Folk Dance Federation of California

Halloween Dance Party
2019-10-30 19:45 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Holbrook Palmer Park, Carriage House, 150 Watkins Avenue, Atherton, CA, 94027, United States
It’s our Halloween party! Dress in costume and bring your dancing shoes and good cheer. Snacks or beverages to share are also appreciated if you are able.
Drop in fee is $9.00 for the entire evening. (There is no pro-rating of fees)
Hosted by Suzanne Rocca-Butler and the Carriage House Folk Dancers

Christos Papakostas Greek Dance Workshop
2019-10-28 19:30 - 21:30 | Joe Goode Annex, 401 Alabama at 17th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94110, United States
GreekFeet is happy to have Dr. Christos Papakostas from Greece for a special two-hour Greek Dance Workshop. Please don’t miss this opportunity to join us to learn Greek dances from around Greece, concentrating on dance from Epirus.

Dr. Papakostas
Dr. Christos Papakostas is an assistant professor in the Department of Gymnastics and Dance, School of Physical Education & Sport Science of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He teaches theory and practice of Greek traditional dance. He graduated from the Department of Physical Education & Sport Science in Democritus University of Thrace at Komotini. He completed his doctoral dissertation in the Department of History, Archaeology and Social Anthropology, University of Thessaly, dissertation title: “Dance/Music Identity and Difference: the case of Roma of Iraklia Serres.” He has worked as Temporary Lecturer or Assistant Professor at various universities in Greece. He has published several articles in scientific journals in Greece and abroad. He is a professional instructor of Greek traditional dances and has worked in many dance groups: Lykion ton Ellinidon Komotini, Thrace; Rhodope Xylagani Cultural Group of Thrace;Dance Group Palama Karditsa “Karagounides” of Thessaly; Lykion ton Ellinidon Drama, Macedonia; Center of Historical and Folklore Research Kardisa “Apollo” of Thessaly; Myrini Cultural Group Karditsa, Thessaly; Perama Ioannina Cultural Association, “The Cave” of Epiros. He also teaches Greek dancing workshops, seminars, and conferences throughout Greece and abroad in Europe, the USA and Canada. He has worked a teacher in traditional percussion in the Public High Schools of Music in Drama, Karditsa, Trikala and Ioannina. He is a member in various traditional/folk music bands and as collaborated with renowned folk musicians. Read more…
SAVE THE DATE: Upcoming GreekFeet Events
December 2: Joe Graziosi Greek Dance Workshop
December 16: Glendi with Live Music TBA

Croatian Heritage Festival
2019-10-27 12:00 - 20:00 | Croatian Cultural Center, 60 Onondaga Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94708, United States
The Croatian Heritage Festival (formerly the Marko Polo Festival) is a celebration of Croatian music, dance, food, and heritage.
Marko Polo, the famed Croatian explorer, was born on the island of Korcula, off the Dalmatian coast of Croatia. To highlight his achievements as one of the men to open the Far East to trade, the Slavonic Cultural Center celebrates an annual Marko Polo Day in October with a festival of Croatian and international music, dance, and ethnic food.
The Sinovi Tamburitza Orchestra of Seattle will perform Croatian music throughout the day. There will be performances by the Slavonian Traveling Band, Sidro Tamburitza Orchestra, and Koraci Croatian Folk Ensemble. Workshops will be held in Croatian kolo dancing and singing: John Morovich will teach kolo dance and Lilla Serlegi will teach Croatian singing. Sing, dance, and enjoy traditional Croatian cuisine!
Admission: $15, $10 advance, Children free.
Advance Tickets

Scandia Dance Workshops, Party, and Potluck
2019-10-26 08:00 - 17:00 | Hillside Community Church, 1422 Navellier St, El Cerrito, CA, 94530, United States
Schedule

3:30 – 6:00 pm

Workshop, Slangpolka & Norskleitjan
Taught by Fred & Toby,
(If you know these dances already, we encourage you to come and help others learn them too!)
Slangpolska from Southern Sweden –
Get an introduction/practice on the dance that will be taught this February at the 1st Annual SCANDOMANIA! festival.
Norskleitjan – a dynamic and fun dance fr. Föllinge, Sweden
Music by Sarah Kirton & Annie Kinerva

6:00 – 7:00 pm

Potluck Dinner
Please bring a favorite dish to share for the potluck

7:00 – 10:00 pm ?

Dance Party
Live Music from Bay Area Musicians: Sarah Kirton & Annie Kinerva, Eric Gjøvåg, Hardingfele, Rose Miller & Sylvia Walkey, Jim Little, Fred Bialy, Springleik Set
Nyckelharpa Allspel, Fiddle Allspel
Don’t forget your dance shoes!

PLUS: BEGINNING LEVEL SCANDIA DANCE WORKSHOP!
All Welcome! Learn the basic skills for Scandinavian Turning Dances, and get a head start on Slangpolska fr. Southern Sweden, to be taught at Hillside Church later in the afternoon.
Noon to 2:00 pm, at Fred & Toby’s House
1925 Hudson St., El Cerrito
Near El Cerrito Del Norte BART
Admission
Workshop $5, Dance Party $10, Workshop & Dance, $14
(All proceeds go to pay rent and support the musicians)
Sponsored by Golden Gate Nordic Music & Dance, a program of the Northern California Spelmanslag, a non-profit public benefit corporation.

