Our first contra dance of 2014 has come and gone, and boy, was everyone ready to get moving again! Unseasonably warm weather and rains had melted the remains of a recent nor'easter, and with school back in session, students were eager to break out of their previously snowbound dorms and homes and hit the dance floor.

The evening began with our annual potluck, and what a cornucopia of treats were present. From Swedish meatballs to vegan stew, Irish soda bread and pumpkin brownies, pineapple and grapes and carrots, there was enough to serve everyone twice over.

Before long, it was time for the main attraction. Tim van Egmond made us earn those calories as he called to the music of Berlin Country Orchestra. There were enough dancers to break into three lines! There's obviously an appetite for family-friendly social dancing in Central Massachusetts, and with nearby dances in Northboro, Berlin, and Gardner, there are plenty of opportunities to keep dancing throughout the winter. Please sign up for our mailing list or join us on Facebook to receive invitations to future dances — our next one is on February 8 to the music of Anadama and the calling of Marguerite Durant!