Folk Dance Federation of California

Statewide 2022
2022-05-20 18:30 - 2022-05-22 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Hermann Sons Hall, 860 Western Avenue, Petaluma, CA, 94952, United States
Statewide 2022 – Pastoral Fandango “Pastoral Fandango” is a weekend festival of folk dance workshops and parties including

Dance workshops with Ahmet Lüleci, Gergana Panova and Bruce Hamilton
Live Music Played by Chubritza
Dance performances by Gradina, Chinese Performance Group with Rebecca Tsai, and more..
Parties and Luncheon
Request Dancing
Middle Eastern dinner catered by The River Front Cafe
Meeting friends – Old and New

All events take place at the Hermann Sons Hall, Petaluma, CA.
All participants will need to show proof of vaccination or results for an FDA approved COVID test taken each day attended. Masks will be mandatory while inside the hall with the exception of teachers, band members, and performers. This decision is guided by our commitment to the health and peace of mind of our community.
Register

Schedule
All events take place at the Hermann Sons Hall, Petaluma, CA.
Statewide 2022 Schedule
Instructors and Band
Ahmet Lüleci
Ahmet Lüleci A native of Turkey, Ahmet started dancing at a very young age and joined award winning dance ensembles when he was only 8 years old. Over the next 30 years, his dance ensembles participated in both national and international competitions throughout Europe and appeared in multiple broadcasts in both Europe, Canada, and the USA. His love for folk songs made him pursue a college major in Music and Voice, and a second degree in Fine Arts. He has thoroughly researched Anatolian culture, and separately conducted academic research into Spoon Dances, and into the historical, social, and cultural background/ customs of the people of the Mediterranean Coast of Turkey. His 400-page research paper was rewarded first place by the Turkish Ministry in a 1985 national competition. Ahmet arrived in the USA in 1985 and has taught numerous workshops all over the Americas, Europe, Japan, Asia, etc. as well as choreographed and worked with many well-known performing ensembles. (Aman, BYU, Budlet, Les Sortileges, Vinod, Hoytur, Turhoy, Anadolu University) Among many other dances, Ahmet has introduced us to: Ali Pasa, Agir Halay, Kelekvan, Hozanki, Duz Halay, Kara Tren, Narino, Ordu, Oy Memo, Heyamo, Inaduna, Aslan Mustafam, Esmer, Helef, Lacin, and Tesi Duz Halay.
Currently, Ahmet is the Artistic Director of Collage Dance Ensemble in Boston. His goal for this ensemble is to: “Showcase the beauty and passion of neglected dance forms and their cultural heritage.” He is also an adjudicator of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod held yearly in Wales. Read more…
Dr. Gergana Panova-Tekath
Gergana Panova Dr. Gergana Panova-Tekath was born in Sofia, Bulgaria. From 1988 to 1993, she danced with the Filip Kutev Bulgarian National Folk Ensemble. She studied dance ethnology in Bulgaria and obtained her Ph.D. in dance from Dortmund University (Germany). She regularly commutes between Bulgaria, where she heads the Ethnochoreology Department at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and Germany, where she is Professor of Dance at Folkwang University in Essen.
She graduated in Dance Pedagogy, Ethnochoreology, Choreography and Direction (Bulgaria), and Kinetography and Communicative Sciences (Germany) and has completed a Doctorate with “Summa cum laude” and awarded the prize “Dissertation 2004” from the Technical University of Dortmund (Germany) in the area of Cultural Philosophy. The title of her thesis is “Dance after Perestroika. The Communication between Eastern and Western Europe through the Bulgarian Folkdances.” Gergana qualified in Ethnochoreology and Communication in 2011 in Sofia.
She performed as a solo dancer and choreographer at the National Ensemble for Folksongs and Folkdances (Philip Koutev) in Sofia from 1988 to 1994, was a Choreographer for different Bulgarian and international Theater Projects, was a Senior Fellow and Associate Professor for Ethnochoreology at the Institute for Art Studies at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in Sofia, and has lectured at the Technical University of Dortmund, the Humboldt University, Berlin, the University in Zurich, the University of Music, Vienna, and the New Bulgarian University, Sofia.
Starting in 1994, she has conducted over 300 seminars and summer academies in folk dances in Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Holland, Israel, Japan, Norway, Switzerland, and the United States.
She has published numerous articles and has written two books on various aspects of Bulgarian traditional dance. Besides organizing annual summer seminars in Bulgaria, Gergana has taught workshops in many countries: Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Israel, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, Argentina and North America. Read more…
Bruce Hamilton
Bruce Hamilton Bruce Hamilton is a thoughtful and energetic teacher of English and Scottish country dancing. He started dancing in college, and took up teaching in the early 1970s. He founded the San Jose English dance and has taught English country dancing all over the United States and abroad. He is a founding member of the Deer Creek Morris Men, a 15-year participant in The Christmas Revels, and past president of the Country Dance and Song Society. Bruce has been focusing on non-choreographic elements of English Country Dance (ECD). He doesn’t teach many new or complex dances (claims he can’t remember them!) but instead focuses on skills that apply across all dances. He is interested in how the dancers move, how they give weight, how they match the music, how well they work with their partners, etc. In workshops Bruce also reviews the fundamentals of turns, heys, rights and lefts, using dances that will help these people work on those skills. He carries this focus into his sought-after callers’ classes, which he’s done for the last three decades. Training ECD teachers is relatively unexplored territory and it’s very exciting. Learning to teach takes years, but even in a weekend or week-long mini-course he’s been able to point students in useful directions, and some have made great strides. By day, Bruce is a retired computer scientist and now helps out with his wife’s dog and cat rescue organization. He has taught at Mendocino Folklore Camp, Pinewoods Camp, Timber Ridge and Stockton Folk Dance Camp, and in five countries. Read more…