Halloween Dance Party with Bulgarika
2019-10-25 19:30 - 22:00 | Bethany Lutheran Church, 1095 Cloud Avenue, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, United States
Special live music dance night with traditional Bulgarian band Bulgarika! This is our Halloween party as well so come dressed to celebrate in costume! Bring some light refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages to help make it a party, and tips for the band!
Bulgarika
Bulgarika presents traditional Bulgarian songs and tunes. The band is led by husband and wife team, Nikolay (gadulka, a fiddle) and Donka Kolev (vocalist), award-winning performers from Folk Music Conservatories in Bulgaria. They are joined by Temelko Ivanov (kaval), Nikolay Kodzhabashev (tambura), and Marin Chalamov (tapan).
Nikolay Kolev
Nikolay Kolev (gadulka)
Nikolay Kolev is a native of the Thracian Rose Valley village of Karavelovo, has been playing gadulka since age 10. After graduating from the National School of Folk Arts in Shiroka Luka, Bulgaria, he performed for three years with the Sliven Folk Dance and Music Ensemble. In 1984 he founded the orchestra “Sopot”. In 1985 he formed the wedding-music ensemble “Rozova Dolina” and in 1992 the prize-winning ensemble “Balkanski Glasove”. In 1994 and 1995 the latter group took first prizes at the Varna Festival. Nikolay has accompanied many well-known singers including Vulkana Stojanova, Roumen Rodopski and Todor Kozhuharov. He has also taught many students at a number of Balkan camps in the U.S. In 1999, Nikolay was the first Bulgarian to be recognized by the Slavic Heritage Council of America for his outstanding contributions to music.
Donka Koleva
Donka Koleva (vocals)
Donka Koleva is a native of the village of Tuzha in the Stara Zagora region of Thrace. She graduated from the National School of Folk Arts in Shiroka Luka, Bulgaria, and performed for three years with the Sliven Folk Dance and Music Ensemble. She was director of the Folk Song Chorus of Sopot, has been a featured soloist on Bulgarian Radio-TV, has participated in numerous singing competitions in Bulgaria and Europe and has been featured on numerous recordings. In 1997 her recording of Javore was named “Song of the Year” in the Bulgarian national radio competition. Since immigrating to the U.S. she has taught and performed widely across N. America, both privately and at numerous camps, festivals and other events. In addition to her vocal talents Donka serves as Bulgarika’s manager and has organized 12 national tours for the bands Kabile’, Cherven Traktor, Bulgarika and the Kolev Family Ensemble.
Temelko Ivanov
Temelko Ivanov (kaval)
Temelko Ivanov, a native of Burgas on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, has devoted himself to the Bulgarian shepherd’s flute, kaval, since he was in elementary school. He received degrees at the Philip Koutev National School of Music and Dance in Kotel and the Plovdiv Academy of Music, Dance, and Fine Arts, graduating from both schools with honors. Temelko’s career is closely connected with Bulgaria’s distinguished kaval masters, including Nikola Ganchev, Dragan Karapchanski, and Stoyan Velichkov. In addition to his work with Ensemble Trakiya, Temelko has performed and recorded with many other folk music orchestras, including Cosmic Voices and Ensemble Bulgare; and has worked with numerous independent projects and singers. Read more…

Nikolay Kodzhabashev
Nikolay Kodzhabashev (tambura)
Nikolay Kodzhabashev, a native of Yambol in Bulgarian Thrace, graduated in 2011 with a Master’s in Music Performance Arts from the Plovdiv Academy of Music, Dance, and Fine Arts. He has been a member of the Sliven Folk Dance and Music Ensemble since 2001, where he is featured as an ensemble and solo tambura player. Nikolay has also played tambura and guitar with numerous other ensembles throughout Bulgaria, including the Perla, Slivenci, Kabile, and Straldzha folk bands; and has accompanied many renowned musicians and singers such as Teodosii Spassov, Dechka Slaninova, Vanya Valkova, and others. He has also recorded extensively on Bulgarian National Radio and Television and other venues, and has participated in many concert tours throughout Europe. Read more…

Marin Chalamov
Marin Chalamov (tapan)
Marin Chalamov is from the Thracian town of Karlovo, where he began his musical career at age 15 as drummer and tupan player for the Srednogorie ensemble. Over the years he has played with numerous well-known Bulgarian bands and musicians such as Nikolay and Donka Kolevi, Rumen Rodopski, Savka Sarieva, and the ensemble Rodopski Izvori, with which he recorded on Bulgarian national radio. He played at many weddings, festivals and social events with the ensembles Kalofer and Balkani. From 1990 to the present he has been a musician and instructor with the Karlovo-based ensemble Rozova Dolina, which has garnered many prizes at international festivals in Spain, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Russia, and elsewhere. Read more…

