tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77325156694945466992024-02-07T22:10:20.168-08:00Carol Friedman Dance BlogCarol Friedman has been teaching international folk dance, ballroom dance, and line dancing to people of all ages since 2000, with ongoing classes in Petaluma and College of Marin as well as workshops for Greenwood School in Mill Valley, Marin Children's Chorus, Dance Palace Camp, the San Francisco Free Folk Festival, Berkeley Festival of the Oaks, and at parties and events.Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.comBlogger172125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-57596403854240578252024-01-31T14:26:00.000-08:002024-01-31T14:35:47.386-08:00<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">After watching a fascinating Zoom session on Sephardic culture<b>, </b></span></span><strong style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">I was inspired to dig deeper into Sephardic music and dance – and to bring</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b> </b>back several dances to Sephardic music</span></span><strong style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"> including <i>La Rosa Enfloresce</i> (the Sephardic language version of the Israeli dance <i>Hashoshanah Porachat</i>). As far as I know, the only dance in the repertoire that appears to be traditional is <i>Alta es Luna</i>; it was introduced as such by Eric Bendix.</span></strong></p><p class="topic-paragraph" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The language of Sephardic Jews was Ladino, a romance language that originated in Spain and was preserved by the descendants of Spanish Jews who were expelled from Spain after 1492. It’s a very archaic form of Castilian Spanish, mixed with Hebrew, Aramaic, Arabic, Turkish, Greek French, Bulgarian and Italian<b>. </b></span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Ladino preserves many words and grammatical usages that have been lost in modern Spanish. It was originally written in versions of Hebrew script, but these days it is written with the Latin alphabet. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><strong><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">In</span></strong><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><b> </b>the videos I watched</span><strong><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"> online</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">,</span></strong><strong><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"> only the women dance, </span></strong><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">no one is holding hands or leading</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">, and it r</span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">esembles basic belly dancing.</span><strong><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"> </span></strong><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The women (called Tanyaderas) led song and dance life-cycle celebrations, especially for the many events that were part of weddings. A frame drum was used to accompany their singing. Medieval texts and images suggest that Jewish women’s song-dance leadership was normative in Mediterranean Jewish communities.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">In Sephardic communities such as those in Turkey, the Balkans, Bosnia, and Morocco, Tanyaderas were invited to sing and drum at all the life-cycle ceremonies – most particularly at weddings - where they often conducted the ceremonies and supervised the details. Note that Miriam, the older sister of Moses, wrote the<i> Song of Miriam</i> and led the Israelites in dance and song at the shore of the Red Sea. Jeremiah proclaimed<span style="border: 1pt windowtext; font-size: 13pt; padding: 0in;"><i> "you will take up your timbrels and go out to dance with the joyful." </i> And </span>I have always loved this phrase from Ecclesiastes – “<span style="border: 1pt windowtext; font-size: 13pt; padding: 0in;"><i>a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance." </i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Illuminated medieval Spanish </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border: 1pt windowtext; padding: 0in;">Haggadot</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> (the prayer books read by Jews for the holiday of Passover) all included a section of images of women dancing. Depictions of Miriam and women celebrating at the shores of the Red Sea appear in the </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="border: 1pt windowtext; font-size: 13pt; padding: 0in;">Sarejevo Haggadah</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> in the fourteenth century. In Sephardic communities in Turkey, the Balkans, and Morocco, Tanyaderas were invited to sing and drum at all the life-cycle ceremonies, where they often conducted the ceremonies and supervised the details.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 15pt; vertical-align: baseline;">Sephardic communities had many unique wedding customs. Tanyaderas led these events through their distinctive songs and dances, as they helped the community fulfill Jewish requirements for rejoicing at a Jewish wedding. This included the ritual bath the evening before the bride was to be married. Afterwards, the women, sang, danced, ate sweets, and drank strong liquor. Tanyaderas in Morocco also led singing and dancing at a henna party that involved painting the hands and feet of the bride-to-be.<o:p></o:p></p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Today there are still Sephardic communities in Israel and Morocco that employ the Tanyaderas for life-cycle celebrations in Jewish communities. Music and dance continue to play a compelling role in Jewish Mediterranean cultures, and women’s leadership outside of the synagogue held great importance for the Sephardim.</span><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Please do join us in Petaluma on Monday nights 7-9 p.m. at Herman Sons Hall in Petaluma and enjoy our wide repertoire of international folk dances. For more information, contact me at cjay@horizoncable.com.</span></div>Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-27570840807961378532023-12-22T14:00:00.000-08:002023-12-22T14:00:03.392-08:00<p> <span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Monday night dancing at Hermann Sons Hall in Petaluma starts up again 7-9 p.m. after the new year on January 8 and runs through May 20 (no class on April 9). Newcomers and beginners are always welcome – first class is free, and the first half hour focuses on easy, fun, beginner dances from Bulgaria, Romania, France, Serbia, Ukraine, Israel, Greece and more.