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, 2022-11-12 19:30 - 23:30, 2022-12-10 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.

Combined Members' Trial Dance Selection Meeting and Halloween Party
2022-10-28 19:45 - 21:45 (America/Los_Angeles) | Live Oak Recreation Center, 1301 Shattuck Avenue (at Berryman), Berkeley, CA, 94709 , United States
More details coming…

Al Lisin Remembrance and Dance
2022-10-29 15:30 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | St. Bede’s Church Hall, 2650 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA, United States
Circle your calendar for Saturday, October 29, from 3:30pm to 7:00pm. We will be holding an Al Lisin party at St. Bede’s; a mixture of memories of Al and his and Pat’s favorite dances. Come join Al’s folk dance and non-folk dance friends as we remember one of our great friends. This event will be free of charge and sponsored by the Lisin Family, the Peninsula Folk Dance Council, and The Palomanians.

Folk Dance Performance with Ensemble International

Al & Pat with Ensemble International

Al & Pat with Ensemble International

Al and Pat in the ’70s

Al & Pat & Denise

Al and Pat dedicating the Lisen Family Grove along the Skyline to Sea trail

Al & Pat hikinig with daughter Cheryl and husband Steve

Tentative Schedule
3:15 pm – Doors Open – Welcome and chatting
3:30 pm – Remembrances, videos and pictures
5:00 pm – Dance party set-up
5:15 pm – Dance party MC’d by Denise Heenan
7:00 pm – Closing
Al Lisen 1932 – 2022
Al Lisen 1932 – 2022
Alexander Vladimir Lisin passed away peacefully on the night of April 4, 2022. He will be remembered by his friends and family for his smart and kind demeanor, and his many joys in life – his wife Pat, their folk dancing endeavors, his running and hiking activities, his education and engineering career, and his love of people and the outdoors.
Born in 1932 in the Russian community of Harbin, China, his family immigrated to San Francisco in 1936. Al is survived by his four children and five grandchildren, his cousin and her three children and five grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Patricia.
One friend commented, “He was the real deal…always one to ‘do the right thing’ and think beyond himself when it came to people and the planet.”
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. Per county guidelines, masks are not required but recommended.
For more details contact Adony & Becky

Live Music Dance Party with Da! Mozhem
2022-11-11 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Live Oak Recreation Center, 1301 Shattuck Avenue (at Berryman), Berkeley, CA, 94709 , United States
Dance to your favorite international tunes with Da! Mozhem and Berkeley Folk Dancers!
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.

Advanced Class Fun Night
2022-11-18 19:30 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Live Oak Recreation Center, 1301 Shattuck Avenue (at Berryman), Berkeley, CA, 94709 , United States
All classes are welcome. More details coming…

Global Folk Dance Party
2022-11-19 15:00 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online, CA, United States
This month the Global Folk Dance Party features the dances of Dennis Boxell, Dick Crum, and Anatol Joukowsky.
Join our normal team, as well as Franklin Houston, Mady Newfield, and Sherry Cochran, as we feature dances from these master teachers. Also, as a special bonus, Yves Moreau is recording intros about each of these magnificent teachers that we’ll play throughout the party.
The party playlist may be found at https://bit.ly/vfdlist .
After us, the party continues with Paul Collins and Friends. That link will be posted during our party.
Next month’s Global Party will be Saturday, December 17, 2022 and every third Saturday after that.
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, ideas, and requests e-mail us at virtualfolkdance@gmail.com.

Texas Camp - Kolo Festival 2022
2022-11-24 - 2022-11-27 | Croatian Cultural Center, 60 Onondaga Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94708, United States
On-site in California & Texas with globally inclusive Zoom sessions
Thanksgiving Weekend, November 24-27, 2022

As always, there will be live music from: Albania, America, Armenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Macedonia, Norway, Romani, Romania, Serbia, South Africa, Sweden and Turkey! Jam session charts available all year round! Bulgarian/Macedonian Jam & Sing-along — for all instruments!
On Site Registration
Kolo Festival

2022 will be the 71st annual Kolo Festival! For the health and safety of attendees, the number of on-site participants will be limited. Register early to reserve your spot! Covid safety protocols.
Dance Instructors

Sonia Dion & Cristian Florescu – Romanian Dances
Michael Ginsburg – Bulgarian-Macedonian Dances

More details on instructors…
Kolo Festival On Site Registration
For details visit http://kolofestival.org
Do you love Kolo Festival and wish to see it survive and flourish? We need your help to continue to produce this stellar music and dance program. Whether or not you can attend this year, please consider making a monetary gift.
This year your donation will have twice the impact. An anonymous donor has generously offered to match all donations, up to a total of $10,000, made directly to Kolo Festival. This offer expires November 30th.
Thank you for your consideration!
The California Kolo Festival Board

of
Texas Camp
Texas Camp is held at Greene Family Camp, 1192 Smith Lane in Bruceville, Texas, just south of Waco. The closest major airports are in Austin (AUS) and Dallas (DFW). Proof of vaccination must be submitted prior to camp. Covid safety protocols.
Dance Instructors

Ahmet Lüleci – Turkish Dances
Roo Lester & Larry Harding – Swedish Dances

and special guests Yves Moreau and France Bourque Moreau. Bruce Sagan as guest musician.
Texas Camp On Site Registration
For details visit https://tifd.org/2022-about-texas-camp/

Palomanians Pie Party
2022-12-10 19:00 - 22:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | St. Bede’s Church Hall, 2650 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA, United States
The annual Palomanians Pie Party featuring ice cream, refreshments and pie all provided by the Palomanians! Come join us for an evening of dancing and pie.
Nothing to bring, all pies will be supplied by a group of the Palomanians. Dances range from beginning to advanced, and all forms (line, couple, and set). Denise Heenan will be our MC.
Email your requests to pfdcparty@gmail.com
Proof of up to date vaccinations are required. 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.
Download and share a flier.

Global Folk Dance Party
2022-12-17 15:00 - 18:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Online, CA, United States
This month’s Global Folk Dance Party theme is “Decorate for December”. We’re celebrating all the December holidays; show us your holiday spirit by decorating your dance space! Afterwards, join us for the after-party hosted by Paul Collins and friends — we’ll post the link for the after party during the GFDParty.
Join The Party
By Zoom
Register by Zoom
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.