Chubritza – Traditional Balkan and International Folk Music
Chubritza Chubritza is well known throughout California as they have been featured in several dance camps as well as past Statewide Festivals. They are known for their variety and mixture of international musical tastes and textures, while retaining a Balkan and Eastern European emphasis. Chubritza is Janet Finney-Krull, Meadow Lo, Jim Case, Linnea Mandell, Rick Kruse, and Craig Kurumada.
Read more…
Hotels
Statewide 2022 will be happening in Petaluma the weekend prior Memorial Day Weekend. Motel prices will be going through the roof on that weekend so please book your rooms early. Only one hotel has been willing to contract with us (so far)
Hampton Inn and Suites
The Hampton Inn and Suites in Rohnert Park for $195/night is a high-end hotel with beautiful rooms, and it includes free wi-fi, a fridge, a microwave, a couple of free upgrades to a king suite with a pull-out couch, and a complete hot breakfast (eggs, waffles, fruit, juice, yoghurt, oatmeal, etc.). The breakfast is self-serve in a motel style manner, since the hotel does not have a restaurant. To reserve, call 855-283-5831 or use the button below. Mention discount code “FDF” when you call.
Rates for May 19 through May 24 will honored until one month before the event, April 19th.
Hampton Inn Reservations
Others
Other hotels close to Petaluma that we researched and visited and are still available at reasonable rates (search the Internet for the best rates) if booked early. Unfortunately, the only hotel within walking distance is Hotel Petaluma on Kentucky Street.

Hotel Petaluma – 707-559-3393
Metro Hotel and Cafe in Petaluma – 707-773-4900
America’s Best Value Inn in Petaluma – 707-795-9000
The Days Inn in Novato – 415-897-7111
Budget Inn in Rohnert Park – 707-584-1305
America’s Best Value Inn in Novato – 415-892-7500
Motel 6 in Petaluma – 707-765-0333

Visit Petaluma
Statewide 2021 will be held in the charming town of Petaluma in Northern California’s Sonoma County. Petaluma, once known as “the egg basket of the world”, continues to have a strong connection to its farming past—more recently, with the planting of vineyards which produce some of the finest wines in the world. Petaluma, and the larger Sonoma County of which it is a part, is just an hour north of San Francisco, and offers visitors so many options to enjoy “the bounty of the County” that you may want to enjoy an extended stay—or plan a time to revisit this beautiful part of the world.
If you saw the movies American Graffiti or Peggy Sue Got Married, then you have seen a bit of Petaluma. And if you are a Hitchcock fan, then a trip to the towns of Bodega and Bodega Bay may suit you fine—come see the birds!—or visit the library in Santa Rosa, where Uncle Charlie left a “shadow of a doubt“.
Sonoma County extends from just west of Napa all the way to the Pacific Ocean. You can visit the ocean and the redwoods easily in one afternoon. Armstrong Redwoods has very accessible trails, and a stroll among these ancient giants can be enjoyed by all ages. Or, if you prefer some retail therapy, coupled with charming restaurants, visit the town of Healdsburg a half-hour north.

Historic Petaluma
Tour historic Petaluma.

Local Wineries
Visit a local winery.

Local Parks
Visit a local park.

Things to Do
Plan a trip to the coast, the redwoods, beer tasting, places to hike or more.

Driving Directions to Hermann Sons Hall, Petaluma
Statewide 2022 Driving directions
Easiest: Hwy 101 to Washington St. to N. Webster St. to HSH
From the South
Exit Hwy 101 at East Washington St. / Central Petaluma
Turn left at the stop light, continue straight on Washington St. (becomes Bodega Ave) for 1.8 miles to N. Webster St.
Turn left on N. Webster St., continue 0.3 miles to intersection with Western Ave.
HSH is on the corner of Western and N. Webster
From the North
Exit Hwy 101 at East Washington St. / Central Petaluma
Turn right at the stop light, continue straight on Washington St. (becomes Bodega Ave) for 1.8 miles to N. Webster St.
Turn left on N. Webster St., continue 0.3 miles to intersection with Western Ave.
HSH is on the corner of Western and N. Webster
Alternate route: From Hwy 101 via Petaluma Boulevard
From the South
Exit Hwy 101 at exit 427A – Petaluma Blvd. South
Turn right at first stop light, then immediately left at the second stop light
Continue straight on Petaluma Blvd S. for 2.1 miles to Western Ave
Turn left on Western Ave and continue for 0.6 miles
HSH is on the corner of Western and N. Webster
From the North
Exit Hwy 101 at exit 476 – Petaluma Blvd. North / Penngrove
Turn right at stop light, continue straight on Petaluma Blvd N. for 3.0 miles to Washington St.
Turn right onto Washington St.
Continue straight on Washington St (becomes Bodega Ave) for 0.7 mi to N. Webster St.
Turn left on N. Webster St. and continue 0.3 miles to intersection with Western Ave.
HSH is on the corner of Western and N Webster

Registration
Statewide Covid Liability Wavier – Print, sign, and bring with you. Lodging should be purchased separately. Recommended group pricing available at Hampton Inn and Suites, Rohnert Park.
Children under 13 are admitted free with a paying adult. Young adults aged 13-21 will receive a 50% discount, but may be required to volunteer from 1-2 hours during the festival. Work scholarships available. For details contact Marina Troost.
Register Online

Mail-In Registration
Print and Mail Registration Form
Print and complete registration form and send with your check (made payable to Folk Dance Federation) to:
Statewide Registrar
Sabine Zappe
153 Race Street
San Jose, CA 95126.

Global Folk Dance Party
2022-05-21 15:00 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online, CA, United States
We’ll be giving you a preview of June Camp this Global Folk Dance Party. Afterwards join us for the after party hosted by Paul Collins and friends.
We will:

Connect and dance in our own homes
Watch people leading dances from around the world
Submit requests and chat online
See each other; listen and dance to our favorites

Join The Party
By Zoom
Join by Zoom
https://zoom.us/j/600066908 Meeting ID: 600 066 908

IMPORTANT – Do not use both computer and phone; you will generate feedback.
Zoom will best be viewed using side by side mode. See https://bit.ly/39dximU for info.
When in the meeting, click the ‘chat’ button to chat with everybody and make requests.
When you sign into Zoom, enter your name and city so we know where you’re from!

To dial in by phone: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
By Facebook Live
Join by Facebook Live
if Zoom is full or you just want to watch.
https://www.facebook.com/PFDCouncil/
For more details and requests e-mail us at virtualfolkdance@gmail.com. Alicia La Fetra, Lisa Michael, and Stacy Rose will be happy to help.

