Linda Henry, CDSS staff organizer, first stepped into playing piano for contras at the original Old Farmers Ball near Asheville, NC in the early 80s. She also organized a local dance for several years until her love of contra dancing drew her to New England. In Northampton, MA she ran a family dance for five years, then realized that many families (including her own) were ready to graduate to contras. So she passed the torch and started a new series called the Fiddlers Green dance. She continues to play piano and especially enjoys creating a welcoming sit-in scene for musicians.
Beyond her local dance organizing efforts, Linda has also been on staff at the Country Dance and Song Societyfor 20+ years. In her current role as Outreach Manager she offers CDSS grants and scholarships, and she helps conferences like POTD happen throughout the U.S. and Canada.