George Marshall with Swallowtail.

Icons of the Contradance world, from Greenfield MA:

George Marshall calling with Swallowtail: George Marshall, Ron Grosslein, Tim Van Egmond, Timm Triplett, David Cantieni. Check out their website here: http://www.swallowtail.com

For this special, out-of-town band, prices are: $12.00 ($8.00 for students). for 3 + hours of a night of contra dancing with fun and new friends. If you want to crank up the cardio, you can! PLUS, we've got free & easy parking on Keswick Avenue at the library.

Expect friendly people of all ages and expect to have fun! No experience is necessary. You can come with friends or come solo, but you will have no problem finding partners with this sociable crowd. Every dance is taught, and there are plenty of experienced dancers ready to help you. Contra dancers say, "As long as you are smiling, you are doing it right" There is a lesson at 7:30 for new and newish dancers to learn some basic steps, but if you are running late, just come when you are ready. The dance starts at 8:00. For more info please see: https://www.thursdaycontra.dance/ For a video and descriptive and beautifully written blog please see: https://psalmboxkey.com/2015/09/13/mt-airy-contra-dancing-with-your-neighbor/ (Video is towards the end of the blog)

First time contra dancers get in free. This policy is ending after May 30th, so new comers, if you want to get your free dance, come now, or on May 23rd or 30th. We'll be rolling out a new intro to dance option in June, which will include some free dances, and that will be available to all new and newish dancers.

Wear comfortable shoes and comfortable clothing. Skirts that twirl are fun, but really, wear whatever you want. Sometimes the room can get a little warm, so layers are good, and some folks bring an extra shirt to change into at the break. We have snacks at the break and water available throughout the dance. There is a pub in the building and some dancers gather after the dance for socializing and jamming, sometimes pizza and sometimes a little more spontaneous dancing.

Tonight's dance managers are Alex and Jess. They will welcome you and answer all your questions ( and do their best to count the cash accurately and pay the band, the caller, the sound engineers correctly....so don't distract them too much. (Just kidding)) If you are new to the dance, please fill out a new dancer questionnaire (takes about 30 seconds).