Larry Dutch and Linden O'Ryan swing dancing at Peaks Hill Lodge

Regular readers of the dance calendar may have noticed a reliable and frequent entry, "Dancin' Dutch and the Boogie Buddies of Maine". They seem to be everywhere at once, from the Bangor area through central Maine, with their unique formula of a traditional Maine potluck supper accompanied by dance instruction, followed by a dance featuring an eclectic mix of swing, ballroom, country partner, and line dancing. "It's like a continual open-house party!" Just who are these cats?

Larry Dutch is the central figure of this pick-up band of dancers. A Belfast (Maine!) native with an extended family in that area, he obtained a master's degree in health physical education and recreation. He was a professional athlete and instructor for many years, with a power lifting championship and state wrestling championship to his credit, as well as participating in marathons and triathalons and coaching 7 state gymnastics championship teams. Larry knows that good fitness is a lifetime activity, and says "If I knew then what I know now, I might have spent more time on dance!" He credits his athletic past as the reason he can dance all night, every night of the week.

Larry began dancing in his late 30's, starting with ballroom classes, and learned quickly. Then, for years he was a traveling dance instructor, giving lessons (sometimes with his daughter Lisa), and putting on dances at River City Gym in Bangor, the old roller skating rink in Detroit, Ken's Outback Tavern in Skowhegan, Melody Ranch in Fairfield, Giordano's in Winslow, the American Legion Hall in Camden, Echo Hill in St. George, Cadillac Ranch in Bucksport, Bud's Place in Ellsworth, Harbor House in Northeast Harbor, the YWCA in Bar Harbor, the Belfast Curling Club, the Dill Center in Skowhegan, Champions in Waterville, and the Ramada Inn in Bangor.  Many of these places he still visits regularly.  "You have to do outreach and networking if you want to make this a full-time job." he observes.

But his base of operation is Peaks Hill Lodge in Dedham. It used to be a bottle club, and Larry acquired it after a student in Bucksport showed him a postcard of the place. Larry installed a large dance floor underlaid with foam. The Lodge has an unprepossessing exterior, but inside the place has a relaxed and friendly, clubhouse feeling, and there is a dance event there every single night of the week. These events cater to the interests of the dancers. For example,  if some lindyhoppers show up on "couples night", music is played that they like. On other nights, there is a large line-dance contingent, learning the latest intricacies of that dance form. And there are country partner dancers, and ballroom and latin folks, and often good live bands. Larry bustles around like the great host that he is, making sure that everyone is having a good time and getting to dance.

Larry Dutch has a long-range commitment to social dance. He is flexible, and his program has "gone in and out of" an emphasis on swing, line dance, and country dance, as the interests of dancers change.   He believes in teaching dance as fun, rather than strictly ballroom.  Because of his years as a gymnastics coach, he has lots of experience in "getting bodies to be in the right place on the right foot at the right time."  He thinks that line dances, being very choreographed, are a good way to improve rhythm and footwork skills.  And his great tip for beginning dancers? "Guys - surround yourself with great lady dancers and you will get better - fast!"

Larry invites everyone to Peaks Hill Lodge "where you will meet some of the nicest people you will ever meet." To find out what type of dance is being emphasized on a particular night, give him a call at 207/843-7080 or write to him at PO Box 64, Belfast ME 04915. Directions to Peaks Hill Lodge are on the "directions" section of this website.  At the current time, Monday and Wednesday are Country nights, Tuesday and Thursday are ballroom and partner dance nights, and Friday, Saturday and Sunday are "party nights".  Beginner hours start at 6 pm, and private lessons can be arranged in advance.