This page tries to keep track of all contra dances, traditional square dances (but not Modern Western Square Dances), traditional waltz sessions and Scandinavian dances in Vermont including dance camps and weekends along with other events in Vermont which include contra dancing and these other forms. Because most of the information is gathered from web sites and the listings are not updated as frequently as the web sites, dancers should visit the web sites for up-to-date information. If you are aware of any dances, dance series or other events that should be included on this list, please e-mail me.
Schedule note:
As of January 1, 2021, the dance listings should be fairly up to date including whether dances are canceled although I am behind in keeping up to date with festivals, weekends, etc.. At this point, my assumption is that all dances and events are canceled unless they are virtual/on-line. Since we've entered the 2020-2021 "season" for many series and they never posted dates, information about evening/afternoon dances is getting "thin". Also note that some dance weekends, etc. are already postponing events from winter/spring of 2021 to similar dates in 2022.
Conversations and cancelations are happening every day in connection with dances as part of regular series and also weekends, festivals, etc. I'll try to keep current as much as possible, but please check the individual web sites, Facebook groups/pages, e-mail lists, etc. for the most up-to-date information about a dance or other event that you may want to attend.
Adamant: Dance at the Adamant Community Club, 1161 Martin Rd, Adamant, Vermont. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Adamant-Community-Club/167357033416302.
Barnard - BarnArts Community Contra Dances: Location: Barnard Town Hall, 115 N Rd, Barnard, VT 05031. All dances taught - no partner necessary - family friendly - just fun! Potluck 5:30pm. Music and Dancing 6-9pm. BYOB. Admission is Free. (Donations welcome) Web site : http://www.barnarts.org/?page_id=843.
Barre - Traditional Dances from Nova Scotia and Quebec: At 8:00pm at the Old Socialist Labor Hall 46 Granite Street, Barre. Traditional dances from Nova Scotia, the Gaspe and other Quebecois locales, and musicians passionate about the old tunes will play, part of the Traditional Dance Series. The event is sponsored in part by the Country Dance and Song Society. Amateur musicians are invited to sit-in with the band, and new and experienced dancers are welcome on the dance floor for this celebration of regional dances from the French diaspora of the 19th and 20th centuries. We'll be doing long-ways dances, squares and circle mixers…maybe a Grande March, Les Saluts. We'll share treats and songs, too! Contact Merry Kay Shernock (merrykays@yahoo.com) for details. Web site: None.
Bennington - Irish Music Festival: Two-day weekend mostly music festival. Dancing may include some contras. Held at Colgate Park, 1545 West Road, Bennington, Vermont 05201-9630. Web site: http://benningtonirishmusicfestival.com/.
Bennington - Sacred Harp/Contra Dance: Sacred Harp Sing and Contra Dance hosted by Bennington College singing school students from 7pm to 9pm at the Deane Carriage Barn at Bennington College off Route 67A in Bennington. Contact Joanne Fuller 518-854-3391. Web site: None.
Bennington - Bennington College: Dance at VAPA Greenwall Auditorium from 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM. The Traditional Music Ensemble will present a contra dance ~ Beginners and experienced dancers are welcome ~ Music and Dance from Ireland, Québec, New England, and Appalachia ~ All dances will be taught ~ Contact: Music Program apappas@bennington.edu or 802-440-4510. Web site: http://bennington.edu.
Berlin - Capital City Grange Family Fun Day from 3pm to 6pm at the Capital City Grange, 6612 Rt 12, Berlin Corners, Vermont 05602. Balloon Entertainment, Face Painting, family dance, Mac n' CheesDinner! Short Films for Kids! $20/family; $5/ind. Under 4 yrs=FREE. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/ccghall/.
Braintree - Benefit Concert/Ceilidh for Braintree Flood Relief: Benefits the Braintree Flood Relief Fund. Event runs from 7:00pm to 9:30pm. Location: Braintree Town Hall. Contact 877-343-3531 or Web site: http://www.vtfiddleorchestra.org/.
Bennington - Southern Vermont Art and Craft Festival: A dance on Saturday from noon to 2pm is one of the activities of this festival. Web site: http://craftproducers.com/festivals/southern-vermont-art-craft-festival/.
Bolton: A contra and square dance will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Smilie Memorial Elementary School, 2712 Route 2 in Bolton. Families and individuals are welcome. Dances are taught and no partner or experience is necessary. Bring clean, soft-soled dancing shoes. The suggested admission is $5 to $10 for adults and $10 to $20 for a family. Information: 453-2199. Web site: None.
Brattleboro - Dawn Dance - Memorial Day Weekend: The Dawn Dance takes place at the Gibson-Aiken Center, 207 Main Street (Rt. 5), in Brattleboro on Memorial Day Weekend (U.S.). It starts off with an English Country dance segment in the middle of the afternoon and then there are three contra dance segments with the last ending the following morning. Web site: http://www.dawndance.org/.
Brattleboro - Dawn Dance - Labor Day Weekend: The Dawn Dance takes place at the Gibson-Aiken Center, 207 Main Street (Rt. 5), in Brattleboro on Labor Day Weekend (U.S.). It starts off with an English Country dance segment in the middle of the afternoon and then there are three contra dance segments with the last ending the following morning. Web site: http://www.dawndance.org/.
Brattleboro - English - Before the Dawn Dance: You may have heard that the Brattleboro Dawn Dance is not hosting an afternoon English session on Memorial Day weekend this year. Feeling that would be a terrible loss to the ECD community, we have pulled together a smaller English Country Dance still on Sunday afternoon from 2:30 to 5:30 PM at the Stone Church right across the street from the Brattleboro Gibson-Aiken Center where the Dawn Dance will start that evening! While not a Dawn Dance event, the Dawn Dance Committee has been very supportive of this effort. Flyer and registration form available. Please note that we are strongly encouraging advance registration so that people don't travel a long way and risk being turned away at the door. We wish to keep our event comfortably full, but not too crowded to enjoy the beautiful music and dancing. Peg Hall and George Sanders - EnglishBeforeDawn@AbsoluteRealty.org - Web site: http://www.absoluterealty.org/Dance.
Brattleboro - Northern Roots Traditional Music Festival: A day-long, mostly music event in late January, bringing together local and regional musicians representing the best of various northern musical traditions including Irish, Scottish, English, Swedish and French Canadian. Web site: http://www.bmcvt.org/northernroots.
Brattleboro - Strolling of the Heifers: Enjoy three days in early June filled with great events to entertain and educate the whole family, highlighted, of course, by the world-famous Strolling of the Heifers Parade on Saturday on Brattleboro's historic Main Street, followed by the Dairy Festival and Green Expo. Contra dance on Saturday night. Web site: http://www.strollingoftheheifers.com.
Brattleboro - Northern Roots Traditional Arts Camp for Kids: Day camp held in late June/early July at the Hilltop Montessori School. Features traditional New England dancing and singing as well as dance band classes for beginners (on tin whistle) and more experienced players. The camp day, from 8:30 am to 3 pm, will also include other forms of traditional English dance as well as storytelling, crafts and games. Register in advance. Web site: http://bmcvt.org/summer-programs/traditional-arts-camp.
Brattleboro - Cuba Field Trip Benefit: As you may have heard, I [Arthur Davis] am part of a group at Brattleboro high school that is going to Cuba in November. We will be in Cuba for a week under a humanitarian license granted by the New York Institute for Cuban Studies. A large part of our time will be spent working at community centers in Havana and Pinar del Rio that work with children with Down Syndrome through the arts. As part of our fundraising effort, we are holding a contra at Green St. School in Brattleboro. It will begin at 7:30 and there is a suggested donation of $10. If you have any questions please call me at 257-1819 or email me at jugglingmaster@yahoo.com. This is a truly amazing opportunity for a high school group to go to Cuba and we hope to see you on the 29th. Web site: None.
Brattleboro - Oak Grove: The Oak Grove School PTO presents a family dance night from 6pm to 8pm at the Oak Grove School Gym. Families from all area elementary schools are invited! Come to visit, learn the dances, and hear great live music. No experience necessary. All dances taught. Admission: $2 per person; $5 family cap. Refreshments available for purchase. All proceeds benefit Oak Grove student activities. - Web site: https://www.oakgroveschoolvt.com/.
Brattleboro - Square Dance Lab: Nils Fredland writes: I am looking for a small group of dancers to help me work with a collection of singing squares for a new CDSS publication. Read on for more details...The singing squares collection I'm working with is from an 84 year old square dance caller from Southwestern NY named Keith Blackmon. The collection is very large - over 250 dances - which isn't surprising considering he started calling when he was 14 years old. For purposes of the CDSS publication, I've pared the collection down to about 50 squares. The dances are quirky and antiquated; as fascinating as it is to just do the transcriptions, I would very much like to see the choreography in action, and discuss how it feels with a small group of dancers. I'm not setting out to correct or improve the choreography, but rather to understand how these squares work, to understand what they say about the regional tradition from which they came, and to understand how I can present them in a way that will be relevant and fun for the dancers I come in contact with as a caller. By working with this material in a Square Lab setting, I anticipate increasing my own personal connection to the collection, as well, which will make my contribution as an editor that much more sensitive. Tentatively scheduled meetings are Saturday, 2/12 in Greenfield, MA from 4-6 PM, and Sunday, 2/13 in Brattleboro, VT from 3-5 PM. If you're interested in participating, please call or email me ASAP for location details. I can be reached anytime at (603) 903-2369 or at nils@nilsfredland.com. Web site: None.
Brattleboro - Heart Thoughts Midwifery Benefit: A Contra Dance Party for All Families. Adults, children, friends, family, babes in arms, and pregnant bellies, all welcome at The Stone Church, 210 Main Street, Brattleboro from 1 pm-4 pm. Admission: $10 adults, $5 kids, $20 family maximum. All proceeds to benefit Heart Thoughts Midwifery. The midwives will use these funds to help families who choose homebirth, but whose medical insurance will not cover this service. To donate additional funds, treats, silent auction items, or your time, please email: engle.louisa@gmail.com - Web site: http://www.heartthoughtsmidwifery.com/.
Brattleboro - Time Trade: Benefit Contra Dance for Brattleboro Time Trade and its Scholarship Fund. Location: Stone Church, at the corner of Main and Grove Streets. Family-friendly contra dance from 6:30pm to 9:30pm PM. $10. adult, $5. children, $20. family. Please arrive fragrance-free and bring soft-soled shoes. No partner needed, snacks, raffle, fragrance-free. For more information, email mdmpastels@yahoo.com or 802-246-1199 - Web site: http://www.brattleborotimetrade.org.
Brattleboro - Hilltop Montessori: Dance as part of the Alabama Odyssey program, from 7 to 9 p.m., in the new Arts Barn at the Hilltop Montessori School. Participants don’t need to bring partners or have any dance experience. All dances are easily taught on the spot. The event includes gourmet sweet and savory snacks, refreshments, and craft projects. Dancers will get a workout, as well. Web site: http://www.hilltopmontessori.org/.
Brattleboro - Visiting Nurse and Hospice Benefit: Benefit Event for the Visiting Nurse and Hospice for Vermont and New Hampshire at the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center, 10 Vernon Street, Brattleboro, VT 05301 from 5:30pm to 9:00pm. Please call us at 888-300-8853 or email thyland@vnhcare.org to RSVP today! Enjoy a fun-filled evening and help support VNH and the many programs and services we provide to over 160 Vermont and New Hampshire communities. The cost is $30 per person or $50 for a couple. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served. For $25, participate in the wine pull for a chance at unique bottles and prizes. All bottles valued at $25 or more. Everybody wins! All proceeds from this event go towards ensuring that VNH can continue to provide home health and hospice services to all who need it, regardless of their ability to pay. Web site: http://www.vnhcare.org/careforadance/.
