Dela Murphy is a contra dance caller, community builder, artist, and dancer based in Portland, Maine.
Dela co-founded and is a core organizer of Portland Intown Contra Dance, a weekly series invested in supporting emerging talent and mentoring newcomers to the stage. Dela also co-founded and organized Form the Ocean, a contra dance weekend supporting female and non-binary leaders, artists, and dancers.
She brings compelling arts programming to life, hosting events that connect people in meaningful, joyful ways.
As a dance caller, her warm style and infectious laugh puts dancers of all levels at ease. Known for clear, efficient teaching and solid dance choices, she calls with a light touch so the energy of the music can work its magic and lift the floor.
New England-based, she's also called in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, South, and in Canada.
She’s passionate about growing participation and leadership in the folk arts.
Dela organizes and facilitates training for new callers, musicians, and sound engineers, studies and shares the history of folk processes, and cultivates welcoming spaces for new dancers.
She’s also a traditional artisan, crafting handmade brooms and teaching the art to others.
“Dela's style Is coactive. She holds the door open, and lights the path, so you can choose the way. She is open, caring, considerate, flexible, and spectacular! She is an absolute pleasure to work with and her intuition is uncanny.”
— Coaching Client, Portland, ME“I don't think any of us knew what to expect going in to Dela’s dance improv session, and I can say it was one of the most original and engaging workshops I have ever had at a dance weekend. Invite her to your weekend, your dancers will thank you! ”
— Dancer, Nashville, TN“Thanks to Dela’s teaching, there was deeper intimacy than the average in the dance hall. We all were benefiting immediately feeling more open and connected."
— Dancer, Chambana Jan Jam Dance Weekend, Urbana, IL
