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Community barn dance set

 

A community barn dance, also called contra dancing, will take place Saturday, June 18, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Sonoma Methodist Church, 109 Patten St. All are welcome, with no partner or experience needed to get in on the fun.

The dance includes live bluegrass music with a caller shouting out dance moves, as is tradition. Children as young as third grade can do it.

New England Country Dancing has been a weekly town event in areas of Vermont and Massachusetts for decades. Unlike square dancing, people dance with everyone else in the line.

Films such as "Pride and Prejudice" on PBS demonstrated the English version.

Once this traditional dance arrived in America, dancers added a swing to the style. Throughout the years, contra dancing has picked up influences from around the country.

Around 65 dancers are needed for the event to break even so the monthly dances can continue in the future.

Wear cool clothing and comfortable shoes that don't grip the floor too much.

The cost is $5 for adults, $2 for youth ages 12 to 21 and free for those 12 and under.

Organizers hope this monthly community event can build a following and rotate through the Valley's churches.