Brattleboro - Stone Church - Special: The dance will be held at the Stone Church, 210 Main St., Brattleboro, 7pm to 10pm. If you're new to contra dancing, come at 7:00 for a brief intro lesson. Admission is $10-$12 for adults, $8 for college students, $5 for youth. Beginners are welcome; all the dances will be taught. You don't need to come with a partner; other friendly dancers will dance with you. For more info email susan@quietdesigns.org or call 518-561-2594. Please bring a pair of clean, soft-soled, non-street shoes for dancing, and change your shoes in the front hall before entering the dance space. Brattleboro dances are fragrance-free. Web site; None.
Brattleboro - Music Center - Celtic Contra: Contra Dance with BMC Celtic Classes from 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm. The culmination of the Celtic classes’ year of repertoire work on repertoire and a highlight of the traditional music program. All classes will combine to perform together for this year-end contra dance. In an area rich in dance music, organizers say this dance event stands out with a band of 30 strong fiddles, mandolins, flutes and guitars. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for college students, and $5 for youths. Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit Groundworks, which provides ongoing support to families and individuals facing a full continuum of housing and food insecurities in the greater Brattleboro area. Web site: https://bmcvt.org.
Brattleboro - House Concert and Dance Party: Event from 7 PM - 10:30 PM at Rebop Farm, 1320 Sunset Lake Rd, Brattleboro, Vermont 05301. Come join us for a night of folk music and dancing at beautiful Rebop Farm! Beginning with a concert of songs and other listening sets, we will then clear the floor and play till you have danced to your heart’s content (or until 10 or so). There will be waltzing and blues, and perhaps some balfolk couples dances thrown in! Don’t worry, we will do a crash course for anything new and different. Come at 7, and we'll get started at 7:30 Sliding scale $10-$15 suggested:) - Carpool if possible, as parking is limited; only park in designated areas. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/178434509537159/.
Brattleboro: Dances at The Stone Church, 210 Main St, Brattleboro, Vermont 05301. If you're new to contra dancing, come at 7:00pm for a brief intro lesson (dance ends at 10pm). Beginners are welcome; all dances are taught and called. No partner needed; friendly dancers will dance with you. To protect the beautiful floor, carry in clean, soft-soled shoes. Adults $10-12, college students $8, youth $5. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/BrattleboroContra/.
Brattleboro - Glow Dance: Event from 6:30pm to 11:00pm at The Stone Church, 210 Main St, Brattleboro, Vermont 05301. $20. If you've never contra danced, come early, stay late. All dances taught. It will be kind of non-techno dance (live jam music). The bar will be open and the evening will feature full show lights. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/985015368508396/.
Bristol: Contra Dance from 8pm to 11pm EDT in Holley Hall in Bristol. Information - aec@gmavt.net - Dance to benefit sound improvement project in Holley Hall. All dances taught- no experience necessary. Admission sliding scale $5-$10 Beginners workshop at 7:30 For info call 802-453-4613 Sponsored by Bristol Rec Department. Web site: None.
Bristol - Holley Hall Benefit: Dance at Holley Hall, 1 South Street, Bristol, VT, starting at 7:30pm. Web site: http://www.petespossevt.com/calendar/.
Brookfield - Squares: Square dance at 7pm in the Old Town Hall. Info: 802-276-3839 (?) Web site: None.
Brookfield - Squares - Town Hall Benefit: The Old Town Hall opens its doors for an evening of square dancing, perfect for square dance veterans and novices alike. The dance begins at 7 PM. So, if you've never square-danced before, but thought it might be fun to try - this is your night! Because the event is sponsored by Gillespie Fuels of Northfield, all ticket sales will directly benefit the renovation of the Old Town Hall. A donation of $5 per person is requested. Family-friendly beverages will be on sale. All events at the Old Town Hall are organized by the Brookfield Community Partnership, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to community development in Brookfield. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brookfield-Community-Partnership/142705442563010.
Brookfield - Vermont Old Time Music Gathering: Old Time Music and Dance Party weekend with music jams, square dancing, chili and cornbread dinner on Saturday night, swimming, etc. Camping is encouraged! Bring everything you need for camping out the whole weekend. Facilites include bathrooms, outdoor showers, and an outdoor kitchen. New this year an outdoor pavilion for jams and dancing! Sliding Scale Donation. Kick Off Party in Montpelier on Thursday, August 12th - Concert and Square Dance. For more information call Jennifer at 802-276-3839 or contact us with questions. Web site: http://www.twinpondretreat.com.
Brookfield - Contra Dancing: Dance at 7pm at the Brookfield Old Town Hall (32 Stone Road). Contra and squares dances are taught to assist those of all ages to fully enjoy the feel of the music and the group experience. No prior dance experience needed. The contra dance admission is minimum $5/adult and kids under 18 are free. This event is sponsored by a grant from the Vermont Community Foundation. Web site: None.
Burlington: Dances on 2nd Fridays at North End Studios, 294 North Winooski Ave, Burlington, VT 05401. Dances go from 8pm to 11pm with a new dance orientation from 7:45pm to 8:00pm. We are a friendly bunch and are happy to introduce you to the fun that is a contra dance. Admission is $9. Children 12 and under dance for free. Web site: http://www.queencitycontras.org/Home.html.
Burlington - New Year's Eve: Dance is part of the First Night celebration. Web site: http://www.firstnightburlington.com/.
Burlington - Barn at Intervale: Dance at 7pm in the Barn at the Intervale, 180 Intervale Road, in Burlington. Web site: http://www.intervale.org.
Burlington - University of Vermont: Contra and Square Dance starting at 7:00 PM at the Billings North Lounge at the University of Vermont, 48 University Place. Part of the UVM Old Time Music Festival. Web site: http://www.youngtraditionvermont.org/.
Burlington - University of Vermont - Techno Contra: Dance from 7-10pm with a beginner lesson at 6:30pm at the Mann Gym on UVM Campus (208 Colchester Ave, Burlington, VT). Web site: None.
Burlington - Young Tradition Weekend: Dance as part of Young Tradition Weekend in mid-May. Location: Edmunds School. Family dance at 6:45pm. Regualr dance begins at 8pm. Web site: http://www.youngtraditionvermont.org.
Burlington - Young Tradition Festival: A week-long series of events in and around Burlington likely including at least one dance. Web site: http://www.youngtraditionvermont.org.
Burlington - Mad Robin Callers Collective: Dance series at the 1st Congregational Church at 38 South Winooski Avenue, Burlington on the 4th Friday of the month. Dances usually run from 8:00pm to 11:00pm. Newcomers are invited to come for an orientation at 7:45pm, and the dance begins at 8. No partner is necessary, and all dances are taught as we go. Admission is $5.00 – 12.00 for our sliding-scale entrance fee. Please bring a water bottle, and clean, soft-soled shoes. There will be a dessert potluck at the break, so feel free to bring something sweet to contribute! Web site: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Mad-Robin-Callers-Collective/158898843438 or http://www.madrobincallers.org/.
Burlington - Old Time Dance Festival: In Billings at the University of Vermont (various venues at the University throughout the weekend in Burlington in early April with dances, workshops, concerts and shape note singing. Presented by the UVM Old Time Music Club and Young Tradition Vermont. Benefits the Tom Sustic Fund. Contact mrksustc@together.net Web site: None.
Burlington - Winter Festival: Various outdoor and indoor events during this one-day festival in early February, including a family dance. Web site: http://www.enjoyburlington.com/Programs/SpecialEvents/WinterFestival.cfm.
Burlington - Grow Team: 7 p.m. at the Integrated Arts Academy at H.O. Wheeler School, Archibald Street in the Old North End. Fun for the whole family, raffle of garden goodies, and sweets. Suggested donation $5 ($10 per family). Web site: http://www.growteamvt.com.
Burlington - Zuckerman for State Senate: At the Edmunds School in Burlington at 8pm. Pete Sutherland is inviting everyone to come join us - a people-powered band for this great evening of dancing, fundraising and fun. Caller, musicians and sound engineer are donating their time. Info: epact@gmavt.net - Web site: None.
Burlington - Family - Integrated Arts Academy: Family Dance from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm at the Integrated Arts Academy at H.O. Wheeler School, 6 Archibald Street, Burlington. Presented by Integrated Arts Academy and Young Tradition Vermont. Primarily for students, families and staff from the IAA community. Follows community meal from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Web site: http://iaa.bsdvt.org/.
Burlington - Squares - Arts Riot: Dance at Arts Riot, 400 Pine Street, Burlington, Vermont from 7:30pm to 10:00pm. Web site: http://www.artsriot.com.
Burlington - Callers' Workshop: Callers' Workshop entitled "Good Teachers and Host" on a Friday evening and daytime on Saturday. Focused on improving our teaching of dances, and our stage presence. This workshop is designed for beginning and intermediate callers ready to take their calling to the next level. It will be a mix of facilitated discussion, calling with feedback, and calling with live music for a small group of dancers. Web site: http://www.madrobincallers.org.
Burlington - Vermont Dance Alliance: Halyard Brewing Co. and The Vermont Dance Alliance present A Zombie Hoedown! Celebrating Halyard's 1st Birthday, and benefiting the Vermont Dance Alliance to support our 2018 public dance programs and events! (Prizes for best costumes). Swing, country, contra, and square dancing. Doors open 7:30pm! Dance from 8:00–11:00 PM at the Champlain Club, Crowley Street, Burlington, VT, 05401. Cost - $15 presale https://halyardbrewing.us, $20 at the door. Contact - info@vermontdance.org - Web site: https://vermontdance.org.
Burlington - Midwinter Gathering: Join us for Northeast Heritage Music Camp's Midwinter Gathering starting at 8 pm at the New City Galerie, Church Street, Burlington, VT. Mostly music, no dance listed, socialize, concert, performers, raffle. Admission: $10 admission. Web site: http://www.northeastheritagemusiccamp.com/.
Cabot: Barn dance at 7:00 pm at the Longfield Farm Barn, which is at the top of Houston Hill in Cabot. Benefits restoration of the United Church of Cabot - info and directions: (802) 426-3281 Web site: None.
Cabot - Old Time Family Contra and Square Dance: Dances are now held on the second Saturday of the month starting at 7:30 pm in the Willey Building. The Willey Building is located right in the village, on Main Street, opposite Harry's Hardware. The dance is called Cabot Old Time Family Contra and Square Dance. The dances are taught and are easily learned by young and old. The contra and square dances are traditional Vermont and New England social dances that have been danced for many generations in the town halls, barns and kitchens around Vermont. Musicians are always invited to sit in and join with the fun of playing traditional dance tunes. The dance series is sponsored by the Cabot Library. There is a small donation requested to defray costs. Contact samlyman@fairpoint.net or 802-563-3225. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/Cabotcontradance/.
Castleton: Dance at the American Legion, 378 Route 4A W, Castleton, Vermont 05735 from 8pm to 11pm. Cost is $10/adults and $5/children. Beginner lessons start at 7:45. Hosted by: A Way Out (Non Profit Group). Contact: Christian Doran 802.282.8718 for more info. Web site: None.
Charlotte - Old Lantern: Dance at the Old Lantern at 8:00pm. This event should be a hoot n' holler! It's a "barn dance" in the famous & great Old Lantern dance hall in Charlotte an' a kick-off to the Annual East Charlotte Tractor Parade. We'll be playin' for dancin' from 8:00pm to 11:00pm. The 5-piece old-time band, Steak O'Lean, with a caller, will be on from 6pm-8pm for square/contra dancin'. There will be lite fare available, as well as a cash bar. The Old Lantern has a terrific, LARGE hardwood floor so dance fans should be sure to make this one! Also, this event is a benefit for the East Charlotte Grange. Web site: http://www.oldlantern.com/home.html.