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2JVserFfpeA73RS4A1aMDG0lcgrEFdrqeNK3ztp6c-mdrdVsrFuGyiSZbBHOktRYYs-U-0Z7tmvJjxj5EVl0tQLPZniX1uDf29aY21Q6taR96sLpi3IXfx-Pfg3bob6rm6FOM0lwF4uTESI57iwwVFUP9YIzv-ZeBagpXHZQa5Y54lYucjwC_4D3vzA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="605" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2JVserFfpeA73RS4A1aMDG0lcgrEFdrqeNK3ztp6c-mdrdVsrFuGyiSZbBHOktRYYs-U-0Z7tmvJjxj5EVl0tQLPZniX1uDf29aY21Q6taR96sLpi3IXfx-Pfg3bob6rm6FOM0lwF4uTESI57iwwVFUP9YIzv-ZeBagpXHZQa5Y54lYucjwC_4D3vzA" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">We are looking forward to dancing again with live music from Da Mozehm in February. As well, we are excited that Jaap Leegwater will be returning to Petaluma on Monday, April 24. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Our winter/spring session runs from January 8 to May 20. Newcomers and visitors are always welcome; for more information, contact me at 415-663-9512 or <a href="mailto:cjay@horizoncable.com" style="color: purple;">cjay@horizoncable.com</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-81112571540085569902023-10-19T13:35:00.000-07:002023-10-19T13:35:42.856-07:00<p>We had a wonderful time dancing to fabulous music by Bulgarika on Monday night, 0ctober 23! </p><p>Five master musicians, all steeped in Bulgarian Music and rhythms make up the band: Nikolay Kolev (gadulka), Dona Kolev (vocals), Temelko Ivanov (naval), Nikolay Kodzhabashev (tambulfa), and Marin Chalamov (tapan).</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6Uu9BvqudYqMeecaf7utG8SlR4ggxBUMzbcoUY5y9Lzp5lQYXTDsBjNQ89bJ4hgUGncVyha37Qyzk34xrllRoYLCWBdJOoSYfEYBeLpS9aAB5elVKU3pK8nP7LrgeEWY_TPn10F-RFgMxIPOxXmpFVnZ0-O06IAqhQ24hcF3FJ3zhXTh4U6etdiZm-w" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6Uu9BvqudYqMeecaf7utG8SlR4ggxBUMzbcoUY5y9Lzp5lQYXTDsBjNQ89bJ4hgUGncVyha37Qyzk34xrllRoYLCWBdJOoSYfEYBeLpS9aAB5elVKU3pK8nP7LrgeEWY_TPn10F-RFgMxIPOxXmpFVnZ0-O06IAqhQ24hcF3FJ3zhXTh4U6etdiZm-w" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>At the same time, all of us are mourning the passing of Paul Smith, who was a mainstay of our dance group for decades. He was an elegant, understated dancer, a lovely man, and a dear friend. I am picturing him now, leading some of his favorite dances including <i>Melnik</i> and <i>Joe Batreanesc</i>. Paul is the one in the middle in the photograph; fairly sure he is dancing <i>Bavno Oro</i>. He will be deeply missed. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEit0PqC-ZYSKOOMDCDcFdGcNkZdMEozfcXM02NJIcfdMW1lWIgJN1X_QPgR_Qdr_8qnhvKNii3wgL7I3Spl11oG-bDbY9T7ubl4Wq68Hu0K7QuXABreM1mp6YPreXmmI7LNvWRgtdeWTVs9LCucGwUvrX0F31UIihNyGdcQ72ksJ-VcqCRbCPIaU_Ws9A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEit0PqC-ZYSKOOMDCDcFdGcNkZdMEozfcXM02NJIcfdMW1lWIgJN1X_QPgR_Qdr_8qnhvKNii3wgL7I3Spl11oG-bDbY9T7ubl4Wq68Hu0K7QuXABreM1mp6YPreXmmI7LNvWRgtdeWTVs9LCucGwUvrX0F31UIihNyGdcQ72ksJ-VcqCRbCPIaU_Ws9A" width="320" /></a></div><br />Monday night dancing 7-9 p.m. at Herman Sons Hall, 860 Western, Petaluma, continues through December 18. Newcomers and beginners are always welcome. For more information, contact Carol Friedman at 415-663-951.<p></p>Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-36915247277724623432023-02-15T10:44:00.000-08:002023-02-15T10:44:13.977-08:00<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Massive storms, flooding, and power outages delayed the start of my classes that had been scheduled to begin again the week of January 9. This included three days without power or Wi-Fi, significant flooding, plus periodic power outages and downed trees blocking the roads throughout the rest of the week. A huge Monterey Cypress tree branch fell on my property - luckily it just missed my garage. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I’m glad to report that the Balkan/International class on Mondays 7-9 p.m. and the Israeli folk dance classes on Thursdays 1:15-3:15 p.m. were able to resume the third week in January. Both classes will now be held at Herman Son’s Hall, 860 Western Avenue, in Petaluma. As always, we’ll be doing a mix of beginning, intermediate and advanced dances – and requests are always welcome. It’s always fun and interesting to see what folks come up with; recent requests on Monday have included </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Bannielou Lamboal</i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> (France), <i>Cetvorno Horo </i>(Bulgaria</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">), and <i>Joc in Patru</i> (Romania). On Thursdays, we've been reviewing </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Lev</i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Patuac</i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">h, Harmonica, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">and <i>Shav Al Admati</i>.</span></p><p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhu7pkikXg1ARxc3bx_HOOb8I9XwvA5xG79ZxrmBeEEJnqeAdt1qQ6hKwqQoXpLsM4UHN_cTSiChzbqEZZbOeBVz5dMEFLXYMUezw8X7n424aS4ZZglaMN-eXxXDdlSf6w2hCPanpzy2SXMOB14QtbhhTP6SRl4wXA_UknU3zCrTWPYpi86ADviLN0" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhu7pkikXg1ARxc3bx_HOOb8I9XwvA5xG79ZxrmBeEEJnqeAdt1qQ6hKwqQoXpLsM4UHN_cTSiChzbqEZZbOeBVz5dMEFLXYMUezw8X7n424aS4ZZglaMN-eXxXDdlSf6w2hCPanpzy2SXMOB14QtbhhTP6SRl4wXA_UknU3zCrTWPYpi86ADviLN0" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /> I’m also continuing to introduce dances that I have choreographed, including one to beautiful Ukrainian music by Kitka (</span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Oj, jak ze bulo</i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">) and a lovely simple dance Kenyan music (<i>Kothbiro</i>).</span><p></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">And a heads up that the wonderful vocal ensemble Kitka will be performing in my neck of the woods on Saturday, May 20, at the Dance Palace Community Center in Point Reyes Station – be sure to mark your calendars for this special event.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">I continue to teach one Balkan/International Zoom class, noting that it is now scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month from 7-8:15 p.m. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Newcomers and visitors are always welcome to join any of these classes; for more information, contact me at 415-663-9512 or <a href="mailto:cjay@horizoncable.com" style="color: purple;">cjay@horizoncable.com</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-69288080550660488612023-01-02T14:21:00.002-08:002023-01-02T14:21:46.620-08:00<p><span style="font-family: arial;">Balkan and Israeli folk dance classes will be starting up again in the first week of January 2023, and both classes will now be held at Herman Sons Hall, 860 Western, Petaluma.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Balkan/International class will be on Mondays 7-9 p.m. First session is January 9-April 24; second session runs from May 1-July 13 (no classes on May 29 or July 3). Requests are always welcome. We'll continue to review and dance Stamena (Bulgaria) and Hora Anton Pann (Romania), and I'll also be introducing two new dances I have choreographed done to music from Ukraine.