Folk Dance Federation of California

Peninsula Folk Dance Party
2026-05-09 15:00 - 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 with Rebecca Tsai as MC! Invite your friends for a short beginner dancer workshop at 3pm.
We’ll have dances for all levels, beginning to advanced, and all forms (line, couple, and set). 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.
Send your dance requests to pfdcparty@gmail.com along with any questions, comments, or suggestions.
Please stay home if you are sick, and please wear a mask if you are unsure or have been exposed to someone with a contagious illness. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

Palomanians Ice Cream Social
2026-06-07 15:30 - 18:30 | 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! Emcced with 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.
To submit a request for our dance program, or to volunteer to help, please contact pfdcparty@gmail.com
Please stay home if you are sick, and please wear a mask if you are unsure or have been exposed to someone with a contagious illness. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

Statewide 2026
2026-06-12 - 2026-06-14 | First Christian Church, Chico, 295 E Washington Avenue, Chico, 95926, United States
The 2026 Statewide Folk Dance Festival, the highly-anticipated annual weekend festival of folk dance and parties, returns June 12-14, 2026 in Chico California. This year’s Statewide theme is “Village Dance-What is it anyway?”
Statewide 2026 features

Ahmet Luleci (Turkish dance)
“Kotse” Marinov (Bulgarian dance)
Petar Aleksiev (Bulgarian music)
Evening parties dancing to live music by Da! Mozhem
And more…

Instructors and Band
Ahmet Luleci
Ahmet Luleci – Turkish Dance
A native of Turkey, Ahmet is an accomplished choreographer, dance teacher and performer as well as a researcher of Anatolian culture. He is currently the artistic director of the Boston based Collage Dance Ensemble, which allows him to further his goal of making folk dance and music accessible to a wider audience.
Since arriving in North America in 1985, he has taught many workshops and camps throughout the United States as well as Canada, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Holland, England, Switzerland, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Norway, Italy, Spain and Australia. He has set innumerable suites of dances for the stage working with dance organizations around the world. Read more…
Konstantine “Kotse” Marinov – Bulgarian Dance
Konstantine “Kose” Marinov
Konstantin “Kotse” Marinov is from Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. From the age of five he performed with Ensemble Zagorche. Kotse was born into a dancing family; he and his father, mother, and sister all have dancing in their blood! His father is a choreographer, and is a long-time soloist of the Military Ensemble in Sofia. His mother dances with the Ensemble Zagore.
In 1987, Kotse entered the State Choreographic School (now the National School of Dance Arts) in Sofia, graduating with a diploma as artist/ballet dancer and teacher of dance arts. He has danced as a soloist with Ensemble Zagore and the Ensemble Slănčev Brjag, was assistant choreographer with the Ensemble Zornitsa, and he toured with both Slănčev Brjag and Zagore in Europe, Canada, and the United States.
In 2000 Kotse emigrated to the United States and settled in the Chicago area, where he established several Bulgarian folklore clubs that preserve and nurture Bulgarian folk dance and folklore in a dynamic way.
Kotse organizes annual festivals in Chicago that feature multiple Bulgarian folk ensembles and cultural groups under the umbrella and name of his Vereya dance ensemble. Kotse has produced other concerts and festivals in North America and Europe. Read more…
Petar Aleksiev – Bulgarian Music
Petar Aleksiev
Petar “Usmivkata” (The Smile) Aleksiev was born in Varna, Bulgaria. He graduated from “Philip Kutev” Music School in Kotel, then from Plovdiv’s Academy for Music and Dance Arts. He was part of the representative folk orchestra of the Plovdiv Academy. There he received his master’s degree in Music Arts with honors, specializing in bagpipe.
While he was at school Petar accompanied the world-known Grammy-winning women’s choir Le Mystère Des Voix Bulgares. He has participated in many groups in numerous projects, and has played with the most famous musicians and bands in Bulgaria. Petar has made recordings with the Bulgarian National Radio, and Bulgarian National Television. He has participated in many international projects, folklore events, and festivals in Greece, Italy, Malta, Israel, Netherlands, Belgium, Moldova, Ukraine, Serbia, and elsewhere. Petar frequently composes for dance groups and bands, and is a member of the UNESCO International Organization for Folk Art.
Since 2008 Petar has been living in Chicago, where he performs with Kolorit Orchestra, Orpheus Hellenic Folklore Society, and plays Bulgarian, Greek, and Macedonian music at various events and camps. Read more…
Da! Mozhem
Da! Mozhem at the San Francisco Free Folk Festival
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.

