From the community center’s tall windows, light and live fiddle spill into a cool night. People fill the hall in long lines, spinning in each other’s arms. Contradancing is friendly by nature. It’s a folk dance tradition that has lived and evolved in New England for more than 300 years, and in Lenox for more than a generation.
The crowd here come in all ages, and so do the musicians — you may find young mandolinist and electric fiddler who met at a Maine fiddle camp (and swap in on didgeridoo) or veteran string players and an accordionist known and loved all through maritime Canada.
Fiddle bridge. Courtesy photo by Sam Whited
The Lenox dance has evolved from community gatherings with a local house band into a regional monthly gala — on Third Saturdays year-round — with bands from across the country and sometimes beyond.
Along with live musicians, each dance has a live caller or teacher too. They guide dancers and teach the dances, and people change partners freely after each dance. So you don’t need to come with a partner or experience, though you’re welcome to bring both.
Bookmarks let someone who is logged in to the website save events from the calendar, to remember their favorites and create their own itineraries. You have to log in for the website to know who you are and remember your bookmarks. Login accounts are available to people who join BTW Berkshires.
Account does not have bookmarking
Your current account does not have bookmarking privileges. If you feel this is an oversight, please contact Kate Abbott.
Fiddle bridge. Courtesy photo by Sam Whited