We've been a 7/8 rhythm roll in class, learning Tik, Laz Bar, Cretan Syrto, Thracian Racenica, and Kyustendilska Racenica. This coming month, I'll be teaching these dances:

• Mardi Gras Mambo: this is a fun one-wall line dance, to music by The Meters, that I recently choreographed.
• Dedo Mili Dedo: this Macedonian dance from the Kumanovo region is in 2/4 meter, with two parts.
• Eilat: this lyrical Israeli dance was choreographed by Shmulik Gov Ari in 1992; the title refers to the southern-most city in Israel.

Be sure to mark your calendars for our upcoming annual Petaluma Folk Dance Party on Saturday, April 16, 8-11 p.m., at Herman Sons Hall, 860 Western Avenue, Petaluma. The evening will include dancing to recorded favorites, plus wonderful live Balkan music with Verna Druzhina.

Here are the dances I'll be teaching in the next month:

• Tesko Velesko: this beautiful Macedonian dance in 12/16 rhythm (SQQSQ) is danced to a song about unrequited love entitled Tri Godini Stana.

• Thracian Racenica: the Thracian version of the racenica, in 7/8 rhythm (QQS), is generally slower and danced with a lower, heavier styling than the Sop version more commonly danced at Bay Area parties.

• Tik: this lively and popular Pontian Greek dance can be done in a variety of rhythms, but most commonly 7/8 (QQS).

• Laz Bar: This is an Armenian fisherman's dance from the Black Sea region, also in 7/8 rhythm; I'll be teaching a lovely, basic village version.

 We'll also be brushing up on all of our Greek dances in preparation for our upcoming dance get-together at Papa's Taverna