Venues

Fri-Sat: First Christian Church, 295 E Washington Avenue, Chico, CA
Sun: Chico Women’s Club, Third & Pine Streets, Chico, CA

Hotel
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chico
Our host hotel is Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chico, 2074 E 20th St, Chico, CA 95928. Conveniently located off Highway 99 and a short drive from Chico State University, the hotel offers easy access to stunning landscapes and charming local attractions, including Sierra Nevada Brewing Co, Silver Dollar Speedway, and Bidwell Park. This three-star hotel features a free breakfast, fitness center, pool, wi-fi, laundry, business center, on-site parking, outdoor patio with cozy fire pit, and quality coffee anytime. The hotel is about a 10min drive from either of our dance venues. Ask for the “Statewide 2026” rate of $139. Reservations: 1 888 465 4329. More details…

Registration
Lodging should be purchased separately. Recommended group pricing available.
As of January, unless changed, the Saturday catered meal option is Greek/Mediterranean cuisine.later

Online Registration
Register online today!

Mail-In Registration
2026 STATEWIDE Registration Form
Do NOT mail after June 6th, instead pay at door. Make checks payable to FOLK DANCE FEDERATION. Send completed registration form with your check postmarked by the deadline to:
Statewide Registrar
153 Race Street
San Jose, CA 95126
Please write one check for registration and additional offerings.
Short of funds? For work scholarships contact Memo Keswick.
The Federation also has a Scholarship Program that helps pay for tuition. More details…
Masks optional and proof of vaccination requirements will follow CDC, State, and County COVID regulations at the time of the event.

Peninsula Folk Dance Party
2026-07-11 18:30 - 22:00, 2026-08-08 18:30 - 22:00, 2026-09-12 18:30 - 22:00, 2026-11-14 18:30 - 22:00 | 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! Invite your friends for a short beginner dancer workshop at 6:30pm.
We’ll have dances for all levels, beginning to advanced, and all forms (line, couple, and set). 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.
Send your dance requests to pfdcparty@gmail.com along with any questions, comments, or suggestions.
Please stay home if you are sick, and please wear a mask if you are unsure or have been exposed to someone with a contagious illness. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

North/South Folkdance Teachers’ Seminar
2026-10-09 19:00 - 2026-10-11 13:00 | Monte Toyon, 220 Cloister Lane, Aptos, CA, 95003, United States
Are you a folkdance teacher who would like to hone your skills or a dancer who would like to learn to teach? If so, plan to come to the N/S Folkdance Teachers’ Seminar!
About
North/South Folkdance Teachers’ Seminar is a gathering of teachers focused on improving teaching skills and sharing information and ideas with other teachers. All Folk Dance teachers, both current and prospective, are welcome. Each annual seminar features two master instructors who have specialized knowledge of folk dance.
The 2026 North/South Master Teachers are Tineke and Maurits van Geel. They will lead workshops on Saturday morning, Saturday afternoon, and Sunday morning, plus cultural or teaching presentations. Both are professional teachers with decades of experience in welcoming and retaining dancers in the folk dance world.
Price
$320 with on-site accommodations, $270 off-site. Price includes meals from Saturday breakfast through Sunday lunch and all activities. On-site accommodation is dorm-style with shared bathrooms. Registration coming soon. Save the date!
Featured Guests
Tineke van Geel
Tineke Van Geel
In 1977 Tineke van Geel received her degree as folk dance instructor. She specializes in Armenian dance and works as a choreographer. Tineke conducts workshops for students at various levels, beginners to professional, and has taught classes in international folk dance, Dutch and Armenian dances in many countries around the world. Her main focus is to break down complicated steps and movements to basic elements and slowly ‘rebuilding’ them to the original dance form. This skill is part of her worldwide success and is combined with a vast knowledge of Armenian dance and culture.
Since 1985 she has regularly visited Armenia to study folklore at the Pedagogic Institute and Choreographic School in Yerevan. A part of each research trip was devoted to working with several amateur groups in Armenia and doing research on costumes. Two of those research trips were sponsored by the Dutch government. On several occasions Tineke visited the USA to observe the dances performed by the Armenian communities there. Read more…
Maurits van Geel
Maurits Van Geel
Maurits was artistic director of the professional Dutch dance performance group The Internationaal Danstheater for 24 years. During this interval, the group performed 47 different evening shows. Part of this job involved several months of dance research each year in order to prepare for these programs.
Maurits has traveled extensively in his dance research that has emphasized the Roma culture and those in the Caucasus. These travels have included India, Pakistan, Turkey, Russia, England, France, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ossetia, Dagestan, and Cherkassy. He has also choreographed many dances.
In the last several years, Maurits has been teaching often with Tineke, and this has included workshops in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. In North America, the couple have taught at Oktoberfest in Montreal, Pinewoods Camp in Maine, and Stockton Folk Dance Camp. Read more…

