February 15th, 2010 by soul4dance

New England Folk Festival
The New England Folk Festival is a fabulous blend of dance, music, crafts, and food from many lands. The 66th annual Festival is to be held on April 23-25, 2010 in Mansfield, Massachusetts (near Boston).

NeffA-2010

This yearly event attracts thousands from the west coast, Michigan, Pennsylvania,New Jersey, New York, Canada, all the New England states and the rest of the world to its wonderful mix of particpatory dance (folk, square and contra), folk music and song, international food, crafts, performances, family-oriented activities, and much, much more.

Participatory Dance - A lot of contra and traditional square dancing, International Folk Dancing, dancing from specific regions, couple dancing, swing dancing, clogging, etc. All levels of expertise are featured and favorites are the contra dance medleys.

Dance performances - Costumed ethnic performing groups have been a part of NEFFA since the beginning. Some performances are done in the in the Main Hall, a large gym or on stage in the Auditorium. About a dozen morris teams dance outside the High School — a welcoming sight to new and returning Festival visitors.

Music - Jam sessions in the halls, instrument workshop sessions, performances of folk music, singing… Bring your instruments! Free instrument checking is provided. The South Room will be available on a sign-up basis for rehearsals and jam sessions.

Food - About a dozen booths serve food from all nations. The food is very good.

Crafts - Handmade items are for sale in the crafts room. Demonstrations of craftsmanship happen frequently.