Land Dancers Folk Dance Weekend
2022-05-28 11:00 - 2022-05-30 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Cliff’s land in the Santa Cruz Mountains, CA-9 & Skyline Blvd, Saratoga, CA, 95070
Please join the Land Dancers this Memorial Day weekend for International and Israeli folk dancing and music at The Land. Come for the day Saturday or Sunday, or camp out for the whole weekend. Anyone is welcome. Fun for families. No charge. Held every Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend. Founded by Cliff Jenkins and friends in 1981.
Wonderful activities for everyone! Hiking trails, camping, bicycling, dancing, live music and more..
We dance outdoors on a big redwood deck where two creeks come together in the Santa Cruz Mountains, off Skyline Blvd near Highway 9. Come as early as 11am Saturday May 28 to set up camp. There isn’t a set time to begin dancing Saturday.
Organizer: Land Dancers
Cost: free of charge, donations encouraged
Contact Betsy Moore, eambetsy@gmail.com, (408-507-7177) to request a flyer with directions and more info.
COVID-19 Precautions
We ask that attendees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including booster, if eligible. Please get tested if you’ve been exposed and don’t attend if you are feeling ill. With respect to masking and other restrictions, we will follow the guidelines of the County of San Mateo. Currently there are no restrictions in place.
We’ll have a simplified version of the COVID comfort level necklaces we used last year. You may choose to wear a red necklace if you wish to have people ask your consent before hugging, holding hands while dancing, sharing food, etc.

Razzmatazz Folk Dance Weekend
2022-06-03 - 2022-06-05 | Mendocino Woodlands Camp, 39350 Little Lake Rd, Mendocino, CA, 95460, United States
Annual Razzmatazz Folk Dance Weekend at Mendocino Woodlands Camp #1
After missing the last two years of Razzmatazz Weekend at Mendocino Woodlands due to the Covid pandemic, we are going to hold our Weekend camp in person again (fingers crossed) on June 3,4,5, 2022! This will be our 43rd year and our final Razzmatazz Weekend. We will be celebrating 43 years together in the magical Mendocino Woodlands, with the incomparable music of Édessa, outstanding guest teachers, and joyful campers.
We are so happy to announce our staff for this final year:

Teachers: Michael Ginsburg, Joe Graziosi, Steve Kotansky
Édessa, the heart and soul of camp, with Christos Govetas
True Life Trio and Joe Finn
Our chef: Nicole Saadeh and her staff

We will be donating all “Above & Beyond” monies directly to the Mendocino Woodlands Camp Association in appreciation for taking such good care of the Woodlands all these years.
This year’s camp is partially underwritten by a generous donation from Jim Kaumeyer, a long time folk dancer in our Santa Rosa group.
Registration for the weekend is now open. Everyone must be fully vaccinated to attend. For a registration form, email: razzmatazzfolkdanceclub@gmail.com

Berkeley Folk Dance's Birthday Ball
2022-06-05 13:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Live Oak Recreation Center, 1301 Shattuck Avenue (at Berryman), Berkeley, CA, 94709 , United States

Scandia Camp 2022
2022-06-11 - 2022-06-13 | Online, CA, United States
Free virtual camp via Zoom
The Scandia Camp Mendocino 2022 program will feature dance, music, and more from Norway and Sweden, presented by instructors from those countries and the United States including:
Dance Classes

Polsdans fra Finnskogen a popular dance found on both sides of the border between Norway and Sweden (about Finnskogen)
Dances from Hälsingland and Dalarna, areas of Sweden with various dance traditions (about Hälsingland) (about Dalarna)
Gammeldans a collection of what we call old time dances from Norway (What is gammeldans?)
Scandinavian dance fundamentals, including Hambo and waltz

Music Classes

Norwegian Fiddle, featuring tunes to accompany dance traditions being taught
Swedish Fiddle, featuring some of the teacher’s favorite tunes.
Beginning Scandinavian Fiddle
Hardanger Fiddle, a uniquely Norwegian fiddle with understrings (more information)
Nyckelharpa (a keyed fiddle), the national folk instrument of Sweden (more information)
Group Playing (allspel/samspel) all instruments welcome – Learn the most common/popular tunes for dances and play along at the parties.
Cow Horn, a wind instrument made from a cow horn
Singing, with emphasis on songs from Foldal

Additional Activities

Welcome Session
Crafts
Culture Sessions
Chat Rooms and Scandinavian Videos
Dance Parties
Jam Sessions

The mission of Scandia Camp Mendocino is to provide culturally unique enriching opportunities to learn about and actively experience the dance, music and cultural traditions of Scandinavia (primarily Norway and Sweden) in a welcoming community.
Schedule, list of instructors, and more at http://scandiacamp.org
Register

Palomanians Ice Cream Social
2022-06-12 15:30 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | St. Bede’s Church Hall, 2650 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA, United States
The Palomanians Ice Cream Social featuring request dancing, refreshments, and of course ice cream! Our MC is Denise Heenan.
A tradition for decades, the Palomanians will provide all the ingredients for an Ice Cream Social and Dance Party! With lots of toppings, fresh and stewed fruit, sprinkles, whipped cream, chocolate sauce, and more! Punch, water and coffee also provided. More dancing afterwards to work it all off. Nothing to bring besides your dance shoes.
To submit a request for our dance program, or to volunteer to help, please contact pfdcparty@gmail.com
As a reminder, vaccinated dancers only. If you’ve been to our parties in the past, we’ve marked you as vaccinated. If this is your first party, please bring proof of vaccination. Per county guidelines, masks are not required but recommended.

Global Folk Dance Party
2022-06-18 15:00 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online, CA, United States
At this month’s Global Folk Dance Party, we’re excited to be dancing with Ira Weisburd. In addition, we’re sharing Ira’s ‘Prayer for Ukraine’, the Global Dance event Ira’s putting on to raise money to help out people in Ukraine.

