The Monadnock Folklore Society presents the December First Saturday contra dance in the historic Peterborough Town House in Peterborough, NH at 1 Grove Street.
Hannah Johlas will be calling with music from Sycamore: Cedar Stanistreet – fiddle, Michael Sokolovsky – guitar and feet.
Hannah Johlas is a contra dance caller and organizer based in western MA. She loves introducing new dancers to the joys of contra, as well as sharing interesting dances with good flow with more experienced crowds. Her number one priority is always that dancers have a great time!
Cedar grew up playing both classical violin and traditional fiddle music and studied violin performance at the Crane School of Music. For the past ten years, he has played for contra dances across North America with bands including Nor’easter, Cardinal Direction, Maivish, and Cloud Ten. His spirited, rhythmic playing and clear tone keep dancers on their feet. In between gigs, Cedar can be found at home in Brattleboro, Vermont, growing vegetables, baking bread, and birdwatching. He also repairs violins, violas, and cellos.
Michael Sokolovsky is a contra dance guitar player. Michael hails from New England where he was exposed to folk music through family friends early in life. After studying music in college, he discovered contra dancing and has been dancing and playing since. When not playing for a local dance around New England or with Uncle Farmer, Michael co-hosts and produces the Queer Jewish comedy podcast, “Xai, How Are You” and works on his homestead in Western MA.
– The dancing begins at 8:00 PM.
– Workshop for new dancers at 7:30 PM.
– Admission is sliding scale $12-20.$30 family, or pay what you can.
– Gender-free roles will be used for this evening, Larks and Robins
– This is a mask-optional event.
Contra dance is a fun, relaxed style of folk dance that has flourished in New England since the 1700s.
Partners form lines and dance a short sequence of steps with their neighbors.
Dancers are welcome to bring a partner or a group of friends, but it’s not necessary – traditionally, dancers are encouraged to change partners throughout the evening.
For more information call 603.547.5831.
The Monadnock Folklore Society has presented contra dances and concerts of traditional music since 1982.
Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/2HRtFiso7