Charlotte - Congregational Church: Dance from 6:00pm to 8:30pm at the Charlotte Congregational Church Vestry at 403 Church Hill Road, Charlotte, VT. Information: lob555@yahoo.com - Web site: None.
Charlotte - Breton Dance: Breton Dance from 7-9pm at the Charlotte Grange, 2898 Spear Street Charlotte VT 05445. $10 donation. All dances taught. Music workshop 4.30-6.30pm. Web site: None.
Chittenden - Benefit: Dance and cake walk from 7:00pm to 8:30pm at Barstow Memorial School. Come to dance, take a chance on winning a cake or just enjoy the music and community. Admission is $5.00 per family and tickets for the cake walk are $.25 each. All proceeds are in support of the 5th Grade field trip to Cape Cod. Web site: None.
Colchester: Contra and Square Dance from 7pm to midnight at the Elley Long Music Center. Presented by St. Michael's College, the Mad Robin Caller's Collective and Young Tradition Vermont. $10, $5 for students, St. Michael's students attend for free. Contact wmentor@smcvt.edu or mrksustc@together.net. Web site: None.
Colchester - St. Michael's College: Contra and Square Dance from 4pm to 11:30pm at the Elley Long Music Center in Colchester. 4pm to 6pm contras and squares, 8pm to 9:30pm contras and squares, 9:30pm to 10pm potluck coffee and dessert and 10pm to 11:30pm contras and squares. Donations benefit the Champlain Valley Folk Festival. Contact wmentor@smcvt.edu - Web site: None.
Colchester - Champlain Valley Folk Festival: One-day event including concert, potluck, workshops, and a dance at the Elley-Long Music Center at St. Michael's College. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Champlain-Valley-Folk-Festival/125204521370.
Colchester - Yule Ball: A wildly formal Contra Dance interspersed with English Country sets. Creative Black-Tie with prizes for the best-dressed couples. Any kind of couple is welcome. Decadently delicious treats. All essentials will be taught in the first 45 minutes. Advanced tickets strongly encouraged! Location: Elley-Long Music Center at St. Michael's College, 223 Ethan Allen Ave, Colchester, Vermont 05446 from 7pm to 11pm. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/1288652881209408/.
Corinth - 250th Anniversary: Dance at the Corinth Town Hall, Cookeville, Vermont (Look for it under this address: 1387 Cookeville Rd, Corinth, VT.) from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM. The town of Corinth, Vermont, is celebrating the 250th anniversary of its founding. And if you're celebrating a major event, of course you want to dance. So, dig out your dancin' shoes and plan to attend an "Old-Fashioned New England" dance. There also will be a dessert break with cake, cookies, coffee and cider. Dances that span the centuries, starting with English country dances from the time of Corinth's founding in the mid-18th century and moving up through squares, contras, and various couple dances that would have been enjoyed on local dance floors. All dances will be taught, and the event is suitable for experienced dancers and newcomers alike. Comfortable, non-scratchy, soft-soled shoes are recommended. Dancers are invited—but not required—to come in costume. Ticket prices are: Adult $10, Student (12 and up) $5, and Under 12 free. Tickets are available from the Corinth Town Clerk's office during regular business hours. A limited number of tickets will also be available at the door. For more information, contact Lois Jackson at Ljackson@Together.net - Web site: https://www.facebook.com/250Corinth.
Cornwall: Community Dance with at the Cornwall Town Hall in Cornwall. 5pm potluck supper. 6pm family dance. 7pm contra and square dance. Contact Andrew 802-462-3722. Web site: None.
Cornwall - Contras and Squares: Contras and Squares at the Cornwall VT Town Hall 2629 Rt 30 (intersection of VT Rt 30 and Rt 74) Cornwall, Vermont 05753. 7pm to 9:30pm on 2nd Saturdays from October to April. Contact Andrew 802-462-3722. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/CornwallContraDance.
Cornwall - School: Contras and Squares at the Cornwall School in Cornwall. 7pm to 9:30pm. Contact Andrew and Kristin 802-462-3722 or kristinbolton@gmail.com. Web site: None.
Craftsbury Common - Sterling College: The Art House along with Sterling College are sponsoring a contra dance from 7:30 to 10:30pm. The dance will be held in Dunbar Hall. The charge will be a sliding scale from $8-$10. Beginners are welcome and there will be refreshments during break. For more information contact Melissa Winchell at melissa@vermontarthouse.com or call at 802-586-2200! Web site: http://www.sterlingcollege.edu/.
Danville: Bring a partner or dance with whoever is there, and dance 'til you're feet hurt! Happens every first Friday of each month @ 8 p.m. at the Danville Town Hall. The Danville Old Time Family Contra and Square Dance happens on the first Friday of the month - normally October to May, but you never know. The house band is named the Hull's Union Suit String Band. Different callers are on hand with Chip Hedler prompting at least half of the seasons dances. The dance takes place at the Danville Town Hall starting at 8 pm. The dance has been taking place in its' current form for 28 years. $5 per person. For more information contact David Carpenter at 802-563-3225 or samlyman@fairpoint.net. Web site (Northeast Kingdom, in general): http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=21817441024.
Derby Lane - Food Relief Benefit: A community initiative of The First Universalist Parish of Derby Line. Proceeds to benefit the Newport Area Food Shelf. Suggested donation $8. Please bring soft sole; non-marking footwear. First Universalist Parish Hall, 112 Main Street, Derby Line, VT at 7pm. Web site: None.
Dover - Squares: Benefit square dance for the Historical Society of Windham County, Vermont at the Dover Town Hall on the Common. The $5.00 donation for admission will help complete the restoration of the Newfane Railroad Station. Dance is from 7pm to 10pm. Web site: http://www.historicalsocietyofwindhamcounty.org.
Dummerston: Contra dance from 6:30pm to 9:30pm at the Evening Star Grange in Dummerston Center. Potluck at 5:30pm. Adults: $7; Children: $4; Families: $20. All ages and abilities are welcome Refreshments All dances taught. Info: village@dancingmasters.com - These dances are co-sponsored by New England Dancing Masters. Part of the Village Dance Series. - Web site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/167574159920020.
Dummerston - Northern Roots Weekend: Mostly music weekend with workshops including dance band and some dancing held in early mid-July at the Green Mountain Camp. Register in advance. Web site: http://bmcvt.org/summer-programs/northern-roots-weekend.
Dummerston - Annual Pourparler Conference: The 2020 Pourparler Conference will be held in early November. Pourparler is a yearly gathering of dance and music educators from North America who are dedicated to teaching folk/ethnic/world/traditional dance in schools and/or community events. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.nfo-usa.org/.
Dummerston - Montessori: Hilltop Montessori School Family Dinner and Contra Dance, Celebrating Going Solar. The event will be at the Dummerston Grange with dinner at 5:30pm and the dance from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. Tickets $10 for adults and $5 for children, includes dinner. Proceeds go toward Hilltop's Financial Aid Fund and solar energy educational materials. For details: Amelia Farnum, 802-257-0500. Web site: http://www.hilltopmontessori.org/.
Dummerston - Green Mountain Camp: Benefit contra at Green Mountain Camp in Dummerston from6:30-8:30. Spaghetti supper starting at 5 pm. To benefit the camp's scholarship fund. All are welcome! Web site: None.
East Charleston - Benefit for North Wood: Dance at 8pm at Northwoods Stewardship Center, 154 Leadership Dr. Cost $10, benefits NorthWoods programs. Contact events@northwoodscenter.org or call Maria at 802-723-6551 x112. Back by popular demand, the Mountain Folks bring together talented musicians from various parts of New England and Quebec and will share music from the mountains and the backwoods. Enjoy foot-stomping music as you twirl your partner on the hardwood floors. Bring your friends or meet them here. Jam session follows the dance. Web site: http://northwoodscenter.org.
East Charlotte - Tractor Parade - Dance: Location: The Old Lantern, 3260 Greenbush Road, Charlotte, Vermont from 6pm to 11pm including barn dancing. Web site: http://www.tractorparade.com/.
East Putney: Dances at Pierce's Hall, 121 East Putney Road (go north from Putney Village for 2 miles on Rt. 5. Turn right onto East Putney Falls Road and go 1/2 mile until you come to the driveway to the hall on the left.) Beginners' workshop from 7:30 to 8:00, after the contra dance goes from 8:00 to 10:30. Suggested donation is $7 for adults, $4 for children, and $20 for families. For more info, call 802-387-5357. This dance is celebrated for its fine music and warm community atmosphere, where dancers of all ages and skill levels are welcome. No experience or partner is necessary. All dances will be taught. Web site: None, although listings are posted in I-Putney and The Brattleboro Reformer.
East Randolph: Family Contra Dance at the East Randolph Community Hall Route 14 – Next to the Fire Station. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Come dance or just sit, visit, and tap your feet. Suggested donation: $5.00 per person. Benefits: Bethany Church Youth Group Web site: None.
East Thetford - Huntington's Pavilion: Dance at 7:30 PM at the historic dance hall, Huntington's Pavilion, recently renovated and available for special dance this evening. Pavilion Road, next to Cedar Circle Farm. Information: merit.scotford@gmail.com - Web site: None.
Enosburg - Opera House: Family dance at the Opera House at Enosburg Falls, 123 Depot Street, PO Box 1250, Enosburg Falls, Vermont 05450 at 7pm. All ages and abilities welcome. No prior dancing experience necessary. Bring a partner, multiple partners, or meet one at the dance! Two left feet? No worries! Give it a shot, or just enjoy the music. Suggested Donation at the door: $10 per person, $30 for families. Sponsored by the Enosburg Opera House, 123 Depot St., Enosburg Falls, VT. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Young Tradition Vermont's Tom Sustic Fund. Web site: http://www.enosburgoperahouse.org/.
Essex Junction - Waltz Class: Sponsored by Essex Junction Recreation and Parks at the Maple Street Recreation Center, Essex Junction, Vermont 05452 Venue Phone: 802-878-1375 Phone: 802-878-1375 Fax: 802-872-3371 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm on four Wednesday nights. Ticket Pricing: $48 single resident/$54 single non-resident/$86 couple resident, $98 couple non-resident In this four week session we will focus on mastering the Waltz; one of the most beautiful of all ballroom dances. Simple steps and accented 1-2-3 beats make the Waltz easy to learn. Web site: http://www.ejrp.org/.
Essex Junction - Vermont International Festival: An annual celebration of cultures from around the world, bringing their crafts, foods, music and dance to our doorstep. The Vermont International Festival will be held at the Champlain Valley Exposition, Route 15/Pearl Street, Essex Junction, Vermont. The Champlain Valley Expo has unlimited free parking, is on the CCTA bus line and is handicapped-accessible. Includes a contra dance on Friday night. Web site: http://www.vermontinternationalfestival.com.
Fairfield - Community Food Shelf Benefit: Tickets at the door include full dinner and dance. $10/person, $18/couple, $25/family, $8 seniors. Call the Fairfield Community Center for more information, 802-827-3130 or 802-827-6626. Come enjoy dinner and dancing with your friends and neighbors and support our area food shelf which serves the communities of Fairfield, Bakersfield, Sheldon, Fairfax and Enosburg. Event starts at 5:30pm and lasts until 9:00pm and is held at the Fairfield Center School, 57 Park Street. Web site: None.
Fairlee - Scandinavian Ski Dance Weekend: Annual festive weekend of dancing, skiing and socializing at the Hulbert Center held in late January. Web site: http://skidance.us/.
Ferrisburg - Squares: Community Square Dance from 7pm to 9pm at the Town Office and Community Center in Ferrisburgh. Presented by the Friends of the Ferrisburgh Grange Hall. Contact kimhaigis@together.net. Web site: None.
Greensboro: Dances are from 8pm to 11pm in the Caspian Lake Grange Hall in Greensboro. Web site: http://nipsmusic.net.
