On Saturday, December 20, celebrate the return of the light at a special “Solstice Shine” Community Dance & Contra Dance presented by Belfast Flying Shoes, the Rockport Opera House, and the Town of Rockport.

The event 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 welcomes new dancers and experienced folks alike, according to Belfast Flying Shoes, in a news release.

The fun begins at 6:30 p.m., with Chrissy Fowler calling an easy-to-learn community dance with lively tunes by the featured musicians: Emily Troll, Eric Boodman and Dan Faiella. (Other musicians are welcome to bring instruments and informally play along with the band.)

Following the community dance, Lisa Greenleaf will lead an intro session, welcoming folks who are new to contra dancing and sharing tips for all experience levels. At 8 p.m., Greenleaf will lead contras and squares "with her characteristic community-mindedness and skilled calling," said Flying Shoes. Dance music is provided by Eric Boodman on fiddle, Emily Troll on fiddle and accordion, and Dan Faiella on guitar.

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 school residencies and a weekly show on Belfast Community Radio/WBFY.

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.