Events & Programs

At the age of 93, Dudley Laufman embodies the spirit of old-time New England country dance. As a teenager, he fell in love with this music, and he never looked back. His lifelong commitment to preserving and promoting this tradition of country dance has earned him significant recognition, including being named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts, the country’s highest honor for traditional arts.

During the presentation, the audience will learn about the music, the dances, and the people who have carried on this tradition for many years. One might also hear a story inspired by the antics of some local character, or perhaps a poem about a pig, but there will be plenty of the old tunes that Laufman now plays on a button accordion, and he might even call out, “Get up and dance!” after asking, “What do you think this is, a cocktail party?”