Monadnock Folklore Society’s Thanksgiving Eve contra dance returned to the Peterborough Town House after a four-year hiatus due to COVID.
“We’re very happy this event is back. It’s been a tradition since the ’90s and people love it,” said organizer Chris Salmon.
Steve Zakon-Anderson, who called Wednesday night’s dance, said he was happy to be back at the Town House.
“We’re really thrilled to be back in this beautiful hall for this event. It’s such a great night because people are coming home for the holidays; people are coming back to visit. This dance has guaranteed the most hugs of any contra dance in the year,” Zakon-Anderson said.
The Monadnock Folklore Society was founded in 1980 to promote folk dancing and live music events in southern New Hampshire. The society organizes a regular Monday night dance at Nelson Town Hall as well as events across the Monadnock region. Musicians at Wednesday night’s event included Oliver Scanlon on fiddle and mandolin, Rose Jackson on fiddle, Helen Kuhar on guitar and Zakon-Anderson’s son, Sam Zakon-Anderson, playing keyboards.
“My son grew up at contra dances, and in this hall. He used to fall asleep under the keyboard,” the senior Zakon-Anderson said.
The next contra dance in Peterborough is Saturday, Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. at the Town House. Hannah Johlas will call, and music will be provided by Sycamore, with Cedar Stanistreet on fiddle and Michael Sokolovsy on guitar and feet. Admission is sliding, and masks are optional. First Saturday dances usually include a workshop for beginners.
“We just want everyone to come and learn. You don’t have to take a lesson or workshop to dance. It’s helpful, but anyone can just come – all ages, everyone is welcome. You can come alone and someone will dance with you; you don’t have to bring a partner and you don’t dance with the same people all the time. It’s great for all ages. You never know what to expect,” Zakon-Anderson said.
Jan. 20 is the 28th annual Snow Ball, “the original all-day contra dance,” with 12 hours of dancing starting at noon. Attendees are strongly encouraged to wear masks and wear clean shoes to protect the floor in the Peterborough Town House.
For information, go to monadnockfolk.org.