Folk Dance Party with Bulgarika
2019-10-21 19:00 - 21:30 | Hermann Sons Hall, 860 Western Avenue, Petaluma, CA, 94952, United States
Come join the Petaluma Snap-Y Dancers in Petaluma for a special Folk Dance Party with live Bulgarian music by the Bulgarika Ensemble, featuring four master musicians. Bulgarika Ensemble consists of Nikolay Kolev on gadulka, Donka Koleva on vocals, Temelko Ivanov on kaval, and Nikolay Kodzhabashev on tambura. Everyone is welcome to come dance and/or just listen to the fabulous music.
DOWNLOAD, print, and share a flier.
Bulgarika
Nikolay Kolev
Nikolay Kolev (gadulka)
Nikolay Kolev is a native of the Thracian Rose Valley village of Karavelovo, has been playing gadulka since age 10. After graduating from the National School of Folk Arts in Shiroka Luka, Bulgaria, he performed for three years with the Sliven Folk Dance and Music Ensemble. In 1984 he founded the orchestra “Sopot”. In 1985 he formed the wedding-music ensemble “Rozova Dolina” and in 1992 the prize-winning ensemble “Balkanski Glasove”. In 1994 and 1995 the latter group took first prizes at the Varna Festival. Nikolay has accompanied many well-known singers including Vulkana Stojanova, Roumen Rodopski and Todor Kozhuharov. He has also taught many students at a number of Balkan camps in the U.S. In 1999, Nikolay was the first Bulgarian to be recognized by the Slavic Heritage Council of America for his outstanding contributions to music.
Donka Koleva
Donka Koleva (vocals)
Donka Koleva is a native of the village of Tuzha in the Stara Zagora region of Thrace. She graduated from the National School of Folk Arts in Shiroka Luka, Bulgaria, and performed for three years with the Sliven Folk Dance and Music Ensemble. She was director of the Folk Song Chorus of Sopot, has been a featured soloist on Bulgarian Radio-TV, has participated in numerous singing competitions in Bulgaria and Europe and has been featured on numerous recordings. In 1997 her recording of Javore was named “Song of the Year” in the Bulgarian national radio competition. Since immigrating to the U.S. she has taught and performed widely across N. America, both privately and at numerous camps, festivals and other events. In addition to her vocal talents Donka serves as Bulgarika’s manager and has organized 12 national tours for the bands Kabile’, Cherven Traktor, Bulgarika and the Kolev Family Ensemble.
Temelko Ivanov
Temelko Ivanov (kaval)
Temelko Ivanov, a native of Burgas on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, has devoted himself to the Bulgarian shepherd’s flute, kaval, since he was in elementary school. He received degrees at the Philip Koutev National School of Music and Dance in Kotel and the Plovdiv Academy of Music, Dance, and Fine Arts, graduating from both schools with honors. Temelko’s career is closely connected with Bulgaria’s distinguished kaval masters, including Nikola Ganchev, Dragan Karapchanski, and Stoyan Velichkov. In addition to his work with Ensemble Trakiya, Temelko has performed and recorded with many other folk music orchestras, including Cosmic Voices and Ensemble Bulgare; and has worked with numerous independent projects and singers. Read more…

Nikolay Kodzhabashev
Nikolay Kodzhabashev (tambura)
Nikolay Kodzhabashev, a native of Yambol in Bulgarian Thrace, graduated in 2011 with a Master’s in Music Performance Arts from the Plovdiv Academy of Music, Dance, and Fine Arts. He has been a member of the Sliven Folk Dance and Music Ensemble since 2001, where he is featured as an ensemble and solo tambura player. Nikolay has also played tambura and guitar with numerous other ensembles throughout Bulgaria, including the Perla, Slivenci, Kabile, and Straldzha folk bands; and has accompanied many renowned musicians and singers such as Teodosii Spassov, Dechka Slaninova, Vanya Valkova, and others. He has also recorded extensively on Bulgarian National Radio and Television and other venues, and has participated in many concert tours throughout Europe. Read more…

Officers Ball 2019
2019-10-19 13:00 - 22:30 | Hayward Veterans Hall, 22737 Main St, Hayward, CA, 94541, United States
The Folk Dance Federation’s annual festival of folk dance with workshops, dinner, dance party, and special attractions! This year’s theme: Around the World in 80 Dances!
Please note the location this year is the Hayward Veterans Memorial Hall, Hayward.
Schedule

Price
Time (pm)
Event

1:00
Doors open

$20
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 12)

$20
7:00-10:30
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 Alan Rothchild, Yale and Marcia Rosenblatt, Kaela Fine, Lenore Frigo, Rebecca Tsai, Kamrin MacKnight, and Aaron Albert. Read the flier for the dances they will be teaching.
Registration
Register by Saturday October 12, 2019 to obtain the special all event package pricing (workshop, on-site dinner, and evening party) of $45 and save $10. On-site dinner registration is not available after October 12.
Online Registration

Order your tickets now!

Register and pay online at http://officersball.bpt.me. Badges will be available by will-call.
To register online select “Entire Event, Early-Bird” or up to two events from this list:
1. “Workshop only”
2. “Dinner”
3. “Party only”
Set the quantity for yourself and whoever else is joining you in your party. Add your contact information and pay using your credit card or Paypal. A small service fee will be added.
Phone Registration
Call Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800-838-3006 and a service attendant will assist you. Tell them you want to purchase tickets for “Officers Ball 2019” held by the Folk Dance Federation of CA, North (ref # 4326618). Either tell them you wish to register for the “Entire Event, Early-Bird” or up to two events from this list:
1. “Workshop only”
2. “Dinner”
3. “Party only”
Print the registration flier in advance if you think that will help you. Tell them the number of tickets for yourself and whoever else is joining you in your party for each event. Ask the tickets should be available by will-call. They will ask you for your credit card information and confirm the transaction.
Mail-In Registration
Download and complete registration form.
Make checks payable to the FOLK DANCE FEDERATION.
Mail the check and registration form to:
Laura Douglass
226 Alameda de las Pugas
Redwood City, CA 94062

Questions?
Contact Loui Tucker or Lucy Chang for answers.

