Jamaica Plain, MA Gender Free Contra Dance

This an over head view of some of the dancing from our 20th anniversary celebration dance of the Boston Gender Free Contra Dances, taken Saturday, January 24th, 2009. In this clip, you'll see many of the dancers who make up our dance community, along with callers, musicians and other supportive friends and dancers from the wonderful community of dancing available in the Boston area. We are very blessed to have such great dancing, music and leadership at our dances!
We are dancing in an old traditional New England dance hall, that was built in 1889. This is social hall of the 1st Church of Jamaica Plain which has been the home of our dances and many wonderful dance related gatherings over the years since the start of our dance series in September of 1988 Chris Ricciotti started this dance community back in Sept. of 1988.
Our dances continue to be well attended and continue to attract new folks and young folks new to this old tradition.
Our dances are open to gays, lesbians, bisexuals, trans, queer folk and our friends. In this clip, Dogtown is the band, including Becky Miller on Fiddle, Tom Randall - Piano & Norb Spencer - Accordion. The dance is a circle mixer "Lucky Seven" and is being called by Tony Parkes.
The streamers above the dancers heads (and below the cameraman who is filming) are being held aloft by multiple helium balloons. You may note in these clips that as the dancers in circles move into the center and back, the rush of air pushes the balloons and streamers slowly up and down in response.
This clip was taken in the early evening, following an afternoon dance party, and a pot luck dinner. We had over 100 folks come to celebrate with us that evening. New folks will always find a warm welcome, as well as a safe and affirming community at our dances. Come and join us and bring a friend!
No partner or prior experience is necessary, and all dances are taught.