Newman, UCC Announces Fall Family Folk Dance

All dances will be called by Caller and Fiddler Henry Chapin. The dances will be simple to follow, inspired by traditional New England Community dances and infused with traditions from Africa, Eastern Europe and the Americas.

All you really need to do is join in! The music will be played by local musicians.

The dances will include Squares, longways Contra-style reels, big circle dances, couple dances with an occasional dance for three, and Play-Party song dances. The point is to enjoy the community of people.

Henry Chapin lives in Providence and has been involved in the New England Contradance world for many years. He is a Fiddler and Caller with lots of experience making sure folks who don’t think they know how to dance to feel comfortable and included. Chapin first experienced these traditions at Pinewoods Camp in Plymouth, MA. Born in New York, Chapin made his home in the Boston area and played with Yankee Ingenuity, a popular band under the direction of Caller Tony Parkes. Migrating to Vermont, he played in the dance trio Wellspring for monthly evenings in Vermont Town Halls and Granges. Returning to his native New York, Henry called for many schools and community centers with the Carnegie Hill Band. Throughout his career, he has always connected with schools and Arts-in-Education programs, as a Vermont Touring Artist through the Vermont Council on the Arts, and later as Fiddler-in-Residence in New York City schools.

The Fall Family Folk Dance will take place on Sunday, November 5, 2023 from 4-6:30pm. The public is cordially invited and there is a suggested donation of $5/person with a $25 maximum per family. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Newman Congregational Church, UCC is located at 100 Newman Avenue, Rumford, RI. For more info, to become a sponsor, or to reserve tickets, please call the church office at (401) 434-4742 x10