Episode Details

Dudley Laufman, the fiddler and dance caller who resurrected contra dancing in the 60s and 70s, died at 95 after meticulously planning his own funeral—including having his grave dug five years prior and crafting his casket and program while on hospice. A self-sufficient man who lived off the land and refused to conform, he was also a conscientious objector during the Korean War. Though saddened by leaving the world, he was relieved from the burdens of aging. His life was rooted in nature, community, and tradition, inspiring generations to join in dance. Even as his health faded, he kept calling dances, buoyed by letters from admirers. His home stands as a testament to his journey—from austere beginnings to a vibrant legacy.

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