Guilford: Contra Dance at 6:30pm-9:30pm at the Broad Brook Grange in Guilford. Information: Robin or Andy Davis andy@dancingmasters.com or 802-257-1819. Web site: None
Guilford - Village Dance Series: Contra Dance at 6:30pm-9:30pm at the Broad Brook Grange in Guilford. Potluck at 5:30pm (bring dish, plates, flatware); $4 for children, $7 for adults and $20 for a family. Information: Andy Davis andy@dancingmasters.com or 802-257-1819. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/167574159920020/.
Guilford - 250th: Contra Dance honoring Rich Blazej with many guest callers and musicians at 6:30pm at the Broad Brook Grange in Guilford. Part of the Dance A Month Series for the 250th anniversary of the Town of Guilford. Proceeds benefit the Rich Blazej Music Fund at Guilford Central School. Contact Don McLean inscapevt@myfairpoint.net - Web site: http://www.guilford250.com.
Guilford - Norwegian: Special Norwegian events with guest Loretta Kelley, Hardanger fiddle! daytime workshops in Hardanger fiddle, flat fiddle, and Telegangar/Telespringar dancing. 5:30 potluck, 6:30 free concert followed by dance. For more information, contact Annamarie Pluhar (802) 451-1941. Web site: None.
Guilford - Waltz - Sugar House: Mostly Waltz practice and dance from 2pm to 5pm. 2 to 3pm : I'll teach a mixed level class. (Beginners welcome; no partner needed.). 3 to 5pm : open dancing with waltz (mostly), along with swing, one-step, and other social partner dances. It would be helpful but not necessary to know if you're coming, to get a rough head count. If you have questions or need directions, drop me a note. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/910295832399525/.
Guilford - Clark Farm Benefit: Broad Brook Grange will present a benefit supper and contradance beginning at 5:00 pm at the Grange hall in Guilford Center. The proceeds will benefit Clark Farm which suffered a barn collapse due to a weather event along with Tom Henry, who was injured during the event. The supper is followed by a 7 pm dance, featuring contras and squares. Admission to the full evening of activities is $10, and $5 for kids under 6. Broad Brook Grange is at 3940 Guilford Center Road, 4 miles west of the Guilford Country Store. Web site: None.
Hardwick: Dance at the East Hardwick Grange (126 Hazen Union Drive, Hardwick, Vermont 05843) with a potluck at 5:30pm, family dance at 6:30pm and advanced dance at 7:30pm. Admission is $5 per person and $10 per family. For more information contact beeswing@myfairpoint.net. Web site: http://www.facebook.com/groups/277075038990066.
Hardwick - Buffalo Mountain Food Co-op: Localvore Challenge - Poltuck and contra dance. Bring a ready to eat dish containing locally produced ingredients. Enter your dish in the recipe contest! Include recipe and ingredients. Please bring you own plate and utenils. Potluck at 5pm, dance at 6:30pm. Location: Caledonia Grange #9 on Church Street in East Hardwick. This event is sponsored by the Buffalo Mountain Co-op and is free. Please consider a financial donation to thank the Grange for the use of their gorgeous space. Web site: http://www.facebook.com/groups/277075038990066.
Hardwick - Buffalo Locavore Challenge Dance: If you're in withdrawal, the Buffalo Mountain Localvore Challenge Contra Dance will chase away the blues. Come dance to local music and share local potluck yumminess. Potluck at 6 dance from 7-9. It all happens after the Hardwick Famers' Market at Atkins Field. Look for the BIG tent. Web site: None.
Hardwick - Elementary School Music: Spaghetti supper and dance in support of the School's music program. Kick off Spring Festival Weekend with a dinner and a dance!! Live music, traditional New England Contra and line dancing. Dinner - 5:30- 6:30pm (or until food runs out) -$5/adult $3/kids 12 and under Dance - 6:30 - 7:30 - free w/dinner, donation without. All proceeds to benefit the music program. All dances will be taught - no worries, you can do it!! Web site: http://www.hardwick.ossu.org.
Hardwick - Heartbeet Lifesharing: Dance at the Heartbeet Lifesharing Community Center, 218 Town Farm Road, Hardwick VT from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Admission at the door: $8. Web site: http://heartbeet.org/.
Hartland - Community Arts: Join us for a family-friendly, foot stamping, rollicking good time as we appreciate the arts in our community. All are welcome – beginners and aficionados, families and individuals, young and formerly young. Please bring a snack to share during the break and a change of shoes for the dance floor. We'll provide great music and calling, community, and fun for everyone. Dance at Damon Hall, Hartland, VT at 7:30pm. Suggested Donation: $12/couple, $7/single, Children free with an accompanying adult. Directions: I-91 to exit 9, Route 5/Route 12 north 1 1/2 miles to Hartland. Just past the gas station go straight ahead to the stop sign. Damon Hall is diagonally across to your left. For more information: Shelley Jerman, 436-3047. Web site: http://hartlandcommunityarts.org/.
Huntington - Town Hall: Dance at the Huntington Town Hall in Huntington Center from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Sliding scale donation $5 to $10 with family discounts. For more information, call 453-2199. Web site: http://woodburystrings.com/.
New Haven - BeeFriends Benefit: Tourterelle Restaurant, 3629 Ethan Allen Hwy, New Haven, VT 05472, will hold a contra dance from 6:30-9:30 p.m. to benefit BeeFriends, the Beeman Elementary School PTA. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children and $25 for families, with a cash bar. All proceeds from the bar and admission go to BeeFriends. Web site: http://www.beemanelementary.org/.
Hinesburg - Benefit for Access CVU: Beginner's Workshop from 6:30pm - 7pm; Dance from 7pm to 9pm. At Champlain Valley Union (CVU) High School, 369 CVU Road. This event is a fundraiser for Access CVU (http://www.cvuhs.org/access/). Web site: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=194974932887&index=1.
Hinesburg - Town Hall: Dance at the Town Hall, 10632 VT Route 116 at Charlotte Road and Route 116. Web site: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=wall&ref=ts&id=100000189153916.
Hinesburg - Prindle Farm: Dance at the Prindle Farm, 1570 Baldwin Road, Hinesburg from 7:30pm to 10:00pm. Music, dancing, fun and refreshments. Adults $12; children under 12, $8. All tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets are limited. To reserve tickets contact andreainvt@gmavt.net - Web site: http://prindlefarm.com.
Island Pond: Dance at the Northwoods Stewardship Center, 154 Leadership Dr, Island Pond, VT 05846. Venue Phone: 802-723-6551, beginning at 7:30pm. Share stories and lessons learned while skiing, paddling and honing traditional skills on Kroka's incredible 600-mile journey through VT and NH. Following the presentation, dance to the foot stomping sounds of Mountain Folks - music of the mountains and backwoods. $10 including refreshments. A jam with the band will follow the dance and all welcome to join in. Proceeds to benefit the Northwoods Stewardship Center. 933-2545 or cindyweed@hotmail.com - Web site: http://www.northwoodscenter.org.
Jamaica: The Jamaica Town Hall will host Contra and Square Dancing. The evening will begin at 7 p.m. with a dance workshop for children and beginning dancers; all dances will be taught. The regular dance will begin at 8 p.m. All ages are welcome. The cost is $5 for adults, $1 for children 12 and under, $10 for families. The Town Hall is located on Main Street in Jamaica (Route 30) across from the Jamaica Community Church. Web site: None.
Jeffersonville: Family Dance presented by the Cambridge Arts Council with Young Tradition Vermont. Info: rcarter@smuggs.com or mrksustc@together.net - Location: Cambridge Elementary School in Jeffersonville from 7pm to 9pm. Web site: http://www.youngtraditionvermont.org.
Jericho: Come alone, bring a partner or bring your entire family. No prior experience needed. Family dance at 7pm; adult dance at 8pm to 10pm. Suggested donation is $5 for individuals or $10 for families. Info: 802-899-4686. Location: Jericho Community Center, Browns Trace. Web site: None.
Jericho - Library Benefit: Come alone, bring a partner or bring your entire family. No prior experience needed. Acoustic musicians are welcome to join in with the band. Suggested donation is $5 for individuals or $10 for families. Info: 802-899-4686. Location: Jericho Community Center, Browns Trace. Web site: None.
Johnson - Northeast Heritage Music Camp: Held in mid-June, the NHMC offers a highly diverse musical experience. We're a fiddle camp, but you can also study fretted instruments like guitar, banjo, and mandolin, not to mention flute, whistle, piano, piano accordion, and voice. We started out with a focus on Québecois music, Cape Breton music, New England music and other northeastern styles, but we soon broadened our scope to include such other traditional music styles as Irish music, Scottish music, old-timey (Appalachian) music, and Swedish music. What's more, if you enjoy ensemble work, we offer band classes, singing classes, and choruses. Web site: http://www.northeastheritagemusiccamp.com.
Johnson - Northern Vermont University: A contra dance benefit to support a service trip by Northern Vermont University students to Grand Canyon National Park will be held 7 to 10 p.m. at Stearns Student Center Performance Space on NVU’s Johnson campus. A variety of musicians will perform. A group of students will spend the annual February break doing a service project at Grand Canyon National Park through the Badger Alternative Breaks program, coordinated by NVU-Johnson’s SERVE community service office. Tickets are $8, available only at the door. Web site: https://www.northernvermont.edu.
Lincoln - Historical Society Benefit Dance at Burnham Hall, 52 E River Rd in Lincoln Center. Admission: $8 ($5 for Lincoln residents and full time students). All are welcome! All proceeds to benefit the Lincoln Historical Society. Dance is from 8pm to 11pm. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/467621393331641/.
Manchester - Red Fox School Fundraiser: Spring Fling. Admission $12, kids are free. Dinner (extra cost) available. Silent auction. Event is from 3pm to 6pm at Earth Sky Time Community Farm, 1547 Main Street Manchester, VT. All proceeds benefit the RFCS Tuition Assistance Fund. Web site: https://redfoxschool.org/.
Marlboro - Marlboro College: Dance at Marlboro College, 2582 South Rd, Marlboro, Vermont 05344. Gender-neutral, beginner-friendly contra dance. Beginner lesson at 7:30pm, contra 8pm-10pm. Suggested donation $0-10 (pay if you can to support the band!). Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/337545006887527/.
Marshfield: Dance at The Barn of Vivien and Michael Fritz, 693 McCrillis Road from 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Suggested Donation Adults $10, children $5. For all levels, beginners welcome, suggested age for children 10 years and older. There will be child care provided at the library for a small fee. Questions? 802-426-3581. Web site: http://www.marshfield.lib.vt.us.
Middlebury - Haiti Benefit: Haiti Earthquake/Mercy Corps Benefit at Town Hall Theater. The benefit, organized by Bob Turdek of Lincoln, will feature two popular bands (Beginners welcome.) The suggested donation for the evening is $16. Tickets will be available at the door. For more information, call Bob Turdek at 453-3920. Web site: None.
Middlebury - 3rd Friday: Dances from 7pm to 10pm in the Municipal Gym in Middlebury. 3rd Fridays. Sponsored by the Teen Center. Contact 388-6356 or ejoselson@langrock.com Web site (but no information): http://www.addisonteens.com.
Middlebury - Middlebury College: Middlebury College Gender-Neutral Contra Dance (one-time event). Time: 7:30 Lesson 8:00-10:00 Dance. Location: Wilson Hall, McCullough Student Center, 14 Old Chapel Road, Middlebury College. Web site: None.
Middlebury - North Branch School Benefit: Annual North Branch School Auction, Dinner, and Contra Dance at the Town Hall Theater, Merchants Row. Phone: 802-388-3269. Event goes from 5:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m. Tickets: $20/adults, $15/students. Tickets are available at the Vermont Bookshop on Main Street, Middlebury, at the North Branch School, from North Branch families, or at the door. Web site: http://www.northbranchschool.org.
