Friday 3/20 - Sunday 3/22, 2020

Larks/Ravens non-residential Boston contradance weekend.

Performers

Callers

Bands

Plus an open band.

Venue

Cambridge Masonic Hall
1950 Mass Ave Cambridge MA (map)

Schedule

TBD

Family Dance

There will be a family dance, probably either Saturday or Sunday morning. It will be open to everyone, not just families, but will have dances targeted at very young dancers.

While the rest of the weekend requires advance registration, if you want to come just for the family dance you're welcome to. If you do, it's BIDA's usual $5-$15 for adults and $3 for kids.

Open Band

There will be two open band slots, both open to anyone who would like to play. The slots will feel pretty different:

Sets for the evening open band: TBD

Hours

In 2019 the hall was open the following times: In 2020 it will probably be similar.

Pricing and Registration

Last year we asked for $50-$150/person, and did a little better than break-even. We're planning to admit more dancers this year, so we think we're able to move the price a bit lower, to a sliding scale of $30-$130. If you're able to pay toward the higher end, that's what makes it possible for us to offer admission to others below cost. We also have volunteer spots available.

Registration is first-come first-serve, but if we have high enough demand that we sell half our tickets in the first month then we'll pause registration and run a lottery for the remaining half.

To keep things simple, tickets are full-weekend, but if we sell out we may be able to make some additional part-weekend slots available for non-peak times.

Everyone needs to register and pay in advance. Kids below dancing age are free; just mention them on your registration.

Gender and Roles

All calling will be gender-free, with Larks/Ravens terms. The bathrooms will also not be gendered. This event is not gender or role balanced, and anyone is welcome to dance either or both roles.

Food

Meals

You can bring food, buy food at the supermarket across the street, or eat at one of the many nearby restaurants. There is refrigerator and freezer space available at the hall, as well as a microwave. We're planning on breaks for lunch and dinner on Saturday.

Snacks

There will be plenty of snacks at the hall, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. There will be light snacks out most of the time, and more substantial snacks Sunday around lunchtime. If you have dietary restrictions there's a space for that on the registration form.

Housing

Housing isn't included, but we will try to match out-of-town dancers with local dancers who are willing to host. There's a bit asking about this on registration.

Transportation

Public Transit

Public transit is a great way to get to and from the hall, which is at the Porter Square stop on the Red Line Subway, the Fitchburg Line Commuter Rail, and the 77, 83, 87, and 96 buses. For detailed directions and schedules Google Maps works well: Cambridge Masonic Hall.

Driving

Friday and Saturday:

The parking lot at the Kennedy School (map) a short walk away is free to use when school is not in session.

Parking meters on Mass Ave or at metered municipal lots in Davis Sq.

Sunday:

All parking meters and residential spaces are free on Sunday.

Please don't park in the big shopping center lot across the street from the hall, because they tow.

Accessibility

See BIDA's general accessibility information. The venue is not wheelchair accessible. Unlike BIDA's regular evening dances, this event is low-fragrance; see the registration form for more details.

Kids and Childcare

There will be childcare for the daytime parts of the weekend, and a family dance. Schedule to come.

Refunds

If it turns out you can't come, let us know and we'll return your money.

Sponsors

This weekend is a joint project of the JP Gender Free Contra Dance and Boston Intergenerational Dance Advocates.

Questions

Please write us at beantown-stomp@googlegroups.com.