At our party, we’ll let you know how you can help. Keep passing the word to your friends. Afterwards join us for the after party hosted by Paul Collins and friends
Join The Party
By Zoom
Join by Zoom
https://zoom.us/j/600066908 Meeting ID: 600 066 908

IMPORTANT – Do not use both computer and phone; you will generate feedback.
Zoom will best be viewed using side by side mode. See https://bit.ly/39dximU for info.
When in the meeting, click the ‘chat’ button to chat with everybody and make requests.
When you sign into Zoom, enter your name and city so we know where you’re from!

To dial in by phone: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
By Facebook Live
Join by Facebook Live
if Zoom is full or you just want to watch.
https://www.facebook.com/PFDCouncil/
For more details and requests e-mail us at virtualfolkdance@gmail.com. Alicia La Fetra, Lisa Michael, and Stacy Rose will be happy to help.

International Folk Dance in Person Party
2022-07-10 15:15 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | St. Bede’s Church Hall, 2650 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA, United States
Join the Peninsula Council Folk Dancers for an all-request dance party! We’ve missed dancing with you!
Be sure to come early for the PFDC (Peninsula Folk Dance Council) Annual Meeting preceding the party!
We’ll have dances for all levels, beginning to advanced. Dress comfortably in layers; sneakers or low-heeled dance shoes recommended. Donations to help cover the cost of the hall are welcome.
We do dances from nearly every country in the world, and the music is incredible.
As a reminder, vaccinated dancers only. If you’ve been to our parties in the past, we’ve marked you as vaccinated. If this is your first party, please bring proof of vaccination. Per county guidelines, masks are not required but recommended.
Send dance requests to pfdcparty@gmail.com
Dances range from beginning to advanced, and all forms (line, couple, and set). If you’d like to bring a snack to share, please make sure they are prepared for individual servings.

Global Folk Dance Party
2022-07-16 15:00 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online, CA, United States
We’re excited that this month’s party is Pre-Stockton, featuring Maurits and Tineke van Geel. A lot of us will be at Stockton and dancing from there, with others in different locations. We look forward to a fun night with all of you. I’ve attached the flyers, thanks for sharing with your friends!
As always, thank you for coming to our party and sharing your day with us. I and the Global Party team look forward to continuing our parties with all of you on the third Saturday of each month.
Join The Party
By Zoom
Register by Zoom
We’ve changed Zoom numbers. Here’s what you need to do. Use the registration link above and you’ll get an email from Zoom with your link for the Global Folk Dance Party. Feel free to share the above registration link with your friends, they’ll get their own link to join. With the new registration, you’ll get a reminder email the morning of the Global Folk Dance Party, so you don’t have to look for your link.

IMPORTANT – Do not use both computer and phone; you will generate feedback.
Zoom will best be viewed using side by side mode. See https://bit.ly/39dximU for info.
When in the meeting, click the ‘chat’ button to chat with everybody and make requests.
When you sign into Zoom, enter your name and city so we know where you’re from!

To dial in by phone: +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
By Facebook Live
Join by Facebook Live
if Zoom is full or you just want to watch.
https://www.facebook.com/PFDCouncil/
For more details and requests e-mail us at virtualfolkdance@gmail.com. Alicia La Fetra, Lisa Michael, and Stacy Rose will be happy to help.

Stockton Folk Dance Camp
2022-07-17 - 2022-07-31 | University of the Pacific, 3601 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA, 95211, United States
July 2022, Stockton Folk Dance Camp’s 75th year, will be an in-person camp after two years being virtual.
Details of the July 2022 camp are coming soon… Check HERE for updates.
Stockton Folk Dance camp will be held during the following weeks:
Week 1 – July 17 – 23
Week 2 – July 24 – 31
Priority for attendance will be given to those on a wait list developed over the last two years.
Payments page

A Jaap Leegwater Evening
2022-08-13 17:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | St. Bede’s Church Hall, 2650 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA, United States
Come join us for a Bulgarian dance workshop with Jaap Leegwater! Jaap has brought us many of our favorite dances, including Karamfil, Mari Mariko, Rusi Kosi, and many more. An international folk dance party will follow after a short dinner break.

Time
Event
Donation

5:00-6:45pm
Dance Workshop with Jaap Leegwater
$10

6:45-7:15pm
Dinner break (we’ll order pizza, bring a snack to share!)

7:15-10:00pm
International Folk Dance Party (first-timers free) with MCs Ken Kaye and Adony Beiares
$10

As a reminder, vaccinated dancers only. If you’ve been to our parties in the past, we’ve marked you as vaccinated. If this is your first party, please bring proof of vaccination. N95 or KN95 masks highly recommended.
Send dance requests to pfdcparty@gmail.com
Jaap Leegwater Jaap Leegwater started his dance career in his native country, The Netherlands, where he earned degrees in both education and international folk dance. Fascinated with the irregular Balkan rhyhms and drawn to the expressiveness of its movements, Jaap specialized in Bulgarian dance and choreography. In 1969, he was one of the first non-Bulgarians invited to study at the State Choreographer’s Schools in Sofia and Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Mr. Leegwater was first introduced to the American folkdance scene by the late Ciga Despotovic in 1980. He gratefully recognizes the support and inspiration received from Marianne and Michael Herman, Dennis Boxell and Yves Moreau in establishing himself in Northern America professionally.
For the past 30 years Mr. Leegwater has conducted workshops and dance seminars in various countries: The Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Israël, England, United States, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. He is a regular instructor at many major dance camps and organizations including Maine Folk Dance Camp, Stockton Folk Dance Camp at the University of the Pacific, Mendocino Folklore Camp, the EEFC Balkan Music and Dance Camp, Kolo Festival, in San Francisco, Texas Folk Dance Camp, New Mexico August folk dance Camp, Santa Barbara Folk Dance Symposium, Montreal International Folk Dance Camp, Ontario Folk Dance Camp and the Bulgarian Festivals in Vancouver, B.C.
Dances range from beginning to advanced, and all forms (line, couple, and set). If you’d like to bring a snack to share, please make sure they are prepared for individual servings.