Middlebury - Vermont Folklife Center: Dance at 7:30pm at the Middlebury Municipal Gymnasium. Tickets are $7.00 at the door. The dance will be held in the gymnasium adjoining the Middelbury town offices. All dances will be taught. No partner or prior experience is necessary. All ages are welcome. Soft-soled, non-street shoes are required. This dance is part of a long local heritage of social dances, which offer an excellent way to meet new people. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/vermontfolklifecenter or http://www.vermontfolklifecenter.org/.
Middlebury - Rotary Fall Festival: A contra dance is one of the activities during this afternoon event. Admission is $10 for adults. Event (not the dance) runs from 2pm to 6pm on the outdoor lawn behind the College's Center for the Arts. Web site: http://www.middleburyrotary.org.
Monkton: The week-long Monkton Creates Community Celebration continues with a family potluck supper and community contra dance. Children's art depicting Monkton will be on display. Event is from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Monkton Central School, Monkton Vergennes Road. Pricing: $5. Information: 802-453-3795. Web site: None.
Montpelier - 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturdays: Dances at the Capitol City Grange Hall Northfield Road (Hwy. 12), Montpelier (1/2 mile south of Montpelier) on 1st, 3rd, 5th Saturdays -- 8 PM to 11 PM. Instruction session before each dance at 7:45 P.M. Admission is $10.00 for adults, $5.00 for kids or low-income, $15.00 for dance supporters–choose the right price for your budget! We suggest light, comfortable clothing, and bring a water bottle to refill at our water fountain/bottle filler. And please bring clean, soft-soled shoes! Newcomers always welcome! All dances taught. Please help us preserve our dance floor! Bring a pair of clean, soft-soled shoes, and change into them downstairs before joining the dance on the main floor. Presented by the Contradance Umbrella. Information: (802) 225-8921. Web site:http://capitalcitygrange.org/contradances.
Montpelier - 4th Saturday: Traditional New England dances are the focus of the continuing series of "Homegrown in the Tradition" dances. This series features New England callers who want to focus on the older dances that set the stage for the contra-dance revival which took place in the 1970s and beyond. The dances called have included contra-dance forms, square dances (or quadrilles), Sicilian Circles, reels and others. Another unique feature is the "The Homegrown Chestnuts", which consists mainly of dancers who had played little if at all in public before the formation of this band. The group has a mixture of players with classical training, by-ear folk players, old-timey musicians and the occasional punk-rocker. They say they really enjoy rehearsing together--as well as enjoying playing for dancers! Hearing a group of up to 12 musicians on the stage is a different sound, and a rich one for dancing. Beginners and experienced dancers are all welcome at this dance, and a good time is guaranteed for all! Dances are from 8:00pm to 11:00pm at the Capitol City Grange Hall Northfield Road (Hwy. 12), Montpelier (1/2 mile south of Montpelier). Information: Merry Kay Shernock - merrykays@yahoo.com - Web site: http://www.capitalcitygrange.org/taxonomy/term/7.
Montpelier - Family: Come to a Family-Friendly Contradance from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at the Capitol City Grange Hall Northfield Road (Hwy. 12), Montpelier (1/2 mile south of Montpelier). This is a fundraiser for the Grange. We are proud to be able to present this one-of-a-kind event for the whole family. The suggested donation for entire families is just $15; unaccompanied adults are $8. Refreshments will be available. For more info call Jody at 522-6171 or Kenric at 223-6347. Web site: None.
Montpelier - Farmer Emergency Fund: Vermont College of Fine Arts will host a Contra Dance from 7:30 -11:00pm, at the Vermont College of Fine Arts Gymnasium, located on corner of East State and College Street. Funds raised from admission to the contra dance will go to NOFA Vermont's Farmer Emergency Fund for organic farmers -- like Pete's Greens - whose farms have been adversely affected by natural and unnatural disasters, including fire, flood, damaged barns from snow weight, etc. The suggested admission donation is $10. Volunteers are needed for the day of the event. Those wishing to volunteer should contact Emily Boedecker at feb12contradance@gmail.com. The organizing committee is also seeking donations of cookies, brownies and other finger foods to be sold at the event. Linda Sproul, at lindasproul@comcast.net is coordinating food donations. There will also be a silent auction at the event; cash and checks will be accepted. Items can be donated to the Silent Auction by contacting Mary Welz at mary.welz@vermontcollege.edu - The contra dance is one of many events being organized in Central Vermont to help Pete and other farmers who face similar disasters. This is a family friendly event and all are welcome, including those new to contra dancing. The time and talent of the musicians, and the facilities at Vermont Collegeof Fine Arts, have all been donated to ensure that every possible dollar will go directly to support our farmers. On January 12, 2011, a fire broke out at Pete's Green Farm, destroyed the barn and its contents. Included in the losses were vegetable washing and processing equipment, walk in coolers and freezers, all the harvested crops, a tractor trailer freezer full of our chicken, beef and pork, tractors, and miscellaneous tools and equipment. Pete estimates his uninsured losses to be at $450,000. For more information about the event contact Mary Welz at 828-8555 or mary.welz@vermontcollege.edu. Web site: http://www.vermontcollege.edu.
Montpelier - Waltz: Waltz at Montpelier City Hall from 7:00pm to 10:00pm. Live orchestra, all ages, fancy dress optional. Free dance instruction from 7:00pm to 7:30pm. Silent auction, complimentary desserts, door prozes. Information: info@gmys-vt.org. Admission: $12, students and seniors $6, children under 5 are free. This is a benefit for the Green Mountain Youth Symphony. Web site: http://www.gmys-vt.org/.
Montpelier - Waltz - Workshop: Waltz workshop at Capitol City Grange Hall, Northfield Road (Route 12) from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. Admission, $15 (financial assistance available). Contact Gina Sonne at waltzlover at gmail dot com or 802 785-4220. Web site: None.
Montpelier - Montessori: Benefit dance for the Montessori School of Central Vermont from 2pm to 4pm at the Capitol City Grange Hall. Entry is $5 per person and $15 per family of any size!. Contact Tamatha Thomas-Haase at 802.882.8025 or johntamatha at aol dot com. Web site: None.
Montpelier - In Memory of Robert B. Russell, Jr.: Community Dance, Open Stage and Potluck at the Capital City Grange in Montpelier, sponsored by New Acadia Music and Dance in memory of Robert B. Russell, Jr. Dance from 3pm to 5:30pm and Potluck from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Open Stage from 6:45pm to 8pm. Contact Robin Russell 802-889-3246 or robin@newacadiafarm.com Web site: None.
Montpelier - Squares: Monthly Old Time Square Dance at the Lamb Abbey, 65 Pioneer St, just off of Barre St, near the intersection of Rt 2/River St. It is right next door to "The Source" auto shop. Dance begins at 7:00pm. $5 Suggested Donation. For more info contact, Jennifer Steckler 802.276.3839 or Lamb Abbey. Web site: http://www.thelambabbey.com.
Montpelier - Square Ball: A full day of squares at the Capitol Grange Hall in Montpelier from 9:30am to 11:00pm. $22.00 Full Event, $15.00 Day, $8.00 Evening Only. Questions: willmentor@earthlink.net. Presented by Will Mentor, Nils Fredland and the CDSS. Web site: None.
Montpelier - Special: Special dances on special days at the Capitol Grange Hall in Montpelier. Times and admission charges vary. Web site: http://capitalcitygrange.org.
Montpelier - Square Dance Calling Class: Class on 8 Tuesdays, from September 21, 2010. Register in advance. Date and time: Tuesdays 6:30pm-8:00pm. Location: Monteverdi/Summit School building, Barre Street. Web site: http://www.summit-school.org.
Montpelier - Summit School Benefit: Dance, silent auction and bake sale to benefit the Summit School of Traditional Music and Culture from 7pm to 10pm at the Capitol City Grange. Contact 802-917-1186 or music@summit-school.org. Web site: http://www.summit-school.org.
Montpelier - Calling for MUD: Benefit dance for The Montessori School of Central Vermont. Location: Capitol City Grange Hall, Northfield Road, Highway 12, Montpelier. Entry: $5 per person, $15 per family. Dance is from 2pm to 4pm. Come hungry, pasta dinner to follow, $6 per person. Please help us preserve the Grange's dance floor. Bring a pair of clean, soft-soled shoes for dancing. Contact Mercy at 802-223-3320 or info@mscvt.org - Web site: http://www.mscvt.org/contra-dance.
Montpelier - Washington County History Fair: Event, but not the dance, goes from 10:00am to 4:00pm at the Vermont Historical Society Museum located on State Street next to the State Capitol. Event is free. Contra dance is one of the activities (displays, demonstrations, lectures, workshops, music, dance). Web site: http://www.wcvths.org.
Montpelier - Guitar Workshop: Workshop from 3:30 - 5:30 Saturday. Fee $30 (separate concert and concert fee later in the evening) for reservations, information and/or directions, email hendrixfiddle@gmail.com or call Susan at 802 229 1403. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Attic-Series/286645557698.
Montpelier - Fiddle/Cello Workshop: Workshop at the Summit School, 46 Barre St., Montpelier, VT. Minimum of 7 students. Workshop is from 1pm to 4pm (different hours for different abilities) with a free contra dance from 4pm to 5pm for friends and family. Register online or call 802-917-1186. Price is $25. The workshop is open to fiddles and cellos. Web site: http://www.summit-school.org.
Montpelier - Squares - Black Door: Dance at the Black Door in Montpelier from 7pm to 9pm. E-mail: twinpond@gmail.com - Web site: http://www.blackdoorvt.com.
Montpelier - Swedish Dance Day: Spread the word! It’s official! We’re going to have what may be the first ever day of Swedish dance in Montpelier! Afternoon workshop from 3:30pm-5:30pm. Then there will be a potluck and an evening Gammaldans from 7:30-10:30pm (you’ll get to dance to your hearts content–hambo, schottis, waltz, snoa, polka, and more). Whether you’re a seasoned Swedish dancer, or completely new, we’d love to have you there. Web site: http://www.capitalcitygrange.org.
Montpelier - Midwinter Gathering: Join us for Northeast Heritage Music Camp's Midwinter Gathering from 4pm to ?? at the Capital City Grange, Route 12, Montpelier VT. Play, dance, socialize, concert, reunion, jam, potluck, dance. $15 admission. Web site: http://www.northeastheritagemusiccamp.com/.
Montpelier - Friends of the Capital City Grange: Dances, generally in support of the Friends of the Capital City Grange, at the Grange, 6612 VT Route 12, Berlin, VT 05602. Dances are on various days and times. Check site for details. Web site: http://capitalcitygrange.org.
Montpelier - Squares - Dare to Be Square: Dances from 7:30-10:30 p.m., American Legion Hall on Main Street in downtown Montpelier. $5 donation, cheap beer, fun atmosphere! Web site: None.
Montpelier - Summit School - Trad Camp for Kids: Week-long day-time program, mostly music, probably no contra/square dancing. Register in advance. Web site: http://summitschool.wix.com/summitschool#!trad-camp/cepc.
Montpelier - Honeymoon Dance Party: International folk dancing (7:00pm), zumba (7:30pm), sweet and savory potluck (8:00pm) (please bring a snack to share. We'll supply the beverages. No alcohol, please) and contra dancing (8:30pm to 10:30pm) to celebrate Annie and Moshe's marriage. Location: Capital City Grange, Montpelier. Bring clean, soft-soled shoes for dancing. Web site: None.
Montpelier - Contra Exchange: Dances on 2nd Saturdays at the Capital City Grange, 612 VT-12, Berlin, VT 05602 from 8pm to 11:30pm with contras and another type of dance each evening. $6-$12 sliding scale. Dessert potluck at the break. Info: contraexchange@gmail.com - Web site: http://www.contraexchange.org.