Bulgarika Dance Party
2019-10-18 20:00 - 22:30 | Strawberry Recreation Center, 118 E. Strawberry Drive, Mill Valley, CA, 94941, United States
Join Kopachka Folk Dancers for Bulgarika’s first stop in the Bay Area on their national tour! Come dance to the haunting melodies and fiery dance tempos of five master musicians, all steeped in Bulgarian music and rhythms for a young age.
DOWNLOAD, print, and share a flier.
Bulgarika
Bulgarika presents traditional Bulgarian songs and tunes. The band is led by husband and wife team, Nikolay (gadulka, a fiddle) and Donka Kolev (vocalist), award-winning performers from Folk Music Conservatories in Bulgaria. They are joined by Temelko Ivanov (kaval), Nikolay Kodzhabashev (tambura), and Marin Chalamov (tapan).
Nikolay Kolev
Nikolay Kolev (gadulka)
Nikolay Kolev is a native of the Thracian Rose Valley village of Karavelovo, has been playing gadulka since age 10. After graduating from the National School of Folk Arts in Shiroka Luka, Bulgaria, he performed for three years with the Sliven Folk Dance and Music Ensemble. In 1984 he founded the orchestra “Sopot”. In 1985 he formed the wedding-music ensemble “Rozova Dolina” and in 1992 the prize-winning ensemble “Balkanski Glasove”. In 1994 and 1995 the latter group took first prizes at the Varna Festival. Nikolay has accompanied many well-known singers including Vulkana Stojanova, Roumen Rodopski and Todor Kozhuharov. He has also taught many students at a number of Balkan camps in the U.S. In 1999, Nikolay was the first Bulgarian to be recognized by the Slavic Heritage Council of America for his outstanding contributions to music.
Donka Koleva
Donka Koleva (vocals)
Donka Koleva is a native of the village of Tuzha in the Stara Zagora region of Thrace. She graduated from the National School of Folk Arts in Shiroka Luka, Bulgaria, and performed for three years with the Sliven Folk Dance and Music Ensemble. She was director of the Folk Song Chorus of Sopot, has been a featured soloist on Bulgarian Radio-TV, has participated in numerous singing competitions in Bulgaria and Europe and has been featured on numerous recordings. In 1997 her recording of Javore was named “Song of the Year” in the Bulgarian national radio competition. Since immigrating to the U.S. she has taught and performed widely across N. America, both privately and at numerous camps, festivals and other events. In addition to her vocal talents Donka serves as Bulgarika’s manager and has organized 12 national tours for the bands Kabile’, Cherven Traktor, Bulgarika and the Kolev Family Ensemble.
Temelko Ivanov
Temelko Ivanov (kaval)
Temelko Ivanov, a native of Burgas on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, has devoted himself to the Bulgarian shepherd’s flute, kaval, since he was in elementary school. He received degrees at the Philip Koutev National School of Music and Dance in Kotel and the Plovdiv Academy of Music, Dance, and Fine Arts, graduating from both schools with honors. Temelko’s career is closely connected with Bulgaria’s distinguished kaval masters, including Nikola Ganchev, Dragan Karapchanski, and Stoyan Velichkov. In addition to his work with Ensemble Trakiya, Temelko has performed and recorded with many other folk music orchestras, including Cosmic Voices and Ensemble Bulgare; and has worked with numerous independent projects and singers. Read more…
Nikolay Kodzhabashev
Nikolay Kodzhabashev (tambura)
Nikolay Kodzhabashev, a native of Yambol in Bulgarian Thrace, graduated in 2011 with a Master’s in Music Performance Arts from the Plovdiv Academy of Music, Dance, and Fine Arts. He has been a member of the Sliven Folk Dance and Music Ensemble since 2001, where he is featured as an ensemble and solo tambura player. Nikolay has also played tambura and guitar with numerous other ensembles throughout Bulgaria, including the Perla, Slivenci, Kabile, and Straldzha folk bands; and has accompanied many renowned musicians and singers such as Teodosii Spassov, Dechka Slaninova, Vanya Valkova, and others. He has also recorded extensively on Bulgarian National Radio and Television and other venues, and has participated in many concert tours throughout Europe. Read more…
Marin Chalamov
Marin Chalamov (tapan)
Marin Chalamov is from the Thracian town of Karlovo, where he began his musical career at age 15 as drummer and tupan player for the Srednogorie ensemble. Over the years he has played with numerous well-known Bulgarian bands and musicians such as Nikolay and Donka Kolevi, Rumen Rodopski, Savka Sarieva, and the ensemble Rodopski Izvori, with which he recorded on Bulgarian national radio. He played at many weddings, festivals and social events with the ensembles Kalofer and Balkani. From 1990 to the present he has been a musician and instructor with the Karlovo-based ensemble Rozova Dolina, which has garnered many prizes at international festivals in Spain, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Russia, and elsewhere. Read more…

Workshop with Ahmet Lüleci
2019-10-14 19:45 - 21:30 | Francis Albrier Community Center, 2800 Park Street, Berkeley, CA, 80, United States
Dance workshop with Ahmet Lüleci
$10 Berkeley Folk Dance members, $12 non-members
Ahmet Luleci
Ahmet Luleci
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…

October Council Party
2019-10-12 19:15 - 22:30 | St. Bede’s Church Hall, 2650 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA, United States
7:00pm
Doors open

7:15-8:00pm
Free short dance workshop with Ann Kleiman teaching some of her favorite new dances!