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Israeli folk dancing will start on January 12 and run through March 8; second session will be March 1-April 27. The first hour of this class is beginning/intermediate dancing; second hour will be intermediate and advanced dances, with lots of time for requests. I'll be teaching a (new to me) Avak Hadrachim, a lovely waltz as well as introducing a dance I choreographed to a wild and fun version of Adon Olam.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Beginners, newcomers and drop-ins are always welcome. Please feel free to contact me for more information at cjay@horizoncable.com.</span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-83799889210573362152022-11-08T16:11:00.000-08:002022-11-08T16:11:35.566-08:00<p> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Fun time dancing at the Officers' Ball!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGlTpedZB0p94krMfwYV_p8Xc3yU0QMOhLvgxW-qXnWzUqIel4M9q9I5PSB2s3oseoYLqIeUJH0sH7cisytVOq1yz8loPgQ6MMkSFxqPUf7GHxht61yPrCyl1VW13RWBZB_d4XZqpC2zniOeW1w38Xf41o1cc3ZPlEittNwU7d66jTP88iX227Axo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="408" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgGlTpedZB0p94krMfwYV_p8Xc3yU0QMOhLvgxW-qXnWzUqIel4M9q9I5PSB2s3oseoYLqIeUJH0sH7cisytVOq1yz8loPgQ6MMkSFxqPUf7GHxht61yPrCyl1VW13RWBZB_d4XZqpC2zniOeW1w38Xf41o1cc3ZPlEittNwU7d66jTP88iX227Axo" width="320" /></a></div><br />Balkan/International folk dancing continues Herman Son's Hall in Petaluma on Mondays, 7-9 p.m. through December 12 (note: no class on December 5). Current favorites include Kune, Brestacka Racenica, and Nyandolo.<p></p><p>Israeli folk dancing at Marin JCC on Thursdays 1:30-3:30 p.m. runs through December 6. We've been learning Or Veyershalyim, and resurrecting some oldies including Hora Or and David Melech Yisroel. Note that as on January, this class will be moving to Herman Son's Hall (same day, same time.</p><p>Wishing you all a happy healthy holiday season, with lots of friends, food, celebration and dancing!</p>Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-67977702670233976742022-10-21T13:41:00.000-07:002022-10-21T13:41:38.533-07:002022 Officers Ball Syllabus<p><span style="font-family: arial;">I'm pleased and excited to be a guest teacher again at the 2022 Officers' Ball on Saturday, October 22, 1-10 p.m. I'll be teaching Cicovata (Bulgaria) and introducing Nyandolo (a lovely easy dance to music from Kenya).</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Here are the dance notes for you:</span></p><p><b style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: arial;">Cicovata</span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Du0stocXWw" style="color: purple;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Du0stocXWw</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Bulgaria <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This dance is a multifigure variation on the dance Cicovoto (or Cicovo), apparently from the Vidin area of North Bulgaria. It was taught by Steve Kotansky based on how the Bulgarian community in the St. Louis Area did the dance. Other versions have been taught by Yves Moreau, Yulian Yordanov and Iliana Bozhanova. I have chosen three variations to teach that I like (there are many others).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">To R, Facing C, Arms W, 12-count phrases<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Basic: <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">1-6: Step R to R, XLB, R, XLF, R, XLB (6-step grapevine)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">7-8: Step R to R, tch L<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">9-12: To L: Step L, together R, step L, tch R<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Variation #1 – Lift step<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">1-6: Step R to R, XLB, R, XLF, R, XLB (6-step grapevine)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">7-8: Lift R circling to step LB<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">9-12: To L: Step L, XRF, step L, tch R<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Variation #2 – Back & Front<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">1-4 Step R to R, XLB, R, XLF<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">4-12: Step RF, L in place, RB, L in place; repeat all<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Variation #3 – Around the world<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">1-4: Step R to R, XLB, R, XLF<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">5-8: Lift XRF to L, step R, step LB, step RB<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">9-12: Lift step XLB, step R, step L<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><b><i>Nyandolo</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwopjqGMH88" style="color: purple;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwopjqGMH88</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Kenya <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Taught by France Borque-Moreau, who learned it from Michel Hepp in Germany. The song is sung in the Kisa language by Ayub Ogada.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">4/4 rhythm<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Arms: V<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Closed circle<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Intro: 8 bars; start with singing<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Face C, to R:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sway R to R<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sway L to L<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Sway R to R<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Close L next to R<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in; text-align: justify;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: arial;">Questions or more information:<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Carol Friedman: <a href="mailto:cjay@horizoncable.com" style="color: purple;">cjay@horizoncable.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">415-663-9512<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-13543685194985554462022-08-16T12:57:00.004-07:002022-08-16T12:57:45.613-07:00Workshop with Jaap Leegwater<p> We had a fabulous time dancing with Bulgarian dance teacher Jaap Leegwater in Petaluma on August 8! He taught Sapil Dobri and Staro Erkecko, danced Mari Mariko with us, and thrilled us by playing his flute for Melnik.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFIMfCwr7q8tOcjh9sz_J8Sg1WD6EyoP2bCvHGlPahykJ_zhR67HHLkhgGD8IE1HIz8wp-bQ2FEHrC9UaOdJGdPEZdpi6_J1Z7FvMhLmgRLpKaTG99nEnoKQG4o5vi5AwZ_1ZtpPWYjux3GuvY4bsU_qit9y7Zgv8uGyohrCUrFXyEQCab73ajcek" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFIMfCwr7q8tOcjh9sz_J8Sg1WD6EyoP2bCvHGlPahykJ_zhR67HHLkhgGD8IE1HIz8wp-bQ2FEHrC9UaOdJGdPEZdpi6_J1Z7FvMhLmgRLpKaTG99nEnoKQG4o5vi5AwZ_1ZtpPWYjux3GuvY4bsU_qit9y7Zgv8uGyohrCUrFXyEQCab73ajcek" width="320" /></a></div><br />Looking forward to dancing with you all again at Hermann Son's Hall, 860 Western Avenue, Petaluma, on Mondays 7-9 p.m. starting August 12. Israeli folk dancing at the Osher JCC in San Rafael on Thursdays 1:30-3:30 p.m. will resume on September 8.