Montpelier - Spice and Snow Cajun and Od-Time Music Festival: The Summit School of Traditional Music and Culture hosts a weekend music festival in the middle of winter. Web site: http://summitschool.wix.com.
Montpelier - Scandinavian: Event at the Capital City Grange with a slängpolska workshop from 12:30pm–3:00pm and a dance (featuring slängpolska, schottis, vals) 3:00pm–4:00pm. Make a day of it! Join us for a fiddle workshop afterward (see below), a potluck at the Grange, and the evening contradance where you'll get another brief chance to practice your new moves. Web site: http://www.montaguescandia.org/.
Montpelier - Dance, Sing and Jump Around: From 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm at the Capital City Grange, 6612 Vermont 12, Berlin, VT 05602. Dance, Sing, and Jump Around! -an intergenerational fun afternoon; a lively time for folks of all ages -circle and line dances and singing games, all taught and called -snacks! live music! Suggested donation: $5 for adults; FREE for kids. For more info: 802-223-1509 - Web site: https://dancesingandjumparound.weebly.com/.
Newbury - Alumni Gathering Annual Newbury High School Alumni gathering including dancing: 8-10pm, at the Newbury Town Hall, on the common, just off US Route 5. The public is invited to attend, and donations are accepted. The same type of dances done in West Newbury and Wentworth, i.e. singing squares and others. For more information, call (802) 484-7719 or adamrboyce@juno.com - Web site: None.
North Bennington - Village School: The Village School of North Bennington is hosting a Community Contra Dance from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the school gym, located at 9 School St. This event is open to dancers of all ages and levels of experience, including beginners (beginners - both adults and children - are especially encouraged). Admission is free and there will be refreshments. Web site: https://vsnb.org.
Norwich - Community Dances: Everyone is welcome to dance on most 2nd and 4th Saturdays at Tracy Hall, 300 Main Street. Beginner session at 7:15pm. Main dance from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. No partner or experience necessary. Please bring soft-soled shoes for dancing. Regular admission: $12; $8 for students; under 16 free. Potluck munchies at the break. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/NorwichContraDance/.
Norwich - Community Dances - New Year's Eve: Dance at Tracy Hall, 300 Main Street on New Year's Eve. Adults $15, students $9, under 16 free; additional contributions welcomed to help make 2018 financially strong for this dance series. Beginners' session at 7:45pm. Dancing from 8pm to midnight. This is a smoke-free and alcohol-free event. All dances are taught, no partner is necessary, and beginners are welcome! Web site: https://www.facebook.com/NorwichContraDance/.
Norwich - Hot Dance for a Cold Night: Every once and a while annual dance for experienced dancers at Tracy Hall, 300 Main Street in mid-winter. Admission charge is $8. Web site: None.
Norwich - Family - Marion Cross - Mud Stomp: Dance is from 5pm to 6:30pm. Annual family dance at the Marion Cross School. Open to parents, children, and anyone else who enjoys lively, simple dances. For more information: Becky French - becky.french@hanovernorwichschools.org - Marion Cross Elementary School, Church Street, Norwich, VT. Web site: http://www.marioncross.org or https://davidmillstonedance.com.
Norwich - Fiddle Workshop: With Lissa Schneckenburger at the Norwich Congregational Church. All levels of Experience Welcome. $20 fee. 3pm-5pm if fewer than 20 participants; 1pm-5pm if more. 1pm-3pm beginner/intermediate workshop; 3pm-5pm advanced workshop. 5:15pm potluck supper. 6pm-7:30pm: Jam with Lissa and students. Web site: http://www.revelsnorth.org/.
Norwich - Special Needs Support Center Fundraiser: Dance from 7-9:30pm at Tracy Hall in Norwich, VT. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children, $20 for a family. Web site: http://www.snsc-uv.org.
Norwich - Strawberry Shortcake Soiree: Location: Tracy Hall, 300 Main St, Norwich, Vermont 05055 from 2pm to 6pm. From 2pm to 3pm - couple dancing (no instruction). 3pm to 4:30pm-ish - English country dancing, followed by caller's choice until 6pm of contras, squares, and more. Strawberry shortcake and punch at the break. Info: Amy at acann@putneyschool.org or 802-222-7598. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/940382625984637/.
Norwich - Special Dances: Dances at Tracy Hall, 300 Main Street on various dates and times. Web site: None.
Norwich - Transylvanian-Hungarian/Contra: In Norwich, a series of events will take place that will encourage an exciting cross-cultural exchange through dance. These events are organized by Upper Valley International Folk Dance/Muskeg Music. 2:00-5:00 p.m. Two-part workshop: 1) Workshop in Transylvanian dance, with live music. 2) New England contra dance, called by David Millstone. Contra band: members of Blind Squirrel. Cost: $15. Venue: UU Congregation of the Upper Valley, 320 Rte. 5 South, Norwich, VT. All welcome! 5:00-6:30 p.m. Potluck for workshop and contra dance attenders and local homestay hosts. UU Congregation of the Upper Valley, 320 Rte. 5 South, Norwich, VT. 7:30 p.m. Performance by Vadrózsák Néptánccsoport at Marion Cross School, 22 Church St., Norwich, VT. Cost: $10/adult. All welcome! For more information, please contact Melissa at goodwood@vermontel.net, or hutslarjan@gmail.com. A promotional video of the dance troupe can be viewed at https://drive.google.com/open?id=18r1sRyB8N0vZm4p6mOsYOYMDbnuTRAV_ - Web site: https://www.facebook.com/uppervalleyfolkdance/.
Peacham: Dance at the Peacham Town Gym, over the Town Hall, 79 Church Street. All dances taught - beginners are welcome! Dance is from 7:30pm to 11:00pm. Contact Frank Miller at 802 592 3140 for more information. Web site: None.
Peacham - Acoustic Music Festival: Two-day festival held in mid-August with a contra dance on Friday night. Also includes music performances, craft fair, band scramble. Web site: http://www.pamfest.com/.
Peacham - Independence Day: We are starting the Independence Day celebration in Peacham with a contra dance from 7:30 - 10:00ish. The dance will take place at the Peacham Town Gym - 79 Church St. - over the Post Office in beautiful downtown Peacham. The first half hour will be an instructional time for new dancers. All ages and levels of dance experience welcome! Each dance is taught with clear step by step instructions. Bring a partner, come alone or bring the whole family! Free (however, donations are gratefully accepted). Web site: None.
Peacham - New Year’s Day: Contra Dance: Part of First Night North’s New Year’s Eve festival of the arts. Co-sponsored by the Peacham Acoustic Music Festival. Time: 6 to 9 pm. Admission by First Night North button and/or donation. Information: Frank Miller frank.miller@charter.net Website: http://www.FirstNightNorth.org .
Plainfield - Squares - Mad Pie Hoedown: Dance is from 7:00pm to 10:30pm at the Plainfield Community Center (above Plainfield Coop). Join us for some foot-stomping good fun with live music. During the set break we'll be auctioning off pies!!! featuring Phinn the fantastic auctioneer!! This is a fundraiser for the Village-building Convergence. All donations go to VbC to learn more go to www.vbc-vt.org. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/events/311508602245253/.
Plainfield - Twinfield Union School: Potluck supper and square dance at the Twinfield Union School at 106 Naismith Brook Road in Plainfield from 4pm to 8pm. Information: 4+ potluck 5+ dance Sarah Vecci 802-454-1117 or sarahvecci@twinfield.net - Web site: None.
Plainfield - Goddard College: Contra Dance from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Haybarn Theatre at Goddard College, 123 Pitkin Road Plainfield, VT. Time for students and community members to dance the night away! The public is invited to attend our contra dance during the Education program residency. Free event. For more information, please contact 802.322.1624 - Web site: http://www.goddard.edu.
Plainfield - Dance, Sing and Jump Around: From 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm at the Plainfield Town Hall Opera House. We are excited about starting this new quarterly inter-generational dance in the area. Dance, Sing, and Jump Around! -an intergenerational fun afternoon; a lively time for folks of all ages -circle and line dances and singing games, all taught and called -snacks! live music! Suggested donation: $5 for adults; FREE for kids. Info: merrykays@yahoo.com lizbenjamin64@gmail.com - Web site: None.
Plainfield - Town Hall: There will be a family contra dance with live traditional music from 3 – 4:30 p.m. at the Plainfield Town Hall. Web site: None.
Poultney - Green Mountain College: Dance from 9pm-12am. We will also be raffling off a weekend ticket to dance flurry to raise money for our club. $5 for one ticket or $20 for 5 tickets. Students dance for free (no matter what school or what grade) $5 for all non-student community members. Web site: http://www.greenmtn.edu/default.aspx.
Poultney - Stone Valley Arts: Dance at Stone Valley Arts at Fox Hill, 145 E. Main St., Poultney VT from 4pm to 6pm. Suggested donation $5 per person / $10 per family. Potluck to follow. Please bring a dish to share if you plan to stay. All dances are taught. Recommended: comfortable footwear that won't mark up a wooden dance floor. And a water bottle! Everyone welcome! Questions? Contact Pamela Burlingame: pjbgame@gmail.com - Web site: http://www.stonevalleyarts.org.
Putney - Harvest Festival: Early October weekend festival of different events (including a contra dance) at The Putney School, Elm Lea Farm, 418 Houghton Brook Road. Silent auction, cider pressing, games and races, international food, farm and garden stand, community booths, midway activities for the kids, and more. No admission or parking fee. Information: Alison Frye, 802-387-6273. Web site: http://www.putneyschool.org.
Putney - Scandinavian: Norwegian dancing at the Putney Cares Barn, 54 Kimball Hill Road, Putney, Vermont. Dance at 7:30-10:30. Warm-up/refresher workshop at 6:30. For more info: Annamarie 802-451-1941 or email. Web site: https://sites.google.com/site/scandianewyork/.
Putney - The Grammar School: Dance off that cabin fever with a Family Contra Dance at The Grammar School in Putney from 6:30-8:30 pm! All ages are welcome to join us for this (no experience necessary) night of family fun! The event will be held in the auditorium of our main building, 69 Hickory Ridge Rd S, Putney, Vermont 05346, and admission is free. Please feel free to call with any questions (802) 387-5364. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/tgsputney/.
Peterborough - The Dancingmaster of Canterbury: The Dancingmaster is a whimsical musical portrait of the legendary contra dance caller, Dudley Laufman. The Dancingmaster tells his story in his own words, adapted by composer Lawrence Siegel from his interview with Dudley in 2011. The character “Dudley” is played by the great traditional musician, Keith Murphy. Becky Tracy and Larry Siegel provide the musical accompaniment. Mary DesRosiers, a dancingmaster in her own right, creates original choreography performed by a group of traditional dancers from the Monadnock Region of New Hampshire. 7:00pm at the Next Stage in Putney. General Admission: $20 in advance, $24 at the door. Web site: http://www.monadnockfolk.org/.
Putney - Legacy Putney: Contra dance as part of the Legacy Putney series of events. Dance is at Next Stage 15 Kimball Hill, Putney, VT 05346 from 6pm to 9pm. Web site: http://nextstagearts.org.
Randolph - New World Festival: An all-day, all-weather festival of Celtic and French Canadian music and dance performed on five stages simultaneously in historic Chandler Music Hall and in other all-weather facilities. Held the day before Labor Day (U.S.) in September. About 100 musicians and folk dancers from Northern New England, Canada, and the British Isles will perform. Web site: http://www.newworldfestival.com/.
Randolph - Central Vermont Chamber Music Festival: Despite the name, a contra dance is one of the events for this series of events in late August. Web site: http://www.centralvtchambermusicfest.org/.