8:00-10:30pm
ALL-REQUEST PARTY with Loui Tucker as MC

Dances range from beginning to advanced and all forms (line, couple, set). Bring a snack to share!

Armenian Dance Workshop with Hasmik Harutyunyan
2019-10-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Monroe Hall, 1400 W. College Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA, 95401, United States
Please join the Razzmatazz Folk Dance Club for an evening of traditional Armenian dance as taught by the award-winning Armenian folklorist Hasmik Harutyunyan.
Hasmik Harutyunyan
Hasmik Harutyunyan
Hasmik Harutyunyan of Yerevan, Armenia is an internationally renowned soloist of traditional Armenian songs and an instructor of traditional Armenian dance. As a soloist she has appeared most notably with the Shoghaken Folk Ensemble and Agunk Ensemble of Armenian National Radio. While with the Agunk Folk Song and Dance Ensemble in Armenia from 1983 to 1994 she learned and performed folk dances from many regions of historic Armenia. These dances are all danced in their original, purest form, as they were danced throughout the ages. Hasmik teaches traditional dances researched from villagers and family members of Armenia. She is artistic director and founder of the Hayrig Mouradian Children’s Traditional Song and Dance Ensemble in Armenia. In 2010, Hasmik received the Meritorious Artist of Armenia award during ceremonies at the Armenian president’s residence in Yerevan.
For Hasmik Harutyunyan, one of Armenia’s leading folk singers, music and dance are life itself—happiness, sadness, and struggle. She feels it is her responsibility to keep traditional Armenian music and dances alive in their purest form.
Hasmik has conducted Armenian folk dance workshops throughout Armenia, the USA, and Europe, including for the Emanat Institute in Slovenia, the Giving Voice Festival in Poland, and the Rudolstadt Folk Festival in Germany, as well as at UC Berkeley, Fresno State University, and the Kitka Ensemble. Read more…

Armenian Dance Workshop with Hasmik Harutyunyan
2019-10-04 19:30 - 22:00 | Bethany Lutheran Church, 1095 Cloud Avenue, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, United States
The world renowned Hasmik Harutyunyan returns to the USA and Stanford Folk Dancers for a special Armenian folk dance workshop. Hasmik not only has extensive knowledge of Armenian folk dances but, as an amazing vocalist in traditional Armenian song, she can sing beautifully while leading us in dance. She is simply a delight to behold and learn from. Please join us for an evening of traditional Armenian dance as taught by the award-winning Hasmik Harutyunyan.

Hasmik Harutyunyan
Hasmik Harutyunyan of Yerevan, Armenia is an internationally renowned soloist of traditional Armenian songs and an instructor of traditional Armenian dance. As a soloist she has appeared most notably with the Shoghaken Folk Ensemble and Agunk Ensemble of Armenian National Radio. While with the Agunk Folk Song and Dance Ensemble in Armenia from 1983 to 1994 she learned and performed folk dances from many regions of historic Armenia. These dances are all danced in their original, purest form, as they were danced throughout the ages. Hasmik teaches traditional dances researched from villagers and family members of Armenia. She is artistic director and founder of the Hayrig Mouradian Children’s Traditional Song and Dance Ensemble in Armenia. In 2010, Hasmik received the Meritorious Artist of Armenia award during ceremonies at the Armenian president’s residence in Yerevan.
For Hasmik Harutyunyan, one of Armenia’s leading folk singers, music and dance are life itself—happiness, sadness, and struggle. She feels it is her responsibility to keep traditional Armenian music and dances alive in their purest form.
Hasmik has conducted Armenian folk dance workshops throughout Armenia, the USA, and Europe, including for the Emanat Institute in Slovenia, the Giving Voice Festival in Poland, and the Rudolstadt Folk Festival in Germany, as well as at UC Berkeley, Fresno State University, and the Kitka Ensemble. Read more…

Greek Glendi with the Hohlax Trio
2019-09-30 19:00 - 21:30 | Joe Goode Annex, 401 Alabama at 17th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94110, United States
GreekFeet was pleased to have Hohlax play for us on their first West coast tour in 2009 and we are even more delighted to have the Holax Trio return this year. That’s right, come and checkout Hohlax for an amazing night of Greek music and dancing.
7:00 pm – Doors open
7:30 pm – Music and dancing begins
Join the Hohlax Trio on a musical journey to Greece, from the backstreets of Pireus to the magical islands of the Aegean. With Jaime Smith on violin, Orestis Koletsos on bouzouki and vocals, and Panagiotis Papageorgiou, piano. The trio plays a unique blend of traditional Greek music and contemporary urban riffs.
Note: Ring the bell at the gate to enter
Hohlax Trio
Jaime Smith grew up in Sacramento, studied violin at the New England Conservatory of Music and studied and performed in Greece for more than a decade. Orestis Koletsos, born in Paris and raised in Athens, began playing bouzouki at the age of 15 and has been performing, recording, and writing songs for more than a decade. Joining Jaime and Orestis is Giannis on guitar and vocals. Giannis was born in the village of Kiriaki, Boeotia, in central Greece. His earliest exposure to folk music came from his father, who was a folk singer. This influence, and the constant contact of the local folk bands led Giannis to a career of singing folk, traditional and rembetiko songs.