Workshop and Dance with Jaap Leegwater
2022-08-14 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Avenue, Berkeley, CA, 94702, United States
Attendance is limited; if you are late, you may be turned away (sorry!)
Times: Doors open at 1:45pm
Warmup & Workshop 2-4pm
Dancing 4-5pm to include many Jaap favorites
Support Team: Nadav Nur, Evan Chu, Rebecca Tsai
Sponsored by Lifebalkandancers.com, Sherry Cochran Worldance1@gmail; E-mail with questions & requests
Food & Beverages will not be provided but non-glass water bottles can be refilled within the venue
Health & Safety Policy:
All event volunteers and attendees must be fully vaccinated with at least one booster shot per Ashkenaz before attending
Be prepared to show your Vaccination card at the door.
Masks are not required (per county guidelines) but very STRONGLY recommended by Ashkenaz and our team; Make sure that they are high-quality and well-fitting
This will be a fun event! See you there!
Jaap Leegwater
Jaap Leegwater Jaap Leegwater started his dance career in his native country, The Netherlands, where he earned degrees in both education and international folk dance. Fascinated with the irregular Balkan rhyhms and drawn to the expressiveness of its movements, Jaap specialized in Bulgarian dance and choreography. In 1969, he was one of the first non-Bulgarians invited to study at the State Choreographer’s Schools in Sofia and Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Mr. Leegwater was first introduced to the American folkdance scene by the late Ciga Despotovic in 1980. He gratefully recognizes the support and inspiration received from Marianne and Michael Herman, Dennis Boxell and Yves Moreau in establishing himself in Northern America professionally.
For the past 30 years Mr. Leegwater has conducted workshops and dance seminars in various countries: The Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Israël, England, United States, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. He is a regular instructor at many major dance camps and organizations including Maine Folk Dance Camp, Stockton Folk Dance Camp at the University of the Pacific, Mendocino Folklore Camp, the EEFC Balkan Music and Dance Camp, Kolo Festival, in San Francisco, Texas Folk Dance Camp, New Mexico August folk dance Camp, Santa Barbara Folk Dance Symposium, Montreal International Folk Dance Camp, Ontario Folk Dance Camp and the Bulgarian Festivals in Vancouver, B.C.

Global Folk Dance Party
2022-08-20 15:00 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online, CA, United States
At this month’s Global Folk Dance Party we’re excited to feature the dances of Joe Graziosi. Joe, along with Eileen Kopec and Sherry Cochran, will lead dances. We look forward to dancing with you on August 20 from 3:00pm to 6:30pm Pacific Time.
Join The Party
By Zoom
Register by Zoom
We’ve changed Zoom numbers. Here’s what you need to do. Use the registration link above and you’ll get an email from Zoom with your link for the Global Folk Dance Party. Feel free to share the above registration link with your friends, they’ll get their own link to join. With the new registration, you’ll get a reminder email the morning of the Global Folk Dance Party, so you don’t have to look for your link.

IMPORTANT – Do not use both computer and phone; you will generate feedback.
Zoom will best be viewed using side by side mode. See https://bit.ly/39dximU for info.
When in the meeting, click the ‘chat’ button to chat with everybody and make requests.
When you sign into Zoom, enter your name and city so we know where you’re from!

By Facebook Live
Join by Facebook Live
if Zoom is full or you just want to watch.
https://www.facebook.com/PFDCouncil/
For more details and requests e-mail us at virtualfolkdance@gmail.com. Alicia La Fetra, Lisa Michael, and Stacy Rose will be happy to help.

Land Dancers Folk Dance Weekend
2022-09-03 11:00 - 2022-09-05 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Cliff’s land in the Santa Cruz Mountains, CA-9 & Skyline Blvd, Saratoga, CA, 95070
Please join the Land Dancers this Labor Day weekend for International and Israeli folk dancing and music at The Land. Come for the day Saturday or Sunday, or camp out for the whole weekend. Anyone is welcome. Fun for families. No charge. Held every Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend. Founded by Cliff Jenkins and friends in 1981.
Wonderful activities for everyone! Hiking trails, camping, bicycling, dancing, live music and more..
It’s been nearly a year since Cliff died on Sept 10, 2021. We’re happy to be able to continue the tradition he started 41 years ago, and we remember him with love and gratitude.
Come on out for the weekend or for the day and enjoy the deck, the creek, the forest, dancing and friends!
Organizer: Land Dancers
Cost: free of charge, donations encouraged
Contact Betsy Moore, eambetsy@gmail.com, (408-507-7177) to request a flyer with directions and more info.

Fire Safety
The danger of fire is very high due to the drought and the time of year. Flames of any kind are allowed only in the deck kitchen and barbecue area. Be careful of sparks and do not park on long dry grass. Make sure to park facing out and leave your keys in your car and visible in case of evacuation.
COVID-19 Precautions
We ask that attendees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, including booster, if eligible. Please get tested if you’ve been exposed and don’t attend if you are feeling ill. With respect to masking and other restrictions, we will follow the guidelines of the County of San Mateo. Currently there are no restrictions in place.
We’ll have a simplified version of the COVID comfort level necklaces we used last year. You may choose to wear a red necklace if you wish to have people ask your consent before hugging, holding hands while dancing, sharing food, etc.

Fall into Fall Party
2022-09-08 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church, 18870 Allendale Avenue, Saratoga, California, 95070
Instead of their usual end of summer party the Saratoga International Dance Family will this year host a “Fall into Fall” dance party and include a fundraiser for a worthy charity, the Kathleen Barsotti Non-Profit (KBNP).
The “Fall Into Fall” party will have an autumn colors theme, so please come wearing any clothing that works that theme. Look forward to participating in a group photo at the close of festivities.
Fall into Fall Fundraiser
Kathleen Barsotti Non-Profit (KBNP)
Kathleen Barsotti Non-Profit (KBNP) provides hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies to the children of farm workers, provides a college scholarship to a young-adult with ambitions of working in sustainable agriculture, and helps make English as a second language classes accessible to farm workers. Kathleen Barsotti was a pioneer in the organic food movement. She died after a long battle with breast cancer; her four sons have continued her life’s work. Read more…
Ways to contribute:

Send a check made payable to KBNP to Loui Tucker at 153 Race Street, San Jose, CA 95126.
Come to the party and leave your check/cash in the designated box.
Make your donation online by visiting the fundraising web page.