Randolph - Arts Bus Fundraiser: The Arts Bus is hosting a Community Dance in Randolph Center – a mixture of Squares and Contradances for all ages. Location: Chandler Center for the Arts, 71-73 Main St • Randolph, VT 05060. Admission is by donation. Suggested donation $9.00. All donations to Arts Bus, Inc. are tax deductible. Refreshments sales to benefit the Arts Bus. All ages and abilities are welcome. No partner is needed. Please bring an extra pair of soft-soled shoes for dancing. Sponsored by Chandler Center for the Arts and Arts Bus, Inc. Contact Robin at (802) 889-3246. Web site: http://artsbusvt.org/.
Randolph - Chandler Cultural Center: Dance at the Chandler Cultural Center, Esther Mesh room from 6:30 – 9:00 PM. Beginner's workshop 6:30-7pm. Admission: $7; families $20, under 10 free. More info: rec@randolphvt.org - Web site: None.
Randolph - Mountain Club: Dance at the Randolph Town Hall, 130 Durand Rd, Randolph, New Hampshire 03593 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm. We will do squares and contras, with all dances taught. Beginners, couples, singles, all are encouraged to come! $8 admission at the door, with family max of $20, and children 14 and under for free. FMI, call Jenn at (603) 631-0870. Web site: http://www.randolphmountainclub.org.
Richmond - Celtic New Year: New Year's Eve (afternoon and evening) music celebration (with some dancing). Web site: http://www.acelticnewyear.org/.
Ripton: Traditional New England community dance for the whole family. No experience or partner necessary. Bring soft-soled shoes and plenty of enthusiasm. Refreshments for sale. Location: 1305 Vermont 125, Ripton, Vt. Time: 7pm to 10pm. Sponsored by Friends of the Ripton Community Church for the Ripton Community Church Bell Tower Restoration. Tickets at the door, in advance: $10.00 /$5 Seniors, Kids under 12. Questions or to purchase advance sale tickets please contact Lisa Knickerbocker 388-1062 or lmk88keys@gmail.com - Web site: None.
Rochester - Swing Into Spring: Dance is part of this day-long celebration in early May. A Community Celebration with Music, Dance, Drama, Food, Flowers and Fun at Pierce Hall and on the Rochester Park from 2pm to 9:30pm. Dance is from 7:00pm to 9:30pm. Admission for dance: Adults $8.00; Kids & Students $5.00; Family $20.00. more information call 802-767-9100. Web site: http://wrvp.blogspot.com/.
Rochester - VT: Summer series of dances on 3rd Thursdays from 7:00pm to 10:00pm at Pierce Hall, 38 Main Street, Rochester, VT. Sliding scale admission - $5-$10. If the price is a deterrent for you, talk with Aaron Marcus about volunteering. Web site: None.
Rupert - Merck Forest: Join us to celebrate the bounty of the harvest season! We’ll have a day of fun activities on the farm, including a contra dance at 3pm in the Saphouse. ($3 suggested donation per person includes admission to the ContraDance.) Location: Merck Forest and Farmland, 3270 Route 315, Rupert, Vermont 05768. Web site: https://www.merckforest.org.
Rutland - Evening of French Music and American Dance: Combined concert and contra dance from 7:00pm to 9:30pm at Grace Congregational Church on Court Street. Cost $10. For more information, Mary Barron at (802) 773-0095 or marylbarron@gmail.com. Web site: http://www.houseblend.org/.
Rutland - Attempting The World's Longest Contra Dance Line: Pretty self-explanatory. Location: The College of St. Joseph. Outside record attempt in the afternoon. Potluck, then an evening dance. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Attempting-The-Worlds-Longest-Contra-Dance-Line/1405616956326045.
Rutland - HEAL Benefit: There is a benefit contra dance happening in Rutland from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at Grace Church in the Fellowship Hall (8 Court St. in Rutland). Proceeds benefit the HEAL trip to Kenya. Donation: $8/ $30 maximum per family. There will also be food available. Web site: None.
Ryegate: Family dance at the Ryegate Town Hall from 6pm to 8pm. Web site: None.
Ryegate - 250th Anniversary: Dance is part of the Ryegate 250th celebration. Location: Ryegate Town House, 128 Witherspoon Road, Ryegate, Vermont from 6pm to 9pm. All levels of dance experience welcome! Beginners and those with young families are especially encouraged to give this exciting traditional dance style a try. Each dance is taught with clear step by step instructions. Web site: http://www.ryegatevt.org/.
Saxtons River - Main Street Arts: Contra and square dance at Main Street Arts, 32 Main St. Saxtons River, Vermont 05154, beginning at 7:30 p.m. All dances will be taught. Experienced and beginner dancers are welcome. Suggested admission fee is $7. Web site: http://mainstreetarts.org/.
Saxtons River - Caribbean Contradance: Main Street Arts presents these dances - Follow the drummer's calls to learn contra-like dances infused with Caribbean moves from the island of Martinique from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Chivers Center on the Vermont Academy Campus, Saxtons River, Vermont. Admission: in advance $8 member / $10 non-members and at the door $14 members / $17 non-members. Web site: http://www.monadnockfolk.org.
Saxtons River - CASP: Barn Dance and potluck at 5pm at Mary Hepburn's barn, 27 Pleasant St., Saxtons River to benefit Community Asylum Seekers Project (caspvt.org/). Web site: None.
Shelburne - Family Dance and Contra Dance: at the Town Hall in Shelburne. Family Dance 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Contra Dance from 7:45pm to 9pm. Contact 802-985-1124. Web site: None.
Shelburne - Guitar Workshop: With Keith Murphy from 3pm to 5pm at 338 Thompson Road in Shelburne. Contact 802-985-1124 or JJames@cssu.org - Web site: None.
Shelburne - Fiddle Workshop>: With Becky Tracy from 2pm to 4pm. For reservations and info contact Joplin James - jjames@cssu.org - Web site: None.
Shelburne - Young Trad Camp: Annual Trad Camp sponsored by Young Tradition Vermont, being held at the Lake Champlain Waldorf School at 359 Turtle Lane in Shelburne, Vermont. At Trad Camp kids ages 7 – 18 learn traditional dance, music and song from local teachers and performers. Attendance will be limited to 50 campers. We have enrollment targets of 20 campers confirmed by March 1st, 30 by April 1st, 40 by May 1st and 50 by June 1st. Tuition will be $225 for the week. Please let us know if you're planning to attend. Program, registration, payment and deposit information to come. It would be very helpful if potential campers could fill out the simple preliminary registration form here. Visit here for more information about the Lake Champlain Waldorf School. Web site: http://youngtraditionvermont.org/.
Shelburne - Shelburne Museum: Dance as part of the opening celebration for the Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education. Location: 6000 Shelburne Road, Shelburne, VT. Web site: http://shelburnemuseum.org.
Sheldon - Janie's Jumpstart Fiddle Styles and Clawhammer Banjo Weekend Camp: Classes will be held for Intermediate-Advanced Fiddlers and Novice-Intermediate Clawhammer Banjo Players with a focus on technique and musicality to get your playing to the next level! Also mini classes in singing and Cape Breton Dancing! Maximum 8 students per instructor. Web site: http://www.janiesjumpstart.com.
South Burlington - Family Dance - Schoolhouse Learning Center: Dance at the Schoolhouse Learning Center, 8 Catkin Drive, South Burlington, VT, off of Midland and Dorset Street from 3pm to 4:30pm. $15 cap for families, $8 per adult; youths under 12 free; 12-18 any donation. $12 family and $6 adult for Schoolhouse Learning Center enrolled families. Web site: http://woodburystrings.com/.
South Hero: Dance at the Folsom Educational Center/Community Library, 75 South Street at 6pm. Presented by the South Hero Public Library. Contact mrksustc@together.net 75 South Street. Web site: http://southherocommunitylibrary.blogspot.com/.
South Royalton - Benefit for the Wellspring Waldorf School: Chef-Prepared Irish dinner 5:30-9:00pm; Family Dance 6:30-7:30; Regular Contras 7:30-10:30. Soft-soled clean shoes please. Event at the Royalton Academy on Rte 14. Dinner Info: Ann: annemc@sover.net - Dance info: Sharon.spiegel@gmail.com - Web site: wellspringwaldorfschool.org.
South Royalton - BALE Fest: Dance is part of BALE Fest: A Celebration of All Things Local on the Green. Dance is from 7pm to 9:30pm at the Red Door Church in South Royalton. Info: info@thinkbale.org or 802-498-8438. Web site: None.
South Stafford - Waltz: Sunday from 2pm to 4pm at Barrett Hall, Route 132. Social waltzing, casual instruction. Wear clean shoes. Drinks or munchies for the break would be welcome. Contact Gina Sonne at 802-785-4220 or waltzlover AT gmail.com for more information. Web site: None.
South Woodstock - Community Hoedown: Dancing for all! Contras, squares, longways, circles, lots of fun. 7:00pm to 9:30pm at the Kedron Valley Inn, 4778 S Rd, South Woodstock, VT 05071. Web site: https://www.kedronvalleyinn.com.
St. Albans: Dance at the Saint Albans Museum, Bliss Room Hall (3rd floor), 9 Church Street, St. Albans, VT from 7:30pm to 10:30pm. Beginners’ intro session at 7:00 pm Admission: Adults: $10; Reduced Youth Fare; Under 12 free. All dances will be taught. Experience not required - Partners not required. Bring clean soft-soled shoes (running shoes OK). No alcohol at the dance. Lots fun, exercise, great music, and socializing. For more info: E-Mail: EasyDancing@cs.com - Web site: None.
Starksboro: The Five Town Contra Dances 4th Saturday Contradance. $6 admission. Newcomers welcome. All dances taught. Please wear soft-soled shoes. Information: 453-4613. Dance is at the Starksboro Town Hall, Route 116. Web site: None.
Starksboro - Hand in Hand Barndance: Benefit Dance from 6pm to 9:30pm at the Sentinel Farms Barn in Starksboro (States Prison Farm Road and Route 116). All proceeds go to food and housing for Haitian orphans. Contact Kanga 610-724-1720. Web site: None.
Starksboro - Northeast Heritage Music Camp: Held in mid-June, the NHMC offers a highly diverse musical experience. We're a fiddle camp, but you can also study fretted instruments like guitar, banjo, and mandolin, not to mention flute, whistle, piano, piano accordion, and voice. We started out with a focus on Québecois music, Cape Breton music, New England music and other northeastern styles, but we soon broadened our scope to include such other traditional music styles as Irish music, Scottish music, old-timey (Appalachian) music, and Swedish music. What's more, if you enjoy ensemble work, we offer band classes, singing classes, and choruses. Web site: http://www.northeastheritagemusiccamp.com.
Stowe - Land Trust Benefit: Dance from 4pm to 6pm at Sterling Valley in Stowe. Benefit for the Stowe Land Trust. Contact mrksustc@together.net. Web site: http://www.stowelandtrust.org/.
Thetford - Waltz: Open waltzing at the Rice's Mills Community Association Building in Thetford Center at the corner of Route 132 & Tucker Hill Rd with waltzes and mixers. Admission: $6. Contact: Gina Sonne at WALTZLOVER at GMAIL dot COM. Telephone: 802-785-4220. Web site: None.
Tinmouth: Dances on the 3rd Friday of the month from 8:00pm to 11:00pm at the Tinmouth Community Center, 573 Route 140. Admission is $10 general admission, $12 generous admission, and kids under 12 are free! For more information e-mail tinmouthdance@gmail.com or call 802-446-2928. Web site: http://tinmouthcontradance.org/.
Tinmouth - Solarfest: SolarFest, a weekend festival in July, blends art, education, and grassroots activism to inspire the conservation of Earth's limited resources, to promote renewable energy, and to support the creation of sustainable communities. It has entertainment including a contra dance. Web site: http://www.solarfest.org/.
