ROCKPORT — On Friday, December 20, dance through the dark days 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 and accessible community dances for all ages, and contras with gender-neutral role terms plus a few couple dances like the waltz and schottische.

The intergenerational and chem-free program welcomes new dancers and experienced folks alike.

The fun begins at 6:30 p.m., with an easy-to-learn community dance. Lively music is provided by the All Comers Band, open to all ages, instruments and skill levels. (All Comers musicians warm up at 6 p.m., tunes posted at belfastflyingshoes.org.)

At 8 p.m., Belfast dance leader Chrissy Fowler calls a contra dance with music by the Pine Tree Flyers. (Katie McNally, Emily Troll and Neil Pearlman with guest Benjamin Foss). Fowler collaborated with the band at a May 2024 dance in their hometown of Portland, just after their album was released. Drawing on their collective history in New England’s traditional music scene, the quartet presents a diverse palette of tunes in arrangements designed to inspire the dancers.

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

Admission for the entire evening is $15-25 sliding scale. (For only the Community Dance, 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.