BELFAST — On Friday, April 5, let your shoes fly at the monthly Community Dance & Contra Dance, a joyful evening of social connection and participatory dancing presented by Belfast Flying Shoes.
The intergenerational and chem-free evening begins at 6:30 p.m., with an easy-to-learn community dance. Callers Chrissy Fowler and Lisa Newcomb will be joined by special guest caller Howdy Ostby of Walla Walla, Washington. Lively music is provided by the All Comers Band, open to all ages, instruments and skill levels. Musicians practice at 6 p.m., tunes posted at belfastflyingshoes.org.
The 8 p.m. contra dance features a quartet of Maine favorites: caller Hannah Chamberlain, and musicians Willy Clemetson, Elsie Gawler, and Ethan Tischler of Springtide. Chamberlain, who grew up dancing in the Berkshire region of Massachusetts, has graced dances and festivals with her leadership since learning to call in her current home base of greater Portland. Springtide combines a love of high energy traditional and original fiddle tunes with spacious creative improvisation. They lift audiences with their music, drawing inspiration from the tidal rhythms and creative energies of the coastal land they call home.
The First Church is at 8 Court Street in Belfast. Admission is $15-20 (or $1 kids $2 adults for folks only participating in the community dance.) Masks provided for those who wish to wear them. For info, First Friday FAQ, and BFS Community Care Policy, visit www.belfastflyingshoes.org or contact [email protected].
Support for Belfast Flying Shoes is provided by the Green Store, Searsport Shores Oceanfront Camping, Belfast Community Co-op, and First National Bank, as well as other local sponsors, grantors, and individual contributors. Founded in 2005, Belfast Flying Shoes builds community and cultivates well-being through the joy of traditional music and dance for people of all backgrounds and identities in Midcoast Maine. Among its diverse programs, the nonprofit offers school residencies and a weekly show on Belfast Community Radio/WBFY.
