WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The North Berkshire Contra Dance will hold its monthly community contra dance on Saturday, Dec. 14, with live fiddle music, and all dances taught by caller Maggie McRae.

 

Contra dancing is contemporary based in a living tradition; some of the dances are hundreds of years old, some are recently composed, all are an enjoyable social activity on a cold winter's evening. New dancers and families with children are encouraged to arrive by 7:30 for instruction in the basics.

 

Maggie McRae will call (teach) all the dances. Music will be provided by three out of Four Musicians Walked into Thirty-Two Bars, a band of life-long musicans who enjoy playing traditional New England tunes. The three musicians are George Wilson and Rebeccah Weiss on fiddle, with Becky Hollingsworth on piano.

 

The dance will run 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. in the Community Hall of the First Congregational Church, 906 Main St., Williamstown. Admission is pay-as-you-can, $12 - $20 suggested, and barter (especially help with cleanup) is also welcome.  Visit www.NorthBerkshireDance.org for more information.

 

Covid Policy: Stay home if you feel ill or have cold symptoms.  Masks appreciated but not required. Be aware that contradance isn't made to social distance, as whoever your partner, you'll wind up dancing with everyone in the room. You may wish to bring a spare mask to change into for comfort throughout the evening.