Donate to KBNP

West Coast BalkanFest
2022-09-09 18:00 - 23:00, 2022-09-10 12:00 - 23:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Presidio Theatre Plaza, 99 Moraga Avenue, San Francisco, CA, 94112, United States
Come celebrate Balkan music and dance with us at our weekend festival—in person! Our West Coast BalkanFest will be held in the picturesque Presidio of San Francisco. Jump into the joy with a live-music dance party on Friday night and then come back for classes and more dance parties on Saturday with world-class instructors and performers. People of all ages and experience levels are welcome!
Daily Schedule
Please note the schedule and bands are subject to change, even at the very last minute. The below is an outline of activities. A full, detailed schedule will be published soon.
Friday, September 9
Doors open at 6:00 p.m.
The evening activities start at 6:30 p.m. with a dance workshop to get your feet moving
Dance party outside on the Plaza to live bands until 11:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 6
Doors open at 12:00 noon
Music and singing classes, dance walkthroughs by expert teachers, multiple bands for listening and dancing to all day long
BalkanFest activities continue until 11:00 p.m.
Covid protocols: We are asking ALL participants to present evidence of current Covid vaccinations and boosters (see the registration form for details), and we will require masking in all indoor spaces.
Registration and details…

Cafe Shalom Dance Party
2022-09-10 19:30 - 23:30, 2022-10-08 19:30 - 23:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Congregation Am Tikvah, 625 Brotherhood Way, San Francisco, CA, United States
Israeli folk dancers from all over the Bay Area dance the night away at Café Shalom’s Saturday party—a monthly tradition since the 1960s! We play a wonderful mix of oldies and the latest dances based on requests. Dancers of all ages are invited to join the fun on the second Saturday of every month.
Saturday classes are large parties with many dancers from all ages and spectrum. We dance dances from 1918 and from 2018 back to back.
The first part of the evening – 30-45 minutes starts with slow and beginners dances, oldies, and dances which we learn in Tuesday class. Later we increase the intensity, up the beat and the pace and the evening is fully charged with great energy and fun.
7:30 pm – Warm-up, beginner’s, oldies dances, and recently taught dances
8:00 pm – Our party perks up… with circle, and couple dances
9:15 pm – Birthday celebrations, announcements, followed by a line dance set
9:30 – 11:30 pm – We’ll dance ‘til then or ‘til we drop – whatever comes first!
Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for students.
Info: Text 669.444.1284
Cafe Shalom, more details…

International Folk Dance in Person Party
2022-09-11 15:00 - 17:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Redwood City Women’s Club, 149 Clinton Street, Redwood City, CA, 94062, United States
Join the Peninsula Council Folk Dancers for an all-request dance party! We’ve missed dancing with you!
We’ll have dances for all levels, beginning to advanced. Dress comfortably in layers; sneakers or low-heeled dance shoes recommended. Donations to help cover the cost of the hall are welcome.
We do dances from nearly every country in the world, and the music is incredible.
Masks are recommended, but not required. Up to date vaccinations are required. If you’ve already shown us your vaccine info, no need to do it again. If not, you can email it to us at pfdcparty@gmail.com or bring it with you.
Send your dance requests to pfdcparty@gmail.com along with any questions, comments, or suggestions.
Dances range from beginning to advanced, and all forms (line, couple, and set). If you’d like to bring a snack to share, please make sure they are prepared for individual servings.

Global Folk Dance Party
2022-09-17 15:00 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online, CA, United States
This month’s Global Folk Dance Party is a Pre-World Camp party and Ahmet Luleci, Fusae Carroll, Rikki Nicolae and others will lead dances. We look forward to dancing with you on Saturday September 17 from 3:00pm to 6:30pm Pacific Time.
Afterwards join us for the after party hosted by Paul Collins and friends.
You may register for World Camp at this link.
Join The Party
By Zoom
Register by Zoom
We’ve changed Zoom numbers. Here’s what you need to do. Use the registration link above and you’ll get an email from Zoom with your link for the Global Folk Dance Party. Feel free to share the above registration link with your friends, they’ll get their own link to join. With the new registration, you’ll get a reminder email the morning of the Global Folk Dance Party, so you don’t have to look for your link.

IMPORTANT – Do not use both computer and phone; you will generate feedback.
Zoom will best be viewed using side by side mode. See https://bit.ly/39dximU for info.
When in the meeting, click the ‘chat’ button to chat with everybody and make requests.
When you sign into Zoom, enter your name and city so we know where you’re from!

By Facebook Live
Join by Facebook Live
if Zoom is full or you just want to watch.
https://www.facebook.com/PFDCouncil/
If you have any dance requests, please send them to virtualfolkdance@gmail.com, along with any questions you might have. Alicia La Fetra, Lisa Michael, and Stacy Rose will be happy to help.

Dance Party with Da! Mozhem
2022-09-30 19:00 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Miraloma Park Clubhouse, 350 O’Shaughnessey Boulevard (at Del Vale Avenue), San Francisco, CA, 94127, United States
Dance to your favorite international tunes with Da! Mozhem and Changs.
Chang’s is the oldest (soon to be celebrating 85 years!) folk dance group in the US. One reason is that they really know how to have a wonderful time, and share their love of dance with people of all ages and experience.
Covid protocols: proof of vaccination at the door, masks required
Be sure to bring tips for the band.
Da! Mozhem at the San Francisco Free Folk Festival
Da! Mozhem
Da! Mozhem plays and sings high-energy pan-Balkan music for the joy of dancing. D!M is a group of friends who have been playing together for well over a decade. The group has veterans from many excellent folklore bands such as the People’s International Silver String Macedonian Band, Born to Drone, Westwind, Sviraci, and the Slavonian Traveling Band. The band plays with emphasis on Bulgarian, Macedonian, and ex-Yugoslav traditions. Several members frequently travel to the Balkans to learn more about the folkloric music of the region. The group plays on traditional instruments unique to the region as well as modern instruments.

