Pierce's Hall and Contra Dance

05/26/2026

come dance the Maypole in front of Pierces Hall this Saturday!

05/26/2026

Hello, Dancers! The warm weather is upon us, so let's join together so send off May and welcome the summer with a community dance party this Saturday, May 30!

Special event: an outdoor Maypole where we will all weave a beautiful pattern to make sure the crops grow

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Schedule:

6:00 - 7:15 — Family Dances for all ages (Outdoor Maypole at 6:15)
Then a break for an Ice Cream Social
Then Old Time Contras, Squares, Mixers and More until Last Waltz at about 9:15

Special Guest Caller: Andy Davis https://dancingmasters.com/the-dancing-masters/
Special Guest Musicians from the Upper Valley: Erin Smith and George Fowler on twin fiddles. Andy will also play piano/accordion. Amy Cann on piano, fiddle - https://uvmusic.org/about/meet-our-faculty.
..and quite possibly some very special young players

Admission by free-will donation, no partner or experience necessary, all dances and games taught.

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All the details:

East Putney's beloved, funky, historic Pierce's Hall has hosted dances continually for over a hundred years and has a very special character. To reach the hall from Putney Village, head north on Rt 5 for 2 miles, then turn right on East Putney Falls Road and go 1/2 mile -- there are ample signs!

Our community parties always begin with Family Hour from 6:00-7:00ish -- all dances and games are taught and you don’t need to bring a partner. They’re truly for all ages - parents and small children, teens and older folks all love taking a turn “sashaying down the center.”

The Ice Cream Social follows at about 7:15 (popcorn and juice/seltzer available all night) then dancing resumes with contras, squares, mixers and more until 9:15 or so.

No experience necessary or assumed - everything is taught and we all help each other. The only requirement is willingness to team up with your neighbors.

Admission is by freewill donation — all are welcome to dance or just listen and socialize; plenty of folks sit at the side and just drink it all in

05/15/2026

Come see the Fiddle Orchestra of Western Massachusetts Perform on Sunday, May 17 in Florence!

https://bombyx.live/events/the-fiddle-orchestra-of-western-massachusetts-spring-concert/

04/29/2026

04/26/2026

Fantastic music! and a fabulous time was had by all at the Pier Hall Contra last night!

04/26/2026

we had such a wonderful time that someone forgot a handbag and a . Please let us know who these should be returned to!

04/19/2026

Come out next weekend to dance in Spring! (?)

02/23/2026

COMMUNITY DANCE,SATURDAY, FEB.28: PIERCES HALL
6:00 : Family Dance 6:00
7:15/30ish Ice Cream Social, perhaps a song or story
More contras, squares, and other dances for all ages after that, last waltz about 9:00
Guest Caller: Steve Howland
Band: it's an All-Comers night!
Admission: free-will donation

02/03/2026

Come join us for a free bowl of hot soup and a chance to beat the chill with friends. If you'd also like to swap, bring a quart of your favorite soup along with you!