Worcester Contra Dance -- Fun, friendly dancing in Central Massachusetts

April photos with Quena Crain & Free Raisins

Ken Gagne — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 05:06:43 +0000

Our thanks to everyone who came out on a cool April night to enjoy some fine contra dancing in Worcester! The turnout, the music, and the dances were all fantastic, thanks in no small part to talent that consisted of Quena Crain calling for the Free Raisins, with Mari Black filling in for Audrey Knuth. [...]

An amazing October

Ken Gagne — Mon, 15 Oct 2012 12:26:31 +0000

Thanks to everyone who made our latest dance a success! With calling by Rachel Shapiro and music by Cedar Stanistreet, Max Newman, and Julie Metcalf of Agnostic Fiddle Insurgency, Worcester's October contra dance was great fun for all those who attended, with several first-timers joining our ranks. Perhaps because nearby WPI was on their fall [...]

A magnificent May

Jeffrey Forgeng — Tue, 15 May 2012 19:01:40 +0000

Just when I thought the Worcester dance couldn't get any more AWESOME! Andrew Grover and Max Newman totally rocked the house — it was hard to believe that sound came from just two people! Dave Eisenstadter gave us a perfect mix of dances. And the halftime participatory demo of Worcester-style tango from Krista Baker and [...]

An awesome April dance

Jeffrey Forgeng — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 04:21:18 +0000

Are my feet ever going to be sore tomorrow — and it was totally worth it! Caribou and Reed totally rocked the house, I don't think I've ever whooped so much at a contra before. And so far this year we've had 100 dancers at every Worcester dance: the energy was tremendous, and I'm only [...]

A marvelous March

Jeffrey Forgeng — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 02:18:44 +0000

If you are ever in need of a remedy for jetlag, I recommend the music of Dueling Whiskey Factory. My body was still on Barcelona time when I showed up to this past Saturday's dance, so they had me dancing flat out until what my body thought was 5 AM. Rachel Shapiro's calling was excellent, [...]

Bill Fischer's spiral dance

Ken Gagne — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:59:19 +0000

Ever wonder what a Worcester contra dance looks like but haven't had the opportunity to check it out yourself? Thanks to Ken Bennett of the Northboro contra dance, you can see what you missed this past Saturday with this video of Worcester's February dance. With Bill Fischer calls to music by Riverbend and Friends, this [...]

A fantastic February

Jeffrey Forgeng — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:39:49 +0000

Thanks to all for an awesome dance this past Saturday! Bill Fischer was an excellent (and superfun) caller as always, and Riverbend and Friends played their best dance for us to date — the music was totally rocking. Also kudos to our new dancers, who leapt in with both feet and really distinguished themselves. I've [...]

2011 – 2012 Schedule

Ken Gagne — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 20:31:24 +0000

New Dancers Welcome! All dances taught. No partner necessary. Contra dancing is an old New England tradition. Smoke-free, alcohol-free, family friendly environment. Wesley Methodist Church, 114 Main Street, Worcester Please wear soft-soled shoes to protect the floor. Beginners' Lessons at 7:30 PM. Dancing 8:00 – 11:00 PM. General Admission $8 per person $6 for students [...]