BELFAST – On Thursday, Sept. 11 Belfast Flying Shoes presents a potpourri of English country dance, accompanied by music from Peregrine Road with callers Maura McCampbell and Chrissy Fowler.
“This is a fun, creative experiment!,” explains McCampbell, who recently organized several pop-up English dances in unexpected locations in Belfast. Fowler continues, “We both love English dancing and are excited to share this wildly varied repertoire, especially with Peregrine Road playing the tunes!”
English country dance, or ECD, is a folk tradition similar to our local contra dance culture, emphasizing both participatory dancing and live music, with partners and neighbors dancing together in a set. The musicians in Peregrine Road, accordionist Rachel Bell and pianist Karen Axelrod, hail from Vermont and Western Massachusetts, respectively. They are known for their exquisite musicianship and their outrageous humor – a perfect match for the vibe that McCampbell and Fowler want to foster at this dance.
ECD repertoire ranges from energetic and frisky to regal and contemplative, and there will be simple figures and slightly challenging sequences. Arrive by 7 p.m. for the brief intro session to get ECD newbies all set to start off on the right foot.
The UU Church is an accessible venue at 37 Miller St in Belfast. Admission is sliding scale $15-25. All are welcome! More information is available at belfastflyingshoes.org.
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 the nonprofit’s diverse programs are music and movement residencies in local schools.
