Community Contra Dance in North Adams

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NORTH ADAMS — North Berkshire Community Dance has announced it is relocating to North Adams for its summer 2026 season, beginning with an event on Saturday, June 13.
 
The traditional contra dance will take place from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the Community Hall of the All Saints Episcopal Church, located at 59 Summer Street.
 
Caller Seamus Connor will lead the evening, providing instruction for all dances. Live traditional fiddle music will be performed by an open band led by George Wilson on fiddle and Becky Hollingsworth on keyboard. Organizers welcome all acoustic musicians to join the ensemble.
 
A 15-minute introductory lesson for new dancers and families will begin at 7:15 p.m. Attendance does not require a partner, as participants typically switch partners throughout the event. Additionally, a pre-dance calling playgroup will run from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the same location for individuals interested in practicing dance calling.
 
Admission is structured on a pay-as-you-can basis, with a suggested donation of $12 to $20. Barter arrangements, particularly for cleanup assistance, are also accepted.
 
According to the organization's respiratory health policy, masks are optional, and the venue's windows will remain open. Attendees are asked to stay home if they feel ill.

 

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Boutique General Store Opens on Holden Street in North Adams

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A newly opened boutique general store on Holden Street offers local and regional products along with a curated selection of gifts, wines and artwork. 
 
"It's just a lot of my favorite makers and small brands that I've, in my mind, collected over the years because I've wanted to do this for I don't even know since forever," owner Hannah Blazejewski said. "I'm trying to keep as much of the product at least local to New England as I can." 
 
The name for the Diving Horse at 26 Holden St. was inspired by one of her favorite movies, "Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken," the story of a girl who joins a diving horse stunt show during the Depression.  
 
Blazejewski found the current space earlier this year before moving back to the county in March. It was formerly North Adams Yoga, so when she moved in she repainted the place and also worked with Outlook Builders to build the shelving and her dream "mousehole" wall.
 
The store showcases local goods from throughout New England, and she described it as a general store and gift boutique built around a personal collection of favorite makers, small brands, and hard-to-find products.
 
Her shop also includes children's items, artwork, stickers, home decor, cheeses, non-perishable items, wines and a selection of Scandinavian candy.
 
She said she hopes to contribute to the local economy, connect with other businesses and artists, and respect the city's history and culture.
 
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