What will it take to rekindle the contra and square dances that used to be a part of community life around here from the mid-80's on? We're going to find out pretty soon! Starting September 24th we will be hosting family-friendly contra and square dances again at the Huntington Town Hall in Huntington Center. All are welcome, the figures are explained and there is an easy walk-through before the band stirs up the music. You don't need to bring a partner to join in and we'll help you sort out your right from your left early in the evening with fun and welcoming dances.
I started organizing, playing and calling contra dances here in 1986 when I lived on Shaker Mountain Road, and some of us who remember what a lovely hall this was for dancing are ready to start up this new series on the fourth Saturday starting in September ...please mark your calendar!
The first dance will feature a local band from Cornwall, Red Dog Riley on fiddle, banjo, guitar and piano ( that's Don Stratton, Andrew Munkres and Dave Guertin, respectively). I will be calling contras, squares, circles, mixers and offering up the occasional waltz for this first dance of the series. The dance will start at 7:30. Admission is sliding scale: $5-10 per person, families $13-$25. We won't turn anyone away if you are shy on pocket change. In fact if you just want to come hear the band play lively jigs, reels, hoedowns and waltzes while you watch the dancers whirl, grin, flirt n' swing, please make yourself welcome and make a small donation at the door. (This first dance of the series will feature during the break a special set of Swedish tunes from an out of town guest fiddler who has traveled all the way from Amsterdam to get here! ) Come and enjoy an evening of community dancing in this lovely town hall setting. We want to see this fine old hall filled with lively music, tapping toes and whirling dancers.... The Huntington Dance is back! For more information contact Lausanne Allen at 453-2199 or John Bryan at 434-4787.

Feb 13, 2025, 10 to 11:15 AM

Feb 15 to 16, 2025

Feb 16, 2025, 1:30 to 2:30 PM