Bill Fischer

A festive February

- Ken Gagne
Even when dancing, Michael always keeps an eye on the time.

After last February's dance was cancelled due to snow, Worcester's dancers were eager and excited to hit the dance floor this February 13. We invited last year's talent to tempt fate again, and the dangerously cold weather couldn't keep them away. Myra MacLeod and her Worcester Folk Orchestra filled the hall with their melodious music, while Bill Fischer led dancers beginner and veteran alike through diverse contra calls in lines, circles, and sets. An above-average turnout left us a bit short on snacks at the halftime — but everyone was there to dance, not eat, with most dancers (dressed in red for Valentine's Day) staying until the evening's end.

Even when dancing, Michael always keeps an eye on the time.
Bill and Andrea go in for a swing.
Nice tat!
How sweet.
A little suspicious, Andrea?
Long lines!
A custom addition to a traditional shirt.
Over and under!
The waltz begins.
Ring around the waltzers.
Here we come a-waltzing…
And the band played on.
The Worcester Folk Orchestra!
So many musicians!!
Carolyn and Wayne promenade.
WHOA, Michael!!
A fantastic orchestra.
So much joy in one room.

Thank you to everyone who helped us restore this wonderful Valentine's Day tradition!

Bill Fischer's spiral dance

- Ken Gagne

Ever wonder what a Worcester contra dance looks like but haven't had the opportunity to check it out yourself? Thanks to Ken Bennett of the Northboro contra dance, you can see what you missed this past Saturday with this video of Worcester's February dance. With Bill Fischer calls to music by Riverbend and Friends, this circle dance is not a typical contra, performed as it is in a circle instead of a line. But it's still great fun and a nice change from the usual routines!

Watching contra is never as fun as dancing it. We hope to see you at the next dance on March 10, with Rachel Shapiro calling to music by Dueling Whiskey Factory!

A fantastic February

- Jeffrey Forgeng

Thanks to all for an awesome dance this past Saturday! Bill Fischer was an excellent (and superfun) caller as always, and Riverbend and Friends played their best dance for us to date — the music was totally rocking. Also kudos to our new dancers, who leapt in with both feet and really distinguished themselves. I've been attending contras for many years in multiple states (not to say multiple countries!), including some pretty big-name venues, and this past weekend was absolutely as much fun as I've ever had at a dance.

Thanks to everyone in the Central Mass contra community for making the Worcester contra dance such a great event!

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