BELFAST— Belfast Flying Shoes and the Makers Guild of Maine present a program of folk dances from Armenia and Eastern Europe taught by Carolyn Okoomian Rapkievian, with vocal and instrumental accompaniment by Kotwica, on Sunday, March 24, at 3 p.m.

Rapkievian is a skilled and gracious teacher who grew up dancing at Armenian picnics and studied many forms of international folk dance (especially Armenian, Russian, and Ukrainian traditions). She has deep connections to her family’s Armenian roots, explaining, in a Flying Shoes news release, “We are a small community, and our traditions are not well-known by the rest of the world. It’s a joy to share my culture through dance!”

The program will include circle dances from ethnic groups for whom folk dance is a vital aspect of the community. No partner is needed, and the intergenerational and chem-free program welcomes new dancers and experienced folks alike.

The members of Kotwica are David Rapkievian (band leader) – violin, oud, balalaika; Anne Tatgenhorst (vocal director) – vocals; Carolyn Rapkievian (dance leader) – guitar, percussion; Kevin Stone – button accordion; David Quinby – bass; Eloise Schultz – vocals; and Frances Stockman – vocals.

The program is from 3 - 5 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 37 Miller Street in Belfast. Admission is $15-20 sliding scale. Info at belfastflyingshoes.org.

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 a weekly show on Belfast Community Radio/WBFY and arts residencies in PreK-12 schools.

The Makers Guild of Maine raises awareness of hand-making, music-making, and food preparation skills and makes them as widely accessible as possible within our community. Their annual Armenian Picnic at Searsport Shores Oceanfront Campground happens on July 28, 2024.