Inaugural Ball
2022-10-01 19:30 - 22:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Live Oak Recreation Center, 1301 Shattuck Avenue (at Berryman), Berkeley, CA, 94709 , United States
Coming this Saturday, October 1, is the Inaugural Ball, BFD’s first one in three years, where we’ll welcome our new and returning officers. These are the people who are providing layers of structure and support that keep the Berkeley Folk Dance club running. The program is ready to view.
Decorations are being collected and made as we speak. So, get your tropical finery out (our theme is Pacific Island Dreams), bring a small snack to share if you are so inclined, and please buy your tickets online ahead of time (although you can get them at the door as well). We’ll have your name tag ready at the door. See you on the dance floor!
Masks and proof of vaccination+booster(s) required.
Purchase tickets

San Antonio Folk Dance Festival
2022-10-07 19:00 - 2022-10-09 19:00 (America/New_York) | Online, CA, United States
The San Antonio Folk Dance Festival (SAFDF) celebrates dancing, music, costumes, and friendship of cultures from all over the world. Come celebrate with us for a wonderful, special weekend of international folk dancing and culture! Join SAFDF online for a special three-day virtual festival!
Instructors
The San Antonio Folk Dance Festival features world-renowned master teachers and choreographers:

Fusae Carroll (teaching the Macedonian dances of Atanas Kolarovski)
Shmulik Gov-Ari (teaching Israeli dances)
Iliana Bozhanova (teaching Bulgarian dances) and musical accompaniment from accordionist Todor Yankov
Zeljko Jergan (teaching Croatian dances)

and culture corners with well-known folk dance luminaries:

Bob Leibman, presenting his travels to eastern Macedonia and showing video footage of village dances
John Morovich, discussing the Ladarke, a Croatian song cycle written by Emil Cossetto in 1950
Marvin Moehle, leading a special teaching tutorial about Balkan women’s scarves and jewelry
Shmulik Gov-Ari, discussing the influence of the Yemenite step on Israeli dancing

Details on Instructors
Schedule
View Full Schedule
Register
Join by Zoom

Bianca De Jong Workshop and Party
2022-10-09 16:00 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | St. Bede’s Church Hall, 2650 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA, United States
Join the Peninsula Folk Dance Council for an afternoon dance workshop with master instructor Bianca De Jong, dinner, and evening dance party. Bianca de Jong is visiting us from The Netherlands.
Price is $10 for the workshop and $10 for the party, appetizers and refreshments included in the price. If you are having money issues, please don’t that let you not attend, ping Adony or one of the officers separately and we’ll help you out.
Schedule

Price
Time (pm)
Event

$10
4:00-5:30
Bianca de Jong Workshop

5:30-6:15
Dinner break – We’ll have some pizzas and appetizers, but feel free to bring your own or something to share.

$10
6:15-9:30
Dance party with Bianca, MCd by Clem Dickey and Alicia LaFetra.

Biana de Jong
Bianca De Jong Based in the Netherlands, Bianca has choreographed and taught many of the dances we love and also taught by other Master Teachers. Among her many dances are Tu Romnie, Devetorka na baba, Askin Cesi Mi, Ashun daje Mori and Gatij ëd gòj.
Bianca de Jong has been teaching folk dance since 1977. In 1981 she qualified as a folk dance teacher, officially recognized by the Ministry of Culture in the Netherlands. From 1978 on Bianca studies Bulgarian folklore and travels to Bulgaria. She visits amateur and professional ensembles, researchers, and (village) dancers. From 1983-1990, she visited Turkey regularly to study folklore. From 1981-1995, Bianca has organized folklore tours to Bulgaria and once to Turkey.
Bianca is actively involved in training folk dance teachers. Teaching folk dance is a great passion of hers and she considers the teaching as an art and craft in itself that brings a lot of fun! Her basic philosophy in teaching is that it should be done in such a way that you can describe it as “learning by dancing”. Read more…
As a reminder, vaccinated dancers only. If you’ve been to our parties in the past, we’ve marked you as vaccinated. If this is your first party, please bring proof of vaccination or email us proof at pfdcparty@gmail.com. Per county guidelines, masks are not required but recommended.
Send your requests to pfdcparty@gmail.com and Alicia and Clem will use them in putting the program together.

Dance Party with Da! Mozhem
2022-10-14 20:00 - 22:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Strawberry Recreation Center, 118 E. Strawberry Drive, Mill Valley, CA, 94941, United States
Dance to your favorite international tunes with Da! Mozhem and Kopachka Folk Dancers.
$15 general admittance, students free. Doors open at 7:30pm.
Covid protocols: proof of vaccination, masks required (K95 or KN95 preferred).
Be sure to bring tips for the band.
Da! Mozhem at the San Francisco Free Folk Festival
Da! Mozhem
Da! Mozhem plays and sings high-energy pan-Balkan music for the joy of dancing. D!M is a group of friends who have been playing together for well over a decade. The group has veterans from many excellent folklore bands such as the People’s International Silver String Macedonian Band, Born to Drone, Westwind, Sviraci, and the Slavonian Traveling Band. The band plays with emphasis on Bulgarian, Macedonian, and ex-Yugoslav traditions. Several members frequently travel to the Balkans to learn more about the folkloric music of the region. The group plays on traditional instruments unique to the region as well as modern instruments.

Global Folk Dance Party
2022-10-15 15:00 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online, CA, United States
Come to our Global Folk Dance Party on Saturday October 15. Afterwards join us for the after party hosted by Paul Collins and friends. This month’s Global Folk Dance Party is a Pre-Texa-Kolo party, getting ready for in-person Texas Camp and Kolo Festival. We look forward to dancing with you on Saturday October 15 from 3:00pm to 6:30pm Pacific Time.
Join The Party
By Zoom
Register by Zoom
We’ve changed Zoom numbers. Here’s what you need to do. Use the registration link above and you’ll get an email from Zoom with your link for the Global Folk Dance Party. Feel free to share the above registration link with your friends, they’ll get their own link to join. With the new registration, you’ll get a reminder email the morning of the Global Folk Dance Party, so you don’t have to look for your link.