French Dance Workshop and Party
2019-09-28 13:15 - 17:30 | All Saints’ Episcopal, 555 Waverley St., Palo Alto, CA, 94301, United States
1:15 pm
Doors open, warm up dances

1:45 – 2:45 pm
Workshop for dances Bourrée Bourbonnaise, Carnaval de Lantz, and Avant Deux de Travers

2:45 – 5:30 pm
Party

Marilyn’s enthusiastic teaching style and passion for French dance and music will transport you to the small villages of rural France as you dance to the tunes of the hurdy-gurdy and bagpipe.
All requests for the party appreciated, especially French and French-Canadian dances. Kafana snack contributions also appreciated. Beverages and quiche provided.
DOWNLOAD, print, and share a flier.
Marilyn Smith
Marilyn Smith has been teaching international folk dance in Santa Rosa for 48 years. Each year she organizes a weekend dance camp at Mendocino Woodlands near Mendocino in Northern California, inviting master teachers and musicians from the U.S. and abroad to be on staff. In the early 1980’s, Marilyn began researching regional folk dances of France. Her research took her to small villages throughout the French countryside. In the following years, Marilyn was able to bring both dance teachers and musicians from France to teach at workshops and camps here in California. Her repertoire includes dances from the Basque Conuntry, Auvergne, Berry, Gascogne, Béarn, and Brittany.
Questions and requests? Contact Lucy or Karen.

September Council Party
2019-09-21 19:00 - 22:30 | St. Bede’s Church Hall, 2650 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA, United States
Join the Peninsula Council for their September dance party!

7:00pm
Doors open

7:15-8:00pm
Review of Balkan classic dances by John Nicoara: Čukanoto (Bulgarian, by Martin Koenig) and Čačak (Serbian, by Dick Crum)

8:00-10:30pm
ALL-REQUEST PARTY MC’d by Jim Emdy

Dances range from beginning to advanced and all forms (line, couple, set). Bring a snack to share!
Send requests to Jim. He will incorporate them into the program.
DOWNLOAD, print, and share a flier.

Welcome Back Party
2019-09-18 19:45 - 22:00 | Holbrook Palmer Park, Carriage House, 150 Watkins Avenue, Atherton, CA, 94027, United States
Join Suzanne Rocca-Butler and the Carriage House Folk Dancers for a folk dance party as we welcome Suzanne (and ourselves) back for another fun quarter of dance classes. Bring your dancing shoes and good cheer!
Snacks or beverages to share are also appreciated if you are able.
This is the beginning night of the Fall Quarter so registration for the quarter is $77.00.
Drop in fee is $9.00 for the entire evening. There is no pro-rating of fees.

Summer Camps in Review 2019
2019-09-07 13:45 - 20:00 | All Saints’ Episcopal, 555 Waverley St., Palo Alto, CA, 94301, United States
Come to our 6th Annual Summer Camps in Review. No time to attend all the camps and workshops? No problem! Catch great dances with our great local teachers as they present their favorite dances that they learned at various camps and workshops. Includes potluck dinner and party.
Come the whole time or just a few hours. We want to dance and chat with you.
Program
1:45pm – Doors open. Dancing to last year’s summer camp dances and more…
2:00 – 5:30pm – Workshop of 2019 Summer Dances. PROGRAM
5:30 – 6:30pm – Potluck dinner, bring your favorite dish. Refrigerators available, but no oven.
6:30 – ~8:00pm – Review and your requests of dances from Statewide to Stockton and more. MC’d by Loui Tucker.
Many thanks to these awesome teachers who have volunteered to share dances they love: Katherine Abbott, Aaron Alpert, Craig Blackstone, Denise Heenan, Melissa Miller and Lew Smith, Betsy McKone and Henry Sawyer, Ulrike and Lothar Narins, Lon Radin, John Rusk, Marina Troost, Marian Snyder, Rebecca Tsai, and Todd Wagner. They will be teaching/reviewing dances from Mendocino Folklore Camp, Mendocino Scandia Camp, English/Scottish Workshop, Workshop in Transylvania, Balkan Camp, Statewide, and Stockton Folk Dance Camp.
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Download PROGRAM

Dance Party with Zabava International
2019-09-06 19:30 - 22:00 | Bethany Lutheran Church, 1095 Cloud Avenue, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, United States
Live music and dancing to Bill Cope and Zabava International! It’s a party night, so snacks and drinks are welcome, as are tips for the band.
Bill Cope
Zabava International!
Energetic, soulful, and rhythmically dazzling music played from the center of the dance floor–music from Albania, America, Armenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Macedonia, Norway, the Romani, Romania, Serbia, South Africa, Sweden and Turkey traditions. The musicians recreate the vibrant interplay of traditional music and dance from the cultural crossroads.
Simmy Willeman (violin)
Michele Simon (vocals, tupan, hand drum)
Tom Farris (tambura, guitar)
Bill Cope (gajda, bouzouki, tambura, accordion, vocals, and more)
More details…

