WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — The North Berkshire Community contra dance is resuming with live music by New England fiddler George Wilson and Selma Kaplan on keyboard, on Saturday, Feb. 11 at the First Congregational Church.

Dave Eisenstadter will call (teach) all the dances.

 

According to a press release:

 

A talented, multi-instrumentalist and singer, George Wilson's repertoire samples a wide variety of traditional and folk styles. As a fiddler, he has over 500 tunes for dancing and listening — tunes from New England, Quebec, Cape Breton, Scotland, Ireland and Shetland. His dynamic fiddling, strongly influenced by Cape Breton and French Canadian styles, has been popular with contra dancers and concert-goers since the late 1970s.

 

Dancing is friendly and easy. Lessons will start with an introduction for beginners at 7:30 p.m.

 

The first half of the dance welcomes families with children, while the second half is more likely to appeal to dancers who are "still vigorous after 9 p.m."  

 

This year, every event will culminate with the old chestnut, "Chorus Jig."

 

Admission is "pay what you can," $10 to $20 suggested.

 

Masks and proof of covid vaccination required. Optional pre-registration form here: https://tinyurl.com/NorthBerkshireDancePreReg