BELFAST– On Friday, Dec. 6 let your shoes fly at the First Friday Community Dance & Contra Dance. This month Belfast Flying Shoes celebrates its 19th anniversary, and dancers can expect extra frivolity, special door prizes, party hats, and the usual joyful social connection and music!
The intergenerational program begins at 6 p.m., when the All Comers Band warms up and chooses tunes. The band is open to all ages, instruments, and skill levels; tunes are posted at belfastflyingshoes.org. The easy-to-learn Community Dance led by Chrissy Fowler and Lisa Newcomb starts at 6:30. Whirling around the floor are families, new folks, and longtime dancers.
This month the 8 p.m. contra dance features hometown caller Chrissy Fowler with local favorites Henry Road. Anchored by John Pranio and Toki Oshima, and joined by their son Jamie Oshima and longtime collaborator Glen Loper, the band has a strong sense of dance musicianship. All four are essential members of Maine’s music and dance scene. John & Glen teach at Maine Fiddle Camp; Glen co-organizes the annual DownEast Country Dance Festival, Toki & John co-organized a dance in Whitefield for decades; and Jamie’s childhood in the dance & music community is a foundation of his career as a touring professional musician.
The First Church is at 8 Court Street in Belfast. Admission is $15-20 for the whole evening. Just the community dance is $1 kids/$2 adults. For more, 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 produces a concert series for older adults: “Sing Along and Tap Your Toes”.