<p></p>Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-41350256551263765202022-07-31T10:19:00.000-07:002022-07-31T10:19:45.841-07:00<p><span style="font-family: arial;">We are thrilled and excited to host a special workshop with Jaap Leegwater at Hermann Son’s Hall in Petaluma on August 8. Jaap is a folk dance legend; he introduced so many Balkan dance classics - including Karamfil, Sedi Donka, Melnik, and Vlasko Horo. We plan to add more to our repertoire after the workshop.</span></p><p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The fall session of Balkan/International dancing at Hermann Son’s Hall in Petaluma on will start up on Mondays, September 12 from 7-9 p.m. and continue through November 28. Newcomers and beginners are always welcome. Note that we are continuing to wear masks for safety, by mutual consent, and require proof of vaccination.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Israeli folk dance classes at the Osher Marin Jewish Community Center in San Rafael are scheduled for Thursdays 1:30-3:30 p.m. from September 8-October 13, and October 27-December 8. Folks can sign up through the JCC website for a 6-week series, or drop-in when it fits into your schedule. Latest favorites include Ya Raya, Hora Simchat, and Lakum Vel’Amod. In this class as well, we are wearing masks.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I am also having fun choreographing my own dances, and introducing them in my classes. So far, I have created Oiydo mi Novya, a beautiful Sephardic song from Spain, as well as the classic Yiddish workers' solidarity song Ale Brider (using a fabulous version featuring Itzak Perlman with the Klezmatics). More to come...stay tuned!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">For those of you who still prefer the safety of Zoom, as well as folks who live too far away to attend my in-person classes, I teach one Balkan/International Zoom class on the third Wednesday of each month from 7-8:15 p.m. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I invite any of you who are looking for more opportunities to dance (whether it be virtual or in person) to contact me at 415-663-9512 or <a href="mailto:cjay@horizoncable.com" style="color: purple;">cjay@horizoncable.com</a>.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-38712915524900283452022-05-23T09:16:00.001-07:002022-06-15T18:06:35.434-07:00Summer Dancing 2022<p><span face="Arial, sans-serif">The summer session of Balkan/International dancing at Hermann Son’s Hall in Petaluma on Mondays 7-9 p.m. runs from June 6 to July 25 (no classes on June 20 and July 4). Summer dancing is free-flowing, with lots of requests, along with periodic teaching and reviews when requested.</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif"> We'll definitely be dancing a few new favorites including Vallja Hayde Merre Furken, Usti Baba, Sofka, and Fado Portugues. We are continuing to wear masks for safety, by mutual consent.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Summer Israeli folk dance classes at the Osher Marin JCC in San Rafael on Thursdays 1:30-3:30 p.m. are scheduled for June 30 to August 6. Folks can sign up through the JCC website for a 6-week series, or drop-in when it fits into your schedule. Latest favorites include Rokdim Yechefim and Nitzmadnu.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">And for those of you who still prefer the safety of Zoom as well as folks who live too far away to attend my in-person classes, I teach one Balkan/International Zoom class on the third Wednesday of each month from 7-8:15 p.m. </p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">I invite any of you who are looking for more opportunities to dance (whether it be virtual or in person) to contact me at 415-663-9512 or <a href="mailto:cjay@horizoncable.com" style="color: purple;">cjay@horizoncable.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></p>Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-82862725289414793752022-02-25T13:58:00.000-08:002022-02-25T13:58:04.234-08:00Returning to Dancing in Person<p>I<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">’m loving holding hands in a circle again. I’m loving dancing with other people again. I’m loving having room to move again. And I’m loving introducing new dances I learned during the pandemic.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">I continue to be grateful for Zoom. It was a big leap for me (I hate new technology), but with the help of some knowledgeable and generous dance friends, I did it. It was different. When I taught or reviewed a dance, I couldn’t see people. I had to have my back turned from the screen, so folks could distinguish left from right. I had to dance far enough away from the screen so people could see my feet. It was much harder to balance without holding hands. And it was also much harder to remember dances without that connection, because you feel the dance as much as know it. I had to keep everyone muted so the music works, which meant there was much less easy, casual conversation.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">But I got to see and teach and dance regularly with my wide circle of dance friends.I had big fun discovering new dances (and re-discovering old ones) through the wide variety of virtual folk dance classes and parties that are happening. I am grateful for that as well, and I continue to participate in Zoom classes and parties regularly.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">But I’ve really come back home to dancing, and it feels good.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">I was honored to be the guest teacher at the Festival of the Oaks in February. This was my first big in-person dance event in more than two years and it was so much fun. I taught five favorites from the year: Alta es la Luna (Sephardic/Greek), Valle Came e Shpeft (Albania), Jerusalema (South Africa), Maleshevsko Horo (Bulgaria) and Vallejo e Dados (Albania).</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvmYAhJy15mETC_1f2pMbWK6XNkLMKfD4ku6z-IbOGwGFWh_6WMs34znuu_B3rlnHktxj6CNIq6HPhS8PfqZ4B5kaqVNTFx_BxW8c3_SGJwXBk5mzB7cgDa7MdfQPwGF3s_A62V15aAcGKsYxMuvfeZHqmsjEPclKv8e93sBlDoz9aPD5yx9AUEQw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjvmYAhJy15mETC_1f2pMbWK6XNkLMKfD4ku6z-IbOGwGFWh_6WMs34znuu_B3rlnHktxj6CNIq6HPhS8PfqZ4B5kaqVNTFx_BxW8c3_SGJwXBk5mzB7cgDa7MdfQPwGF3s_A62V15aAcGKsYxMuvfeZHqmsjEPclKv8e93sBlDoz9aPD5yx9AUEQw" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;">My Petaluma Balkan/International classes are back on Mondays 7-9 p.m. through May 15 at Hermann Sons Hall in Petaluma.. And Israeli dancing is happening as well at Osher Marin JCC in San </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Rafael; folks can sign up for 6-week sessions through the JCC.