BRATTLEBORO — On Sunday, Dec. 21, from 6:30 to 10 p.m., make time for the annual Holiday Dessert Potluck at the Stone Church on Main Street.
Organizers say this Sunday departs from the usual program in a few respects: an earlier start time, a longer break with fun activities, and square dancing rather than contra dancing as the highlight.
The entertainment begins at 6:30 p.m. - earlier than usual - with Peter Siegel playing tunes for a couple of dances. Joining in are musicians Stu Kenney, Julie Metcalf, and Mark Roberts.
Nils Fredland and Will Mentor will call that evening.
Square dancing is a traditional form of social dance in America, and may have been brought to the New World by the settlers. Its origins are vague but there is no doubt that people “have been dancing in squares facing each other for many years,” as Mentor puts it.
First-time square dancers will find it easy to pick up. Some of the calls, or instructions, might sound familiar. All the dances will be taught. Some of them might be demonstrated instead of just walked through.
“Social dances tend to be friendly. The dance in Brattleboro tends to have a nice group,” Mentor said.