BELFAST and ROCKPORT — On the first full weekend of November, locals can enjoy not just one but two different Flying Shoes contra dances—in Belfast on Friday, Nov. 6, and in Rockport on Sunday, Nov. 8. A unique cultural tradition, the intergenerational and chem-free programs help new dancers and experienced folks alike, connecting to each other and the live music, according to a Flying Shoes news release.

Both events start with a Community Dance led by Flying Shoes co-founder, Chrissy Fowler. Families, singles, new dancers, and longtime enthusiasts can listen, dance, or bring an instrument to play.

"The simple repertoire for all ages and experience levels is especially great for families with young children," said Flying Shoes.

The Contra Dance portion of the evening is also open to all ages, but the sequences and patterns of the dances are slightly more complex.

Admission is on a sliding scale of $15-25 for the whole evening. (For just the first hour’s Community Dance, admission is $1 kids/$2 adults.)

In Belfast on November 6, the “All Comers Band” will warm up at 6 p.m. 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 Community Dance starts at 6:30 p.m., and the Contra Dance commences at 8 p.m. Krysten Raymond calls the contras with music by Milo and the New Grown-ups (Julie Metcalf, Milo Stanley, Dan Affrick and Michael Siegel). The Belfast dance is at the First Church, 8 Court Street. 

In Rockport on November 8, the Community Dance begins at 6 p.m., with all musicians welcome to join the “Back Row Bandits” and the Contra Dance kicks off at 7 p.m. with a short introductory lesson followed by a full program of trad music and dancing. Liz Nelson calls the contras with music by Frogbank (Samuel Foucher, Willy Clemetson, and Pepin Mittelhauser). The Rockport dance is at the Rockport Opera House, 6 Central Street.

Support for Belfast Flying Shoes comes from grantors, individual donors, and participants, as well as these local sponsors: Zach Watson, Topo Paper & Post, Terra Firma PE, SeaStrings, Searsport Shores Ocean Camping, Green Store, Delvino’s, Colburn Shoe Store, Belfast Community Co-op, and 1Mill.

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. The nonprofit offers diverse programs, including participatory dance and music in local schools and instrument lessons at the Maine Coast Regional Reentry Center. The Community Care Policy, All Comers Band tune lists, and other info at belfastflyingshoes.org