IMPORTANT – Do not use both computer and phone; you will generate feedback.
Zoom will best be viewed using side by side mode. See https://bit.ly/39dximU for info.
When in the meeting, click the ‘chat’ button to chat with everybody and make requests.
When you sign into Zoom, enter your name and city so we know where you’re from!

By Facebook Live
Join by Facebook Live
if Zoom is full or you just want to watch.
https://www.facebook.com/PFDCouncil/
For more details and requests e-mail us at virtualfolkdance@gmail.com. Alicia La Fetra, Lisa Michael, and Stacy Rose will be happy to help.

Officers Ball 2022
2022-10-22 13:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Veterans Memorial Building, Pleasanton, 301 Main Street, Pleasanton, CA, 94566, United States
The Folk Dance Federation’s annual festival of folk dance with workshops, on-site dinner, dance party, and special attractions returns! This year’s theme is “Life is a Masquerade!”
Schedule

Price
Time (pm)
Event

1:00
Doors open

$25
1:30-5:30
Dance workshops

$15
5:30-7:00
On-site dinner with the always popular sing-along with Bill Cope (for those registered by October 18)

$25
7:00-10:00
Evening celebration, dances from the workshop and your requests.

Workshop
The afternoon workshop will again feature new and classic folk dances taught by local teachers including Yvonne Couvillion, Julie East, Carol Friedman, Ori Gold, Carol Friedman, Andy Partos, Alan Rothchild, Rebecca Tsai, and Lenore Watson. Read the flier for the dances they will be teaching.
Registration
Officers Ball 2022 Mail-in Registration Register by Tuesday October 18, 2022 to obtain the special all event package pricing (workshop, on-site dinner, and evening party) of $50 and save $15. On-site dinner registration is not available after October 18. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required.
Thank you for attending!

Camp Nirkoda Ba'Kerem 2022
2022-10-27 - 2022-10-30 | Wonder Valley Ranch and Resort, 6450 Elwood Rd, Sanger, CA, United States
Israeli dance camp and wine tasting adventure
With phenomenal teachers Michael Barzelai and Yaron Elfasy from Israel.
Set in the lush landscape of a private ranch, Nirkoda Ba’Kerem is all about community. Come join your friends — some you’ve known for years, and some you’ve yet to meet — for a fun-filled weekend of nonstop Israeli dancing located at the beautiful Wonder Valley. We’ll enjoy the benefits of California’s famous vineyards by incorporating a wine tasting adventure during the camp! Excellent wine and fantastic Israeli Dancing—what could be better?! Don’t miss it!
Featuring

Friendly atmosphere that focuses on connection and community
Learn new dances, attend specialty sessions, dance ’til morning!
One-of-a-kind wine tasting curated by our camp sommelier
Gourmet food, with special attention to your dietary needs
Relaxing setting with beautiful accommodations at various tiers to meet your comfort and cost preferences

Food
The prices include all meals (Thursday dinner to Sunday breakfast) and snacks. Meals are kosher-style (no pork, no mixed meat / milk, no shellfish). The camp can accommodate most dietary requirements (vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free). For those requiring certified kosher meals, that can be arranged for a surcharge. Ask the registration team about kosher menus and pricing.
Events
Access to all Israeli dance and other camp activities (games, Shabbat services, etc.) is included.
Accommodations
We also include linens, daily towel exchange, and hotel-like amenities (soap, shampoo). For those in the hotels, there is also a Keurig and mini-fridge.
Wine Tasting
All levels include our signature wine tasting experience. Camp Nirkoda Ba’Kerem’s wine experts have chosen several local vintages for you to sample as our sommelier helps you to identify the subtle flavors of each wine. For those participants who do not drink, we will have a simultaneous fancy non-alcoholic beverage tasting. All dancers have the opportunity to evaluate their favorites and to enjoy the hors d’oeuvres selected for their harmonious pairing with the wines.
Meet the Staff
Yaron Carmel is one of the best-regarded teachers in the Israeli folk dance world! He started dancing at the age of 8, and hasn’t stopped since then. He performed with Dado Kraus’s troupe and danced at sessions led by Meir Shem-Tov, Shuki Terem, and Beber Shushan. Just after completing his military service, he opened his first harkada in 1995 in Karmiel, followed by Mayaan Tzvi and Misgav. Today, he runs five weekly sessions, marthons, special events, and an annual trip to Masada, as well as having been a guest teacher at camps all over the world for more than 20 years!
Chen Blum brings unparalleled energy and impeccable style to the dance floor. Born in Israel, he began folk dancing at age 7, and he danced with Dado Kraus, Shlomo Maman, Yonaton Karmon, and others, but he soon entered the world of professional dance. After high school, he studied with the Contemporary Ballet of Caracas, Venezuela, subsequently performing with the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company and in professional productions, such as the Cameri Theather’s The Producers. Today, he lives in Santiago, where he directs the local folk dance department and Camp Chile Rokedet. He is the choreographer of Ivdu Et Hashem Besimcha, Kol Paamonim, and more.
Latishya Steele returns as our Mistress of the Computer, our Granter of Requests, our Voice Upon the Microphone — in other words, our incomparable DJ. She will keep you on your feet all night long — and well into the morning! Latishya started her dancing career in Boston and Chicago, and she is now one of the Bay Area’s favorite teachers and programmers, with an incredibly deep repertoire and a talent for keeping the party going.
Aaron Alpert is your camp director and host for the weekend. His main job is to ensure that you’re having an awesome time! He’s been teaching, running sessions, and organizing workshops in the Bay Area for 12 years. Along with Latishya, he runs Nirkoda Le’Chayim every Thursday in Palo Alto. Let him know if there’s anything that can make your camp experience better.
Accommodations
Dorm, Basic Hotel, and Deluxe Hotel levels available. To receive the early bird price, you must be paid in full by August 28, 2022. Read more…
Registration
Register
All participants must provide proof of Covid-19 vaccination in order to attend. All dancers will be required to test prior to arrival at camp, either with a PCR test no more than 72 hours before arrival, or a rapid antigen test no more than 24 hours before arrival. You may provide a lab report or photo of your rapid antigen test upon arrival. Read more…
Contact registration@nirkoda.com for answers to any questions.
