ROCKPORT — On Saturday, May 16, "celebrate spring blossoms in the merry month of May," said Belfast Flying Shoes, at the Rockport Opera House. A community dance and contra dance will be presented by Belfast Flying Shoes, the Rockport Opera House, and the Town of Rockport, from 6:30 - 10:30 p.m., at 6 Central St., Rockport.

The evening includes simple community dances for all ages, contras and squares with gender-neutral role terms, waltzes and more.

"A unique cultural tradition, this intergenerational and chem-free program invites new dancers and experienced folks alike to participate," said BFS, in a news release.

The fun begins at 6:30 p.m., with Chrissy Fowler calling an easy-to-learn community dance with live music by Alden Robinson and Benjamin Foss. During the community dance, other musicians are invited to bring their instruments and join the band on stage as the “Back Row Bandits.”

At 7:30 p.m., a brief intro session serves to welcome folks who are new to contra dancing, with tips for all experience levels. Then, at around 7:45 p.m., David Smukler will lead contras and squares, with Alden Robinson and Benjamin Foss providing more fiddle tunes. Hailing from Syracuse, New York, David Smukler is a caller, organizer, dancer and Board president of the Country Dance & Song Society, a national nonprofit organization of which Flying Shoes is an affiliate member.

"Alden and Benjamin are established fixtures in the trad music scene in Maine, and play regularly for contra dances," said the news release.

The Rockport Opera House is at 6 Central Street in downtown Rockport.

Admission for the entire evening is $15-25 sliding scale. (For the first hour’s community dance only, admission is $1 kids $2 adults.)

Belfast Flying Shoes was founded in 2005 with a mission to bolster the spirited dance and music community in Midcoast Maine. Its nonprofit programs include the Flying Shoes Radio Hour Podcast, featuring tunes and conversations with contra dance musicians.

Built in 1891, the Rockport Opera House is one of the architectural gems of Maine. Owned by the Town of Rockport, the venue hosts concerts, weddings, special events, and community programming throughout the year.