By Melanie Petrucci, Senior Community Reporter
Photo/Melanie Petrucci
Northborough – The smiles said it all – Contra Dance is fun! On Nov. 13 the Northborough Girl Scouts hosted an informal community-wide Contra Dance event at the Robert E. Melican Middle School.
Contra Dance is a folk dance made up of long lines of couples. It dates back to the 1600s and is considered a cousin to English country dance. There is a vibrant Contra Dance community here in Central Massachusetts.
“We are working with Ken Bennett from Northborough Contra Dance who has helped us get a caller and a band. The caller has dance steps that are specifically for kids,” said Laura Ziton, event organizer and Daisy troop leader.
The dance was accompanied by the “Shades of Grey” band which was led by Ron Alexander who plays the fiddle. Don Veino was the caller,” Bennett said. “’Shades of Grey’ is part of a Civil War band.”
The family friendly event drew roughly 50 people of all ages who were there to just have fun. No prior dance experience was necessary and the dance steps were taught on the spot.
“Anybody can come if they want, boys can come and girls can come if they want,” said six-year old Daisy Scout Olivia Donofrio.