The next dance in the "Montpelier Contra Dance" series will be this coming Saturday, March 2nd. We'll start with a newcomers' instruction session at about 7:30, led by the dance caller for the evening, Nils Fredland. If you are new to this type of dancing, or just want a refresher, come at 7:30! We'll follow this with 3 hours of fun dancing starting at 8:00. Music will be provided by the Gaslight Tinkers.
Nils is one of the best known dance callers in the country, having called at festivals, dance camps and lots of dance series since 2000. He is a skilled teacher for all levels of dancers, and will make it easy for everyone to have a great time at the dance.
The Gaslight Tinkers have been wowing audiences at festivals, concerts and contra dances across the country, in the Caribbean and more. The Tinkers' blend of global rhythms creates a joyously danceable sound around a core of traditional New England old time and celtic fiddle music. Their music is packed with delightful surprises and exuberant musicianship. Hot music for a cold night!
Contra dances with great live callers and bands like these are presented on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturday evenings, at the Capital City Grange Hall in Berlin. The Hall is located 6612 Rt. 12 (aka Northfield St), Berlin VT 05602 (for GPS) just south of the I-89 overpass, a mile from downtown Montpelier. The Contra Dance Umbrella, the volunteer committee which puts on the dances, wants everyone to come and have a good time. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids and low-income. Or be a dance supporter and pay a bit more--all of the money goes to the caller, the band, and the sound person, plus rent to the Grange.
We suggest light, comfortable clothing, clean soft-soled shoes to protect the beautiful dance floor, and a water bottle to keep hydrated--you can fill it at the water fountain/bottle filler. Come by yourself and find partners at the dance, or bring your friends! Whoever you are, we invite you to share a warm evening of friendly, social, high-energy dancing! Questions? Call Tim Swartz at 802-225-8921 for more info, or see the Contra Dancing page on the Grange website: http://capitalcitygrange.org/dancing/contradancing