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhha1-qHY00jQmzzV098ICDkvcNNRPAyJrLffzJ-TYE8oNruu-9HklJ9F9tTqKylGTGkMI0-R34HTG27WTbjy-hJBIoUuwgG6NX3XWmbVp-oP2OqIU7kXy46FW0Yj28JOXt5wDih5gbvw410qmXc_Nwr-nyzkXOF1zJsE1Gp7T_jC91a1g1QUv26XY" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhha1-qHY00jQmzzV098ICDkvcNNRPAyJrLffzJ-TYE8oNruu-9HklJ9F9tTqKylGTGkMI0-R34HTG27WTbjy-hJBIoUuwgG6NX3XWmbVp-oP2OqIU7kXy46FW0Yj28JOXt5wDih5gbvw410qmXc_Nwr-nyzkXOF1zJsE1Gp7T_jC91a1g1QUv26XY" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Only one Zoom session left, and I’m planning to continue doing this because it’s been so much fun connecting with dance friends who live too far away to take my in-person person classes. This Balkan/International Zoom class is scheduled for the third Wednesday of each month from 7-8:15 p.m. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;">Hope to see you on the dance floor!</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0in;"><br /></p>Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-21643744087440192732020-12-16T18:24:00.001-08:002020-12-16T18:24:21.601-08:00Sandy's Cacak & more - virtually<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">We’re still dancing virtually in the North Bay – with Israeli class on Sunday mornings and Balkan/International on Monday nights. Both classes will continue through late December, and then start up again in early January.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">In the Balkan class, we brought back Sandy’s Cacak, an old favorite that had dropped out of our repertoire. I have a vivid memory of longtime Petaluma folk dance stalwart Sandy Clemmer leading this dance, always wearing his opincas. In Serbia it's simply referred to as "Cacak Kolo; Sandy introduced the dance locally, hence the name. And we’ve been taking a fun deep dive into Albanian dances, some of them traditional (Valle Iusuf, Vallja e Katushkes, Populli Jon)l, others choreographed, including Valle e Permetit and Moj Maro. I also introduced great new music for Valle Pogonishte with vocals by well-know Albanian singer Merita Spahiu.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">In the Israeli class, we’ve been having fun dancing favorite line dances including Hine Ma Tov #2, Vals Agur Zahav (originally done as a couple dance, but I found a video from Japan of folks doing it as a line dance), Sixteen Tons, (music by Tennessee Ernie Ford – a testament to the fact that Israelis will choreograph to any music), Jaimale, Pata Pata, Homey Twist (not Israeli, but a favorite Urban Soul line dance), and – of course – Jerusalema.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">I invite any of you who are looking for more opportunities to dance to contact me at 415-663-9512 or <a>cjay@horizoncable.com</a>if you’d like to join us.</p>Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-15989758864035358032020-10-12T09:15:00.000-07:002020-10-12T09:15:34.284-07:00The Virtual Dance Beat Goes On<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> We’re still dancing virtually in the North Bay, certainly through the end of this year, and likely beyond. And we’re still having fun. I’m teaching Israeli on Sunday mornings, and Balkan/International on Monday nights.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">My latest new favorite dance is <i>Furla</i>, a lively contemporary Bulgarian dance introduced by Gergana Panova. I saw this at one of the Peninsula Folk Dance Parties.I also stumbled on an interesting version of <i>Sa Cocek</i>– this one is from Albania and is called <i>Sa Gjijile (also spelled Xhinxhile).</i> It has a similar structure (10-counts), but a subtly different pattern and geography.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">By request, I did a virtual Balkan session with a focus on Pontic dances, I’m digging into my own repertoire and also looking at videos online. We danced <i>Dipat </i>and <i>Samson</i>, both Greek dances that I originally learned when I participated in Yannis Constantinou’s annual folk dance seminar in Prespa. I also included included <i>Tamzara </i>(Armenia), <i>Tik </i>(Greece), <i>Urdu</i><i> </i>(Turkey), and <i>Omal Kars</i> (Greece).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">In my Israeli class, I’ve been bringing back old favorite line dances including <i>Zodiak </i>and <i>Naomi,</i>plus some top hits from the Gadi Bitton repertoire (<i>Salamat</i>i, <i>Ya Raya</i>, and <i>Or Chadash</i>).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: arial;">I invite any of you who are looking for more opportunities to dance to contact me at 415-663-9512 or <a>cjay@horizoncable.com</a>if you’d like to join us.</span></p>Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-35406463522986906552020-07-03T14:07:00.002-07:002020-07-03T14:07:28.213-07:00Going Virtual<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It was like going through the stages of grief, not being able to teach and dance together with all of my folk dance buddies when the virus hit along with shelter in place orders. I’ve been teaching three classes a week for years now; it’s part of my weekly rhythm, my friendship circle, my exercise, my fun, my way of feeling connected and happy and at peace with the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I still miss holding hands in a circle, and look forward to the time when we can do that again. But I’m pretty sure that time is far in the future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So I have made the leap to go virtual. I am now teaching two weekly class via Zoom – Balkan and Israeli. It was a big leap for me (I hate new technology), but with the help of some knowledgeable and generous dance friends, I did it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And I have discovered that I’m really loving it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s different. When I teach or review a dance, I have to turn my back from the screen, so folks can distinguish left from right. I have dance far enough away from the screen so people can see my feet. It’s much harder to balance without holding hands. And it is also much harder to remember dances without that connection. You have to keep everyone muted so the music works, which means there’s much less easy casual conversation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And – I am once again dancing regularly with my wide circle of dance friends. We chat first, just checking in, as we always did in my previous classes. I get to dance the dances I love. I get to teach again, which is one of my greatest pleasures. I’m having fun discovering new dances (and re-discovering old ones) through the wide variety of virtual folk dance classes and parties that are happening. I've come back home to dancing, and it feels good.</span></div>
Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-13150152042712557102020-05-27T21:38:00.000-07:002020-05-27T21:38:58.396-07:00Reflections on Israeli Music & Dance: Hine Ma Tov<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many Israeli dances are done to songs with lyrics taken directly from the Bible and Jewish liturgy. One of the most well known is <i>Hine Ma Tov</i>; the words are from Psalm 13 and translate to "How good it is for brothers to live together in peace and harmony." This song is sung regularly at Shabbat and High Holiday services.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The first dance version was choreographed in 1950 by Israeli dance pioneer and choreographer Rivka Sturman, using an Ashkenazic melody. It’s a simple two-part dance, done holding hands in a circle:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJ5_ybSeNPA&t=22s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJ5_ybSeNPA&t=22s</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The other common melody is Chassidic, and is often sung as a round. It was popularized when it was included in the classic songbook <i>Rise Up Singing</i>. Here’s a version from Abayuda of Uganda:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLKFlysW5F4">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLKFlysW5F4</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And here’s a beautiful rendition by Harry Belafonte:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCzUWap9rm0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCzUWap9rm0</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In 1999 a new version, commonly dubbed <i>Hine Ma Tov 2</i>, became the hit of the Israeli folk dance scene. The song is performed by the Miami Boys Choir, with music composed by Moshe Jacobson and dance choreography by Silvio Belfen. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DmFNKB2yO">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DmFNKB2yO</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s interesting to note the profound difference between Sturman’s simple two-part dance and the newer line dance version, which mirrors the increasing complexity of life in Israel (and the world) over time.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Hine Ma Tov 2 </i>created a flash mob dance craze around the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy66nweXfyY">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fy66nweXfyY</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This one’s from Spain:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chH3v5Tp75A">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chH3v5Tp75A</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And my absolute favorite:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Wz_RztvJ8">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Wz_RztvJ8</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This one ditches the choreography - but you just have to love these construction workers!</span></div>
Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-59837026664771434822020-05-19T10:58:00.000-07:002020-05-19T10:58:55.672-07:00Reflections on Israeli music & dance: Hora & Hava Nagila<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Hora & Hava Nagila</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most Americans think of the hora (and the popular song <i>Hava Nagila</i>) when they hear the term “Israeli dance.” The irresistible rhythm and joyful melody have made this song one of the most popular party dance tunes in the United States. It is pretty much required for any bar mitzvah or wedding. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here, the hora is danced moving to the right (counter-clockwise), but in Israel, it moves to the left, as you can see in this video: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By contrast, here’s a Yiddish/Klezmer version of the hora, with very different music and footwork: </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gCaasGjtR0">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gCaasGjtR0</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The song <i>Hava Nagila</i>, which means “Let Us Rejoice,” has been covered by an astounding variety of musicians, including Glen Campbell, Lena Horne, Chubby Checker, Connie Francis, surf guitarist Dick Dale, and the Barry Sisters. Singer Harry Belafonte recorded it in 1959; it became one of his most popular songs, and he rarely gave a concert without singing it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Check out these versions of the song:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Harry Belafonte:</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTCmKmofaKA">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTCmKmofaKA</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The Beatles:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSNuIt1D8Ys">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSNuIt1D8Ys</a></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Serbian brass band master Boban Markovic: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l6ONNhksDY">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l6ONNhksDY</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Take your pick, or dance to them all as you shelter in place.</span></div>
<br />Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-70955574668792715712020-05-11T13:53:00.000-07:002020-05-11T13:53:05.963-07:00Reflections on Israeli Dance: Choreographer Rivka Sturman<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you have ever gone to a Bar/Bat Mitzvah or a Jewish wedding or a Jewish camp, you have probably done the classic Israeli folk dance <i>Zemer Atik</i>. Also known as <i>Nigun Atik</i>, the title means “ancient song.” It’s easy, fun, and has great music. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Zener Atik </i>was choreographed in 1955 by Israeli folk dance icon Rivka Sturman. Sturman was an early pioneer of Israeli folk dancing, an invented tradition originating in the 1940s as part of a deliberate and focused campaign to create a cultural tradition for the newly created state. These dances were intended to unify Israel as well as facilitate a sense of national identity. Her dances include <i>Dodi Li</i>, <i>Harmonica</i>, <i>Hashual</i>, <i>Hora Chassidit</i>, <i>Hineh Ma Tov</i>, and <i>Kuma Echa</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are video links for her ever-popular Zemer Atik and Mayim so you can watch – and hopefully dance along! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Zemer Atik:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHkdkckwvPE&t=25s"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHkdkckwvPE&t=25s</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mayim:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsY3WWlK46A"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsY3WWlK46A</span></a>Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-47854570711739301062020-04-15T09:59:00.001-07:002020-04-15T09:59:06.170-07:00Virtual Dancing: Our New Normal<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Virtual folk dance classes, virtual folk dance parties, watching videos and dancing along -- this continues to be our new normal right now - and it looks likes it may last much longer than we every expected.