End of Summer Dance Party
2019-08-29 19:30 - 22:30 | St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church, 18870 Allendale Avenue, Saratoga, California, 95070
Celebrate the end of summer with folk dance party on the last Thursday before Labor Day with the Saratoga International Folk Dancers.
“Dressed up in Denim” is our end-of-quarter theme. Loui hopes you will go out of your way to wear denim – and not just the usual blue jeans: skirts, shirts, jackets, vests, overalls, and hats are all made in denim. If you don’t own any denim clothing, I’m sure a quick trip to the local Goodwill store will fix that problem.
Warmup and dances for beginners between 7:30 and 8:15pm. Request dancing for the rest of the evening. This is a large, friendly group; you won’t be disappointed! Drop in fee $8, first visit free. More details…

Potluck, BBQ, and Dance Party
2019-08-25 15:00 - 22:00 | Wolterbeek’s Ranch, 3100 Ponderosa Road, Shingle Springs, CA, 95682, United States
Come join the fun and renew/join SIFDAC!

​Games – 3:00 to 5:00 pm
Potluck and Dancing – 5:00 to 10:00 pm

$10.00 per person or $5.00 for those age 23 & under. The price of admission pays your yearly membership with the Sacramento International Folk Dance and Arts Council.
To save time, download our membership application, fill it out in advance, and bring it to the barbeque!
The annual Sacramento International Folk Dance and Arts Council (SIFDAC) Membership Barbeque and Dance is held at the end of August prior to September 1. We love getting together and dancing outside at the Wolterbeek’s Ranch! Thank you so much Al and Teddy for letting us gather together each year at your ranch and having the best time ever!! This event is special because it is the best time for local folk dancers and clubs to sign up and become members of SIFDAC since the term of membership goes from September 1 to August 31 of each year.
For more details contact: Gene (916) 799-8086 (email) or Barbara (916) 923-1555 (email)
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Greek Glendi with Agapi Mas
2019-08-12 19:00 - 21:30 | Joe Goode Annex, 401 Alabama at 17th Street, San Francisco, CA, 94110, United States
Enjoy Greek dancing to live music featuring Agapi Mas with Greek Feet celebrating Leo birthdays. This is also for the popular Greek August 15 holiday, the Dormition of the Virgin Mary or Koimisis tis Theotokou.
Agapi Mas will be playing a full night of regional Greek music for dancing. Agapi Mas is Greg Jenkins on clarinet and vocals, Alan Davidson on laouto, Michael Garibaldi on percussion and vocals, and special guest Michele Simon on vocals.
In addition, the Leo folks are planning some outrageous B’day cakes. This party just keeps getting better and better each day. Hope you can make it!
Note: Ring the bell at the gate to enter

Post-Stockton Dance Party
2019-08-11 15:00 - 19:00 | St. Bede’s Church Hall, 2650 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA, United States
Join us for a dance party starting with reviews of dances taught at Stockton Folk Dance Camp 2019.

2:45pm
Doors open

3:00-3:30pm
Free pre-party workshop including new dances from Stockton Folk Dance Camp 2019: Shantel, a Romanian dance choreographed by Maurits and Tineke van Geel, and Yarn Anoush, an Armenian dance also choreographed by Tineke. Both are easy and fun dances that you’ll love!

3:30-6:00pm
ALL-REQUEST PARTY MC’d by Adony Beniares and Ken Kaye

Send your requests to Adony and he will incorporate them into the program.
Dances range from beginning to advanced and all forms (line, couple, set). Bring a snack to share!
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Little Festival of the Redwoods
2019-08-11 12:00 - 16:15 | Guerneville School, 14630 Armstrong Woods Road, Guerneville, CA, 95446, United States
The Santa Rosa Folk Dancers invite you to the 75th annual Little Festival of the Redwoods.
Noon-1:30 pm, Picnic Potluck Social
Join for a picnic potluck at the Armstrong Redwoods State Park picnic grounds. Please bring a hot dish, salad, or dessert and your own table service. Club will furnish coffee, tea, and water.
1:45‑4:15 pm, Request Dance Party
Guerneville Elementary School
14630 Armstrong Woods Road
Guerneville, CA
The festival continues with an all-requests international folk dancing afternoon with your favorite dances selected by Elsa Bacher as DJ.
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For more details please contact Elsa Bacher of the Santa Rosa Folk Dancers.

International Dance Workshop with Roberto Bagnoli
2019-08-09 19:30 - 21:30 | Piedmont Veterans Hall, 401 Highland Avenue, Piedmont, CA, United States
Please mark your calendars and plan to attend this workshop with a teacher who is loads of fun! For more information, you can contact Kay James or call Kay at (925) 376-0727.
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Roberto Bagnoli
Roberto Bagnoli Roberto Bagnoli grew up in Rome, where he was first introduced to folk music and dance, eventually taking part in several performances and teaching dance classes. He subsequently studied various forms of folk dance in workshops throughout Europe, Israel,and North America.From 1995 to 2003, he performed as a dancer and choreographer with the Terra di Danza Dance Company and was involved in the production of Raggi di Luna Italiana (Italian dances); Giro Giro Mondo (dances from around the world);Keltic Emotion (Celtic dances); Mazal Tov (Israeli dances);and Ethnos (international folk dances). He currently organizes two dance camps in Europe: Balkanot (Balkan and Israeli dance) and Camp Yofi (Israeli dance). Roberto has lectured and conducted workshops throughout Europe as well as on numerous occasions in North America, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan.Roberto lives in Reggio Emilia in Northern Italy. Read more…

Summer Dance Party
2019-08-07 19:45 - 22:00 | Holbrook Palmer Park, Carriage House, 150 Watkins Avenue, Atherton, CA, 94027, United States
This summer dance and post-Stockton party will be our only chance to dance together at the Carriage House until Fall quarter begins Sept. 18, so I hope you can all come! Bring your dancing shoes and good cheer. Snacks or beverages to share are also appreciated if you are able.
Drop in fee is $9.00 for the entire evening. There is no pro-rating of fees.
Suzanne will resume teaching again Sept. 18th when the Fall Quarter begins.

Stockton Folk Dance Camp
2019-07-21 - 2019-08-04 | University of the Pacific, 3601 Pacific Ave, Stockton, CA, 95211, United States
Featured Guests

Joe Graziosi
GREEK NON-PARTNER DANCES

Tineke van Geel
ARMENIAN NON-PARTNER DANCES

Gergana Panova
BULGARIA NON-PARTNER DANCES

Richard Schmidt
POLISH COUNTRY PARTNER DANCES

Gigi Jensen
ARGENTINE PARTNER DANCES

Tony Parkes
AMERICAN SQUARES AND CONTRAS

Rebecca Tsai
CHINESE WORKSHOP

Band
Miamon Miller & Free Range Organic
Celebrating over 70 Years of International Dance and Music
For over 70 years Stockton Folk Dance camp has featured guests from around the world who come to the University of the Pacific in Stockton California each summer to share traditional dances and music. Students and long-time international dance enthusiasts of all ages come to learn and preserve folkloric dances and music, as well as to hone their world dance and music skills.
Registration
General notes that apply each year:
A minimum deposit of $100 is required to hold a spot if you cannot make full payment at the time of registration.
If you cancel BEFORE May 31, a $50 processing fee will be withheld from your refund.
If you cancel AFTER May 31, $100 deposit will be withheld from your refund.
No refunds after June 30.
Register online
You can make a payments online for camp and related items, or you may pay by check.
Payments page

Contra and Square Dance Workshop and Party with Tony Parkes
2019-07-20 15:00 - 21:00 | All Saints’ Episcopal, 555 Waverley St., Palo Alto, CA, 94301, United States
The Moveable Feet club presents an afternoon contra and square dance workshop, potluck dinner, and international folk dance party with the charming Tony Parkes. Live music for dancing by Susan Worland during the workshop.
Come for the entire event or portions as you wish. We look forward to dancing with you!

3:00 pm
Doors open

3:15 – 4:30 pm
Contra Dance Workshop

4:30 – 4:45 pm
Break

4:45 – 5:30 pm
Square Dance Workshop

5:30 – 6:30 pm
Potluck dinner, bring your favorite dishes for 8-10 dancers. Snacks for the workshop also appreciated. No oven, but refrigerator and power for crockpots available

6:30 – 9 pm
Folk dance party. Tony plans to call a few contras and square dances. Dancing to recorded music from all countries.
Requests in advance appreciated to Lucy or Lesley.

No partners needed. We change partners after each dance. All dancers welcome, however basic knowledge of the fundamentals of contra and square dancing is beneficial.
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Tony Parkes
Hailing from the Boston area, Tony Parkes has been calling square and contra dances for more than 50 years. He believes in keeping these dance forms accessible to as many people as possible. He has beginners doing real dances within seconds, and can keep experienced dancers entertained with a bit of challenge or elegance.
For more details contact Lucy or Lesley.

Square Dance Workshop with Tony Parkes
2019-07-18 19:30 - 22:15 | St. Archangel Michael Serbian Orthodox Church, 18870 Allendale Avenue, Saratoga, California, 95070
Join the Saratoga International Dancers for a special evening square dance workshop lead by caller and instructor Tony Parkes. No partner needed.

Tony Parkes
Hailing from the Boston area, Tony Parkes has been calling square and contra dances for more than 50 years. He believes in keeping these dance forms accessible to as many people as possible. He has beginners doing real dances within seconds, and can keep experienced dancers entertained with a bit of challenge or elegance. More details…

Bastille Day Party
2019-07-14 14:45 - 18:00 | St. Bede’s Church Hall, 2650 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA, United States
Celebrate Bastille Day and France with a folk dance lesson and party with the Peninsula Council!

2:45pm
Doors open

3:00-3:30pm
Free pre-party workshop with Adony Benaries teaching a couple of fun French dances.

3:30-6:00pm
ALL-REQUEST PARTY MC’d by Hollis Radin

The Peninsula Council annual meeting and election of officers will be held during the break.
Send your requests to Hollis and she will incorporate them into the program.
Dances range from beginning to advanced and all forms (line, couple, set). Bring a snack to share!
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Palomanians Ice Cream Social
2019-06-15 19:30 - 22:30 | St. Bede’s Church Hall, 2650 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, CA, United States
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The Palomanians Ice Cream Social featuring request dancing, refreshments, and of course ice cream!
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.
There’s no teaching so the party begins at 7:30pm
