09/09/2026
ROCKPORT & BELFAST– Do si do and swing your partner at the gorgeous Rockport Opera House during the Flying Shoes community contra dance, now scheduled every second Sunday of the month. A unique cultural tradition, this intergenerational and chem-free program welcomes new dancers and experienced folks alike.
The featured musicians this month are the Newell Family Band, three generations of leading lights in Maine’s contra dance music scene. This summer, the group was a featured band at the 50th anniversary of the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, bringing Maine's driving Down East dance music to the renowned trad gathering in Port Townsend, WA. The band is Maisie Newell on fiddle; her father, Carter Newell on fiddle, clogs, and accordions; her partner, Eric Dayan on guitar; and their children, Elijah, Bubba, Dixie, and Solomon Dayan on fiddles.
Two callers will take the mic for the evening’s dancing. Flying Shoes co-founder, Chrissy Fowler, will lead the Community Dance – simple repertoire for all ages and experience levels and especially great for families with young children. Alice Slater, a major force in Maine’s contra dance culture, will call the Contra Dance. As a dancer, organizer, and caller, Slater relishes learning new material and recently returned from a summer intensive in square dance calling. Get ready for a dance party not to be missed!
The dance is presented by the Rockport Opera House, the Town of Rockport, and Belfast Flying Shoes. During the 6:00 pm Community Dance, you can listen, dance, or bring an instrument to play along with the Newells as a “Back Row Bandit”. The Contra Dance kicks off at 7:00 pm, with a brief introductory session followed by a full program of trad music and dancing.
The Rockport Opera House is at 6 Central St in Rockport. Sliding scale admission is $15 – 25. (For just the first hour’s community dance, admission is $1 kids $2 adults.) Bring your friends and family. All are welcome!
Belfast Flying Shoes builds community and cultivates well-being through the joys of traditional music and dance. Its nonprofit programs include participatory dance residencies for students and staff at local schools. Info at belfastflyingshoes.org
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. Info at rockportoperahouse.org/
