A new monthly contra and square dance series kicks off this Saturday, May 11 in Williamstown, MA. All dances are taught and everyone is welcome — no need to bring a partner or have previous experience. Dances will be held second Saturdays monthly from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. at 777 Main St., Williamstown, in the Williamstown Community Preschool — formerly the Methodist Church — at the corner of Route 2 and Route 43. Admission is $12, or $5 for students and $25 for families.

On Saturday, May 11, Tony Parkes, a legend in the dance world, will call new and traditional contras and singing squares, to the live music of fiddler George Wilson, with Selma Kaplan on keyboard and Andy Davis on accordion.

The series continues on Saturday, June 8, when a new generation of musicians will bring their buoyant energy: Cloud Ten, Cedar Stanistreet on fiddle, Donal Sheets on cello and guitar, Arthur Davis on piano, banjo and trumpet and Ness Smith-Savedoff on drums. Luke Donforth will call.

The dances are organized by a new group, North Berkshire Community Dance, formed in affiliation with the national Country Dance and Song Society and the Dance Flurry Organization in Albany, N.Y.