Do-si-do, swing into Independence Day weekend with Belfast Flying Shoes
Event Date
Friday, July 03, 2026 - 06:00 pmBELFAST — On Friday, July 3, at The First Church, 8 Court Street in Belfast, do-si-do and swing into Independence Day weekend with friends and neighbors at the Flying Shoes dance series.
The monthly program kicks off at 6 p.m., when the All Comers Band warms up and chooses tunes with this month’s ACB leader, Willy Clemetson. Open to all ages, instruments, and skill levels, the free-flowing ensemble works from a collection of tunes posted on the Flying Shoes website.
The easy-to-learn Community Dance begins at 6 p.m.
"New dancers, families with kids, singles, and longtime enthusiasts can revel in the simple folk dances accompanied by music by the exuberant megaband and Chrissy Fowler calling," said Flying Shoes, in a news release.
The Contra Dance starts at 8 p.m. with music by talented sibling duo, the Clementines, who started dancing in Belfast as children. Willy Clemetson, on fiddle and foot percussion, plays for dances in Maine and beyond, and served on the Flying Shoes Board of Directors.
"Minneapolis-based Moon Clemetson, on piano, inspires the dancers’ feet with her rhythmic sensibilities," said BFS. "Hannah Chamberlain will call the contra dance with her characteristic grace, skill, and humor. Hannah also grew up contra dancing – in the northwestern corner of Massachusetts – and her dance leadership springs from that foundation. Longtime sound provider Eric Weest Johnson will amplify the fun."
Admission is $15-25 for the whole evening. (For just the first hour’s Community Dance, admission is $1 kids/$2 adults.) First Friday FAQ, BFS Community Care Policy, All Comers Band tune lists, and other info at www.belfastflyingshoes.org.
Support for Belfast Flying Shoes comes from Zach Watson, Terra Firma PE, SeaStrings, Searsport Shores Ocean Camping, the Green Store, Colburn Shoe Store, Belfast Community Co-op and 1Mill. Contributors also include grantors, individual donors, and other local sponsors.
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 a weekly radio show on WBFY Belfast Community Radio and a monthly podcast featuring contra dance musicians.
Event Date
Address
The First Church
8 Court Street
Belfast, ME 04915
United States
