Barnard
There you can join others for a contra dance and potluck hosted by the BarnArts Center for the Arts. The potluck begins at 6 p.m. and the dance at 6:30 p.m.
“We tried to do it in a way which encourages people who haven’t tried contra dancing before to try,” said Linda Treash, executive director of BarnArts.
It’s the third year the nonprofit organization is hosting a winter contra dance. A second one will be held on Friday, March 29. Admission is free, but donations for BarnArts also will be accepted.
The band Old Sam Peabody will perform, and caller Delia Clark will lead the dances.
“I find that it’s really fun and everyone has a smile on their face and just enjoy physically moving,” Treash said. “It’s a surprising amount of exercise.”
The event is family-friendly and usually draws 50-60 people, many who have returned year after year.
“Often young kids enjoy it, and some of them will dance the whole evening,” Treash said.
If you’re new to contra dancing, there’s no need to fret. Prior to the BarnArts contra dances, Treash herself had never tried it before.
“Everyone is really welcoming, and our caller Delia Clark is willing to help everyone learn the steps,” Treash said. “Everybody kind of mix-and-matches partners for each dance, so you get to meet new people and just have a good time.”
Editor’s note: For more information, visit barnarts.org, email info@barnarts.org or call 802-234-1645. Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
