First Friday Dances
At the Fellowship Hall at First Church in Belfast
8 Court Street, Belfast, Maine.
Next Event
First Friday Dance February 2026
February 6 @ 6:00 pm
More 1st Fri dates:
First Friday Dance March 2026
March 6 @ 6:00 pm
First Friday Dance April 2026
April 3 @ 6:00 pm
First Friday Dance May 2026
May 1 @ 6:00 pm
First Friday Schedule
- 6:00 pm ~ All Comers Band warms up
- 6:30 pm ~ Community Dance with calling by Chrissy Fowler & music by the All Comers Band (led by Maisie Newell)
- 7:30 pm ~ Social Break
- 8:00 pm ~ Contra Dance with various callers & musicians
YOU can play the dance too!
Join the All Comers Band at 6 pm every First Friday!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Community Dance?
Fun and simple dances for all ages, such as those presented at weddings or schools. Calling by Chrissy Fowler. Music by the All Comers Band, led by Maisie Newell and open to players of all ages and abilities. New dancers, experienced dancers, families, and musicians all collaborate to create the event.
What is the Contra Dance?
Zesty dances and tunes in a program of contras and other dances presented by a variety of talented callers and musicians. We use gender neutral role terms, Lark & Robin, to keep track of who does what in the dance choreography. All participants collaborate to create the event.
What is the difference?
They’re very similar – dancing to live music, lots of smiling, similar figures! The community dance tends to have simpler choreography, like a barn dance or a family dance. The contras have more complicated dance sequences, with two different roles for each person in a dance partnership. New dancers at our series often arrive early, to build skills and confidence during the first hour.
What is the culture of the dance like?
We’re a welcoming and fun bunch of people who love this dance form and the live music that accompanies it.
As part of the BFS mission, we welcome people of all backgrounds and identities. In the context of a dance, this includes people of all ages, singles, families, couples, locals, visitors, experienced dancers and brand new folks.
Dancers tend to invite a different partner for each dance sequence in the evening. Most people appreciate the variety, and it’s also okay to politely decline an invitation.
Our First Friday Dances are guided by the BFS Community Care Policy.
You can Volunteer via this form!
A local dancer created a Signal group for carpooling to local dances. (We’re sharing the link on their behalf.)
What should I wear?
- Clean-soled shoes that won’t mark the floor
- Comfortable layers
What else might I bring?
- Reusable water bottle (for hydrating)
- Extra clothes to change into (in case you get sweaty)
- Masks if you want to wear one (and a variety of masks will be available at the door)
- Your favorite hand sanitizer (simple, low-scent ones will be available at the dance)
- A warm layer, for when you are sitting down or playing in the All Comers Band (the windows will be open, with fans going)
Anything to not bring or wear?
- Heavy perfumes or deodorants (some folks are sensitive to strong scents)
- Alcohol or drugs (BFS events are chem free / sober)
- Pets or animals
Sponsored by
Support First Fridays
Volunteer
Many hands make the shoes fly! To lend your hands for dances or other programs, and to learn about ways you can help at dances, complete the BFS volunteer info form or send an email.
Contribute
Tax-deductible donations to the BFS Annual Appeal provide critical support to our small nonprofit and its many programs, including dances. Find out more at belfastflyingshoes.org/support.
Sponsor
Local business sponsors make possible our beloved dances & other community programming possible. Would your business like to participate? Let us know!
Location
The dance happens at:
First Church in Belfast, UCC
8 Court Street*, Belfast ME
We dance upstairs in the Fellowship Hall. *Use the Spring Street entrance.
Parking: Street parking (or Post Office lot, Camden National Bank plaza off Main St, and City parking lot off Church/Beaver St.)