pm in Fellowship Hall, Dancing for everyone - no experience needed, singles and couples. Unitarian Universalist Church, 239 Woburn Street. (781) 944-0494. Web site: http://www.uureading.org/ (Look for Ivy Chord).
Rehoboth, Massachusetts: All dances taught. Beginners of all ages welcome. Partners not necessary. Dances are from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. General admission: $7.00; $4 for ages 16 and under; $15 for families with children under 16. Location: Goff Hall, Bay State Road, Rehoboth. Call Shawn at 508-252-6375 or e-mail: shawnkendrick@comcast.net. Web site: http://www.contradancelinks.com/rehoboth.html.
Rehoboth, Massachusetts - Jammers' Dance: We play every Sunday. Once a month the session is a "Community Dance", usually, but not always on Second Sundays, at which we teach everything that needs teaching, depending on the experience of the dancers. During the 2007-2008 season, the Community Dances will be held on September 16, October 14, November 11, December 16, January 13, 2008, February 10, March 16 and tentatively, April 13, May 11, June 15 and July 13 and August 10. A potluck at 6:00pm precedes each Community Dance. Admission is free. For information or to check about cancellations, call Bob Elliott at 508-669-5656, or you can email him at bobolinkelliott@yahoo.com Web site: http://www.contradancelinks.com/jammers.html.
Rockland, Massachusetts: Barn dance! Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm Location: Channing Unitarian-Universalist Church 45 Webster Street, Rockland. Community Barn Dance Program of Contra Dances, Squares, International Folk dancing and English Country Dances Admission: $5.00/person, Kids under 12 (FREE),butmustbeaccompaniedbyanadult. For more information, contact ChrisRicciottiat (781) 982-8042or(617)852-4042(cell)or by email at Ricciotti@aol.com. Dance is smoke and Alcohol Free! Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. No partner or experience needed! All dances will be taught! Come and enjoy a new community dancing!Beginners, kids, teens, adults, parents, grandparents, singles and couples, families, LGBT and straight, all welcome! The first half of our program from 7:00pm-8:30pm will focus more on dances for kids and adults, and the 2nd half will focus more on more on dances for adults and teens. Snacks, beverages and home baked goods served during the break. All profits to benefit the Channing UU Church. If this dance is successful, we will plan more dances in the future and with live music, so come out and help support us! Pass the word around, and help us get a potentially new dance series off the ground on the South Shore! Web site: None.
Salem, Massachusetts: First Saturday Salem Contra Dance at the Tabernacle Congregational Church, 50 Washington Street in Salem. Dance starts at 7:30pm. Admission is $8 per person; $6 seniors and students; $20 family maximum. Wheelchair accessible. Alcohol and smoke-free. Please wear clean, soft-soled shoes. Beginners welcome. For more information, call (978) 745-9391 or e-mail jenstrom10@comcast.net. Web site: none.
Sheffield, Massachusetts: Come dance with us at the Dewey Memorial Hall, on Route 7, just 1/2 mile south of the grange in Sheffield. Our dances are held each month except December on the 4th Saturday. The dance evening starts at 8:30 p.m. and runs til 11:30. We bring a variety of a callers to work with us at the Grange. All dancers are welcome, including beginners, singles, couples, families, experienced dancers, everyone in the mood for fun. All the dances and figures are taught. Sorry, no alcohol is allowed at our dances. Admission is $8-10 for adults, $5 for children; we accept BerkShares! Web site: http://www.mountainlaurelband.com/grangedance.htm.
Sudbury, Massachusetts - Twelveth Night: at the Wayside Inn, 72 Wayside Inn Road. Sponsored by the Sudbury Minutemen. Takes place in early January. Web page: http://www.sudburyminutemen.org/12thNiteBall.htm.
Sudbury, Massachusetts - Regimental Ball: at the Wayside Inn, 72 Wayside Inn Road. Sponsored by the Sudbury Minutemen. Takes place in mid-April. Web page: http://www.sudburyminutemen.org/RegimentalBall.htm.
Watertown, Massachusetts - Thanksgiving Day: at St. John's United Methodist Church, 80 Mt. Auburn St