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This means all of folk dance devotees need to keep dancing alive in our own homes and living rooms as best as possible. I continue to stay in contact with all of my students, checking in to see how they are holding up, and sending three videos a week (Israeli dances for my Israeli class, international/Balkan for my other classes) out each week for folks to dance by themselves, in whatever room is available.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are a few recent links that I have been sharing:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Sweet Girl</i> (Armenia/U.S.): <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piSysDxXHPU&t=15s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piSysDxXHPU&t=15s </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Zonradikos</i> (Greece):<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVxvLPuVCFw"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVxvLPuVCFw </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Sadi Moma</i> (Bulgaria): <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tw9_PL5Y7g">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tw9_PL5Y7g</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some resources to check out: the Peninsula Folk Dance Council (you can find them on Facebook) is doing virtual folk dance parties - the next one is scheduled for May 9, 3-6 p.m. And the Folk Arts Center of New England is offering Saturday morning classes - check this out at <a href="http://www.facone.org/">http://www.facone.org</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>This too shall pass. It's going to be a long haul - but hopefully we'll all get through it with grace, a sense of humor, and hope for a better new world with lots and lots of dancing.</i></span><br />
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Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-77172164941760065292020-04-03T11:29:00.001-07:002020-04-03T11:29:24.407-07:00the New Normal: Dancing in Our Living Rooms <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Virtual folk dance classes, virtual folk dance parties, watching videos and dancing along -- this is our new new normal right now.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am staying in contact with all of my students, checking in to see how they are holding up, and sending three videos a week (Israeli dances for my Israeli class, international/Balkan for my other classes) out each week for folks to dance by themselves, in whatever room is available.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here are a few links that I have been sharing:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Setnja </i>(Serbia): <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxC1e1Q8_Cg">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxC1e1Q8_Cg </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Bavno Oro </i>(Macedonia): <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvNMluxewLk">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvNMluxewLk </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Joc de Leagane</i> (Romania): <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNlFSrJqLoM">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNlFSrJqLoM </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have a houseful - my son, daughter-in-law and two grandkids (ages 5 and 2) are living with me right now - so I am usually dancing in a small space in my bedroom. But I'm also having fun learning new dances whenever I can.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some resources to check out: the Peninsula Folk Dance Council (you can find them on Facebook) is doing virtual folk dance parties - the next one is scheduled for April 11, 3-6 p.m. And the Folk Arts Center of New England is offering Saturday morning classes for the next month (and perhaps more, if the shelter-in-place orders are extended - check this out at <a href="http://www.facone.org/">http://www.facone.org</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I miss my classes; I miss my students; I miss holding hands in a circle and dancing to all my favorite dances. But I'm dancing as best as I can, by myself, with my grandkids, and with my family. I'm grateful for all the folk dance connections I do have -- and so looking forward to being able to dance with all my folk dance friends again.</i></span>Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-7902340968633791932020-03-16T09:44:00.001-07:002020-03-16T09:44:34.537-07:00Coronavirus Crisis Hits the Folk Dance Community<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So we are all social-distancing now – which means no large groups, no holding hands, and six feet between you and the next person.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m feeling bereft and adrift, as all of the classes I teach - at the College of Marin, Osher Marin JCC, and Hermann Sons Hall in Petaluma – have been cancelled. Our annual spring folk dance party in Petaluma has been cancelled. Cancelling was the right thing to do, the safe thing to do, and I’m hating every minute of this.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This means no folk dancing right now, and possibly through the next several months.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Which means, for so many of us, that the activity we love is forbidden. That we won’t be seeing the long-time friends and community we cherish. That we won’t be hearing that wonderful Balkan music, joining hands together, and joyously dancing to our favorite dances.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here’s what I’m doing to make it through these hard times:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Listening to my favorite music</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Watching a lot of folk dance videos</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Working on learning some new dances to teach once classes can be resumed</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dancing in my living room with my granddaughters</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Having long phone conversations with friends</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking hikes, doing yoga at home, and reading lots of books.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In these tough times, I’m doing the best I can to stay sane and healthy. I’m hoping you all will be able to do the same.</span></div>
Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-65212607207269152172020-03-02T13:39:00.005-08:002020-03-02T13:39:55.004-08:00Coming up: Guest teachers in March! Spring Party in April!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Come join us in Petaluma in March for two special guest teachers!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On Monday, March 15, <i>Nadav Nur</i> from Kopatchka will be coming to teach Belcova Tropanka (Bulgaria) and Slave Mi Pija (Macedonia.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Two weeks later, on March 30, the inimitable <i>Sani Rifat</i>i will be teaching Romani dances. Sani is a human rights activist and the President of Voice of Roma. A native Roma himself, he was born in present-day Kosovo, lived and worked in California, and since 2012 has resided in Berlin.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And mark your calendars now for our <i>Annual Petaluma Spring Folk Dance Party</i> on Saturday, April 18, 7:30-10:30 p.m. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">The first hour will feature dancing to old and new recorded favorites followed by a live music set with Staro Vino playing lively and beautiful Bulgarian, Macedonian, and Greek music. The members of Staro Vino are: Travis Hendrix on clarinet; Mark Jenkins on percussion and vocals, Peter Bonos on trumpet, and Jonathan Kipp on accordion and vocals.</span><br />
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Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-32443226052314721342020-01-30T09:00:00.005-08:002020-01-30T09:00:36.250-08:002020: Time to Dance!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lots of opportunities to folk dance the winter!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Come dance with us at <i>Monday night International Folk Dancing</i>, 7-9:15 p.m. through May 4, at Hermann Sons Hall, 860 Western Avenue, Petaluma.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can join my <i>College of Marin international folk dance class</i> on Wednesdays 2:10-3:30 p.m. at PE #60, Kentfield campus. Class sessions run from January 29-March 4, and April 1-May 6.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And you can plunge into the vast repertoire of Israeli folk dancing on Thursdays 1:30-4 p.m. at the Osher Marin JCC, January 9-February 20, and February 7-April 6.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Newcomers, beginners to advanced dancers, and drop-ins are all welcome (noting that advance registration is required only for the College of Marin class.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Come join us on the dance floor!</span><br />
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<br />Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-1185186879139143592019-12-13T10:49:00.004-08:002019-12-13T10:49:58.796-08:00Orchestra Euphonos Rocks the House!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A great time was had by all at our Annual Holiday Folk Dance Party on December 9!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over 50 folks showed up to dance to old and new recorded favorites, followed by a fabulous live music set featuring Romanian, Israeli, Klezmer, and Greek Macedonians tunes played by Orchestra Euphonos in its debut performance in Petaluma. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was the biggest ensemble we've ever hosted - seven musicians including Peter Bonos on trumpet, Balder Ten Cate on cimbalom; Zina Pozen on accordion; Travis Hendrix on clarinet; Asaf Ophir on Clarinet, vocals, and flute; Leo Perringer on bass; and Marco Ghezzo on violin. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dances included these classics: <i>Ma Navu</i>, <i>Dodi Li,</i> <i>Hora Veche</i>, <i>Sofka</i>, <i>Jovane Jovanke</i>, and a lovely waltz. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And we had special fun doing the dances we learned in class this session including Sirba, Romanian versions of <i>Paidusca</i> and <i>Daichovo</i>, <i>Hora Mare</i>, <i>Breaza</i>, <i>Zavlitsena</i>, <i>Bulgar</i>, <i>Zhok</i> (a beautiful slow Klezmer hora in 3/8 rhythm), and a wild Klezmer hora. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Mark your calendars now for the start of new classes on Mondays, 7-9:15 p.m. on January 9 at Hermann Sons Hall, 860 Western Avenue, Petaluma -- and for our Annual Spring Folk Dance Party on April 18.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-17857910976408632612019-11-11T09:30:00.000-08:002019-11-11T09:30:00.476-08:00Holiday Party with Orchestra Euphonos<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mark your calendars now for our annual <span style="color: #990000;"><b>Petaluma Holiday Folk Dance Party</b></span> at Hermann Sons Hall, 860 Western Avenue, Petaluma, featuring live music by Orchestra Euphonos on Monday, December 9, 7-9:30 p.m.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The first hour will be dancing to old and new recorded favorites. After that, Orchestra Euphonos will take over, playing exciting lively music from Romania, Israel, and Greek Macedonia.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For the month of November, I'll be focusing on teaching dances that the band will be playing including <i>La Breaza, Cadaneasca, Sirba, Geamparele, Hora Veche</i> (Romania), <i>Ma Navu, Dodi Li</i> (Israel), and <i>Zavitslena, Gaida, Sofka</i> (Greek Macedonia), as well as a <i>Slow Hora</i> (Yiddish/Klezmer).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Come join us this month to learn the dances, and come celebrate holiday season with us at our annual party on December 9!</i></span>Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7732515669494546699.post-62329501805101796412019-10-22T11:52:00.003-07:002019-10-22T11:52:53.414-07:00Bulgarika Rocks the House!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a fabulous time dancing to live music by the renowned Bulgarian ensemble Bulgarika at our folk dance party on October 21</span>!</div>
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<span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: small;">Nikolay Kolev on gadulka, Donka Koleva on vocals, Temelko Ivanos on </span><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">naval</span><span style="font-family: ArialMT; font-size: small;">, Nikolay Kodzhabashev on tambura, and Marin </span><span style="font-family: ArialMT;">Shalamov on tapan played a wide range of favorites including Dospatsko Horo, Sedi Donka, Katerino Mome, and Triti Puti as well as great renditions of Pravo, Devetorka, and Les Noto. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our youngest dancer, the grandson of the well-known and beloved singer Tsvetanka Varimezova (along with his mother Radke), joined us.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our next Holiday Folk Dance Party on Monday, December 9, 7-9:30 p.m., will feature Orchestra Euphonos playing Romanian, Balkan, and Israeli music.</span></div>
<br />Carol Friedmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16478563898903555632noreply@blogger.com0