Tunbridge: We host monthly dances. Everyone is welcome. Come to dance, watch and listen, or visit! All dances are taught. Dance is from 7:30pm - 10:30pm. Please wear soft soled shoes. Dress comfortably! Old time contra dance is an easy style of dance for beginners. If you find modern contra dancing a bit too fast or too overwhelming, then give old time contra dancing a try. After a little practice with us, you may find modern contra dancing easier. Most dances are held at the Tunbridge Town Hall on Rt. 110 in Tunbridge, Vermont. Watch for our special dance held annually at Damon Hall at 3-Corners on Rt. 5 in Hartland, Vt. Contact Clyde Jenne 802-436-1152 or 802-436-2444 or clydo46@gmail.com - Web site: None.
Tunbridge - World's Fair: Multi-day agricultural fair held in mid-September which features performances by the Ed Larkin Dancers and other groups. Web site: http://www.tunbridgeworldsfair.com/.
Tunbridge - Traditional Music & Dance Weekend: Held in late August at New Acadia Farm. Includes a wide range of activities, not just music and dance. Register in advance. Web site: http://www.newacadiafarm.com/.
Tunbridge - Vermont History Expo: The Expo is down-home fun whether you are 8 or 88! Let us take you back to the days of small Vermont hill farms, rural country stores, horses and buggies, homespun clothes and hearthside stories. Nearly 150 history and heritage organizations offer fascinating exhibits sharing community history from all over the state. Artists, artisans, musicians, authors, crafters, and genealogists complete this history-filled heritage extravaganza! See you at the Tunbridge World Fairgrounds in Tunbridge, Vermont. Includes contra dance demonstrations with the opportunity to participate. Web site: http://vermonthistory.org.
Vergennes - French Heritage Day: Don't miss this free, educational fun-filled family day! Includes a wide variety of activities plus square dancing. Held in mid-July. Web site: http://www.addisoncounty.com/pages/event.asp?content=frenchheritageday.
Waitsfield: Lasagna Dinner and Community Contra Dance from 3:30pm to 6:30pm at the Waitsfield Elementary School in Waitsfield. Benefits the Afterschool Program. Web site: None.
Wallingford - Benefit: Dance from 6:30pm-9:30pm to benefit the PTO Playground Committee. The dance will be held at the Wallingford Elementary School, 126 School Street. and include a pie auction. Cost is $5/person and $15 per family. Dancing from 6:30pm o 7:50pm with the pie auction beginning at 8:00pm. Contact Jane Campbell at 802-446-2141 or jcampbell@rssu.org for more information. Web site: None.
Warren - Town Hall: Dance at the Warren Town Hall, 42 Cemetery Road, Warren. Dance is from 6pm to 9pm. Web site: http://www.reddogriley.com.
Waterville: Family Contra Dance from 7pm to 9pm at the Waterville Town Hall in Waterville. Presented by the Cambridge Arts Council. Contact mrksustc@together.net. Web site: http://www.artsfestvt.com.
Weathersfield: Dances at the Weathersfield Center (VT) Meetinghouse. 7:30 pm - $8 or family donation. Info call George Ainley 802.263.5217 (tel:802.263.5217). Web site: None.
Weathersfield - Town Hall: Dance at the Weathersfield Town Hall (official address is Weathersfield Town Office, 5259 US-5, Ascutney, VT 05030) at 7:30pm. Web site: None.
West Newbury - Squares: Dances are held at the Community Hall on Tyler Farm Road starting at 7:30pm. Admission is by donation with all ages and abilities welcome. The dances include the old singing squares (Eastern style, barn dance style), along with things like Virginia Reel, Portland Fancy, Paul Jones, as well as slow waltzes, polkas, foxtrots, and others. For more information: 802-429-2316 or e-mail: adamrboyce@juno.com Web site: None.
West Thornton - Sugar on Snow Party: Once again it is sugaring season and time for the annual West Thornton Grange Sugar on Snow Party. Location: Thornton Central School on Route 175. Serving of the SOS starts at 7 so don't eat dessert. All the usual fixin's. Brad Benton does a great job of cooking down the syrup and serving it up. Dancing will begin at 8 (if we can manage it!) and continue till about 10. Sit-in musicians are most welcome to help fill out the sound. Plenty of room on that stage but, unfortunately, no piano. Sure would like to see you folks come and have a good time. Lots of local folks there for sure but don't let that scare you off. Price is $8 for adult, $4 for kids.
West Townshend - Benefit for Country Store: Potluck at 6:30pm, dance at 7:30pm at the store on Route 30. Benefit to keep the building open. Donations welcome. Contact: 802-874-7141. Web site: None.
West Windsor - Squares: The West Windsor Historical Society will sponsor "Spring Fling," an evening of old time New England dance hall music at Story Memorial Hall in Brownsville, from 7-9pm. Dancing dependent on whether sufficient people show up to dance. Admission is by donation, and all proceeds benefit the West Windsor Historical Society. Contact Adam Boyce for more information: (802) 484-7719 or adamrboyce@juno.com - Web site: None.
West Windsor - Brownsville: Square dance in West Windsor, VT, in the village of Brownsville, starting around 7pm at Story Memorial Hall (the town hall) in Brownsville, 22 Brownsville-Hartland RD, at the intersection with VT Route 44. This is open to the public, and I expect some sort of donation/admission will be charged. More information: adamrboyce@juno.com - Web site: None.
Westford: Dance at the Westford School in Westford from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Web site: None.
Westmore: Community Dance at Fellowship Hall (corner of Route 5A with Hinton Hill Road) from 6:30pm to 9pm. Join your neighbors and friends at the Fellowship Hall with this classic form of group dancing, including traditional squares, contras, couple dances, and more. Bring a change of clean, soft-soled shoes to change into at the hall to avoid tracking grit onto the floor - and a snack to share at the break. Admission is $8 for most folks, free for those under age 16 and by contribution for senior citizens. All dances taught, no need to come with a partner, newcomers and beginners welcome. Sponsored by the Westmore Association. For more information, contact Martha McDaniel at 802-525-4798 or mcdaniel_martha@yahoo.com. Web site: None.
Weston - Youth Dance Weekend: YDW is an awesome weekend (late September) of dancing, singing, playing music, hanging out, meeting people from near and far, and more dancing at the Kinhaven Music School. YDW is open to participants ages 18 and up, and is focused on encouraging youth participation and leadership in the dance and music community. Web site: http://www.youthdanceweekend.org/index.html.
White River Junction - Waltz: Open waltzing, mixers and casual instruction at the TipTop Building, Stuido 260, Main Street. Admission: $6. Contact: Gina Sonne at WALTZLOVER at GMAIL dot COM. Telephone: 802-785-4220. Web site: None.
White River Junction - Dance Organizers: CDSS Outreach Notes by Linda Henry, Outreach Manager. Announcing... an upcoming leadership event co-sponsored by CDSS! Puttin' on the Dance: A Conference for Northeast Dance Organizers will happen on November 11-13, 2011 in White River Junction, VT. If you organize any English or American dance series (contra, square, English country, community, family, etc.) in the northeastern U.S. or Canada, join us for this rare and exciting opportunity. Meet with peers, share ideas, learn new skills, dance, have fun, be organizer geeks, and more! For more information: Contact Chrissy Fowler (ME), Delia Clark (VT), Linda Henry (MA): NEDanceOrgs@gmail.com - And if you need support for a music and/or dance event or project, CDSS can help! See our Outreach Funds page to apply for a grant. The next deadline is April 1. Contact Linda Henry for logistical support and advice: linda@cdss.org or 413-268-7426 x 105. Web site: http://www.puttinonthedance.org/.
White River Junction - Family: Family dances sponsored by Revels North and Listen Community Services. Dances are at Listen Community Dinner Hall, 42 Maple Street, White River Junction, VT, 05001 from 6:30pm to 8pm (check site to confirm). No experience necessary! No admission, donations gratefully accepted. Web site: http://revelsnorth.org.
Wilmington: An evening of community contra and square dances. Beginning and experienced dancers are both encouraged to attend. The program will include traditional New England contra dances, square dances, circle mixers, and couple dances. All the dances will be taught with a brief and helpful 'walk through'. Come to dance, visit with friends, enjoy this beautiful old hall and celebrate downtown Wilmington. This event is an opportunity for families and friends to come together to enjoy one of New England's revered traditional pastimes. Admission is by donation. For more information or directions to the hall contact Carlotta Giddings at Historic Memorial Hall, 464-2892. Web site: None.
Wilmington - The Bachelor: An early scoop on a special Contra Dance event. The Bachelor is filming a Contra Dance at Memorial Hall in Wilmington VT. Free admission for the first 50 folks. Timing TBD; you'll need to not wear logos/slogans, sign a release, etc. Not a joke; only in Vermont. Web site: None.
Wilmington - Wings Charitable Foundation: The Wings Charitable Foundation is hosting a community contra dance at 6:30 pm, at Memorial Hall, 14 West Main Street. All dances will be taught and all ages are welcome to this community dance. The evening will also include performances at intermission by Wings dance troupes and guest musicians. There will be crafts for kids, and refreshments available by donation. The suggested donation for admission is $8 per person or $20 per family, and will benefit Wings Community programming. For more information contact Andy Hauty at (802) 368-0000. Web site: http://www.wingscommunityprograms.com/.
Winooski - O'Brien Community Center: Community contra dances from 7:30 PM – 11 PM at the O'Brien Community Center, 32 Malletts Bay Ave, Winooski, Vermont 05404. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., a short beginners’ session will be held at 7:45, and the dance will start at 8:00. Admission is by donation; suggested range is $5 to $15 per person. Refreshments will be available at low prices. Web site: https://www.facebook.com/pg/QueenCityContras.
Winooski: Square Dance with from 4pm to 7pm at the Monkey Bar in Winooski. Contact willmentor@earthlink.net. Web site: None.
Woodstock - Squares - Shir Shalom: Evening starting with a pizza supper at 5:30 pm, with dancing to begin at 6:30 pm. If you want to eat and dance, the price is $15 per person or $30 per family. However, if you just want to come and dance, the price is $10/each. Hopefully, folks won't be quite so scared off by the price as they were last year. The space is quite large, with nice wooden floors to dance on! Shir Shalom is on US Route 4, just west of the Woodstock Union High School...look for the sign on the right hand side, heading west. Web site: http://www.woodstockvtjewish.org.
Worcester: Irish Ceili and Contra Dance from 7pm to 9:30pm at the Worcester Town Hall. Ceili from 7pm to 8pm with step dancing, Irish songs and Ceili dancing. Part of a Benefit Dance Series for the Worcester Town Hall. Collecting non-perishable items for the Worcester Food Shelf. Contact 802-229-9468. Web site: None.
Worcester - Carolan Festival: Day long celebration of Turlough O'Carolan including jamming, workshops and dancing. Event is held at Mallory Farm in late June. Web site: http://www.carolanfestivalworcestervt.com/ or http://carolanfestvt.webs.com/.
Worcester - 1st Friday: Dances at the Worcester Town Hall, Route 12. Cost $5 per person, $8-$12 per family (sliding fee scale). This is a not for profit event and the admission charge is to cover the rental fee of the Town Hall. Supper (veggie soup and bread) provided from 5:30pm-6:30pm, family dance from 6:30pm-8:00pm, dessert, tea and snacks at 8:00pm and different events from 8:30pm-10:00pm. Contact Michael Travis (802) 229-0173. Web site: None.
This page is part of the Contrdancelinks.com web site. For more information about contra dancing, visit these other site pages:
*The Colorado link will bring you to Dancing on the Web. The Maine link will bring you to the Downeast Friends of the Folk Arts. The New Mexico link will bring you to the New Mexico Folk Music and Dance Society. The Utah link will bring you to Utah Contradance Information. These fine organizations and individuals already have complete listings for these states and there is no reason for me to duplicate their efforts.
**As far as I know, there are no regular dances or events in Mississippi, South Dakota or Wyoming, but I have created pages if something changes in the future.