This week we'll be learning a new Turkish dance called Esmer, and continuing to dance and review Talima, a Bulgarian dance from the Dobruzha region. Video and music for both dances can be found at the Dunav website; there's a link to this wonderful folk dance site below.

Coming up this weekend: Marilyn Smith's folk dance party on Friday, March 13, 8 p.m. at the Santa Rosa Veteran's Building. The evening will feature live music by Turlu. This ensemble features musicians from other well-known world music ensembles including Kitka, Anoush, Westwind, and Trarnce Mission. Turlu means "mixture" or "melange in Turkish. The group includes percussionist Nuri Bal, violinist/vocalist Leslie Bonnett, accordionist Hudi Brenman, clarinetist Michael Matthews, and Shea Comfort on clarinet, duduk, kaval, laouto, and shvi.