Monte Toyon Camp & Conference Center
Helgesson Hall, Monte Toyon
Monte Toyon Camp & Conference Center is an idyllic oasis right in the heart of Aptos, California. Just a short drive from the west coast beaches you’ll head inland on a road that meanders through a beautiful wooded forest opening to our doorstep. Situated in a gorgeous and refreshing redwood forest setting, there are short nature trails that circle the camp for a peaceful walk in forest beauty. Monte Toyon is a short drive to nearby Nisene Marks State Park, Seacliff State Beach, and Santa Cruz Beaches and Boardwalk. Wi-Fi is available in meeting areas. Read more…
Save the date! Registration coming soon

Peninsula Folk Dance Party
2026-10-11 18:30 - 22:00 | 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 with Marurits and Tineke van Geel and Adony Beniares as MC! Invite your friends for a short beginner dancer workshop at 6:30pm.
We’ll have dances for all levels, beginning to advanced, and all forms (line, couple, and set). 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.
Send your dance requests to pfdcparty@gmail.com along with any questions, comments, or suggestions
Please stay home if you are sick, and please wear a mask if you are unsure or have been exposed to someone with a contagious illness. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.
Maurits van Geel
Maurits Van Geel Maurits was artistic director of the professional Dutch dance performance group The Internationaal Danstheater for 24 years. During this interval, the group performed 47 different evening shows. Part of this job involved several months of dance research each year in order to prepare for these programs.
Maurits has traveled extensively in his dance research that has emphasized the Roma culture and those in the Caucasus. These travels have included India, Pakistan, Turkey, Russia, England, France, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ossetia, Dagestan, and Cherkassy. He has also choreographed many dances.
In the last several years, Maurits has been teaching often with Tineke, and this has included workshops in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia. In North America, the couple have taught at Oktoberfest in Montreal, Pinewoods Camp in Maine, and Stockton Folk Dance Camp. Read more…

Tineke van Geel
Tineke Van Geel In 1977 Tineke van Geel received her degree as folk dance instructor. She specializes in Armenian dance and works as a choreographer. Tineke conducts workshops for students at various levels, beginners to professional, and has taught classes in international folk dance, Dutch and Armenian dances in many countries around the world. Her main focus is to break down complicated steps and movements to basic elements and slowly ‘rebuilding’ them to the original dance form. This skill is part of her worldwide success and is combined with a vast knowledge of Armenian dance and culture.
Since 1985 she has regularly visited Armenia to study folklore at the Pedagogic Institute and Choreographic School in Yerevan. A part of each research trip was devoted to working with several amateur groups in Armenia and doing research on costumes. Two of those research trips were sponsored by the Dutch government. On several occasions Tineke visited the USA to observe the dances performed by the Armenian communities there. Read more…

Palomanians Pie Party
2026-12-12 15:30 - 18:30 | 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. Denise Heenan is MC.
Nothing to bring, all pies, ice cream, and refreshments will be supplied by the Palomanians. Dances range from beginning to advanced, and all forms (line, couple, and set). Email your requests or questions to pfdcparty@gmail.com
Please stay home if you are sick, and please wear a mask if you are unsure or have been exposed to someone with a contagious illness. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

Christmas Night Dance Party
2026-12-25 19:00 - 22:00 | St. Bede’s Church Hall, 2650 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA, United States
Once upon a time, a family gathered with friends and relatives every Christmas Night to celebrate the day. They shared food and beverages, and danced away the evening. John Nicoara was there. It was from the stories of these warm memories that Jan and he, and Becky and Adony, were inspired to continue that tradition with a new family — YOU!
All request Folk Dance Party hosted by the Peninsula Council! Send your request to pfdcparty@gmail.com. This is our 20th annual Christmas dance party.
Please stay home if you are sick, and please wear a mask if you are unsure or have been exposed to someone with a contagious illness. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.
Bring a finger food snack to share. Water and punch will be provided.

New Years Eve Dance Party and Lucy Chang Memorial Fundraiser
2026-12-31 19:00 - 2027-01-01 00:15 | All Saints’ Episcopal, 555 Waverley St., Palo Alto, CA, 94301, United States
Come help Moveable Feet celebrate the arrival of 2027 with an in-person potluck supper and dance party while raising money for Second Harvest, a local food bank!
The combined, New Year’s Eve International Folk Dance Party and Lucy Chang Memorial Second Harvest Fundraiser will kick off on December 31, at 7:00 p.m. and wind down not long after we ring in the New Year next morning.
We’ll start with a potluck dinner at 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:45), followed by dancing from about 8 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. Bring a favorite dish to share (label your serving utensils). Moveable Feet will supply drinks, plates, and utensils.

Please make a generous donation to Second Harvest, either in advance or bring to the party cash, checks, or a smart phone to use a credit card. You may also bring cans, jars (peanut butter), bags (rice, pasta), and boxes (cereal, cake mix) to be delivered to SHFB.
Additional notes: Parking is free on New Year’s Eve and no time limit in Palo Alto city lots and streets.
