Special Programs

Participatory arts programs to fulfill the BFS nonprofit mission

Outdoor Events

Music and dance programs in public parks, including collaborations with the Belfast Parks & Recreation Department, Searsmont Town Library, Makers Guild of Maine, and Bagaduce Music.

Past programs include dances on the Armistice Footbridge in Belfast, a Sundays in the Park series, an Open Air Kitchen Party, and a Dancing in the Park series.

Special Dances

Dance programs that are a little bit different than our First Friday community/contra series. 

Some are in different places, such as Rockport, Searsmont, Vinalhaven, Searsport, or Bayside.

Others are different traditions, like squares, English country, Scandinavian, and even a Beatles Contra

Workshops

Programs to support dancers, musicians, callers, and organizers.

Workshop themes vary, from dance tunes and percussive dance to leadership development for callers and peer support for dance organizers. We’ve even hosted weekly contra dance lessons!

Other Programs to Support the BFS Mission

Sometimes special programs strike our fancy! Here are some things we’ve done done in the past:

  • Donated dance-related films and children’s books to the Belfast Free Library
  • Hosted a trad dance & music film series
  • Hosted a film about an influential band, followed by a jam session and chat
  • Staged a live theater production of “The Dancingmaster“
  • Facilitated panel discussions with teens and others
  • Produced concerts, including this one with Genticorum
  • Experimented with an online Social Break (virtual event with music, dance, visiting, and lots of laughter)
  • Produced a celebration of Ragtime Music with special shows for RSU71 students
  • And more!

Impacts

After a music jam at Sundays in the Park, an All Comers Band musician exclaimed, “That was the best we’ve sounded in months!”

Support our work

Programs are made possible with generous support from individual donors, private foundations, grantors, sponsors, and our past and current project partners.

Support BFS

“Belfast Flying Shoes has always been an inspiration to me for how to really engage the community, and these programs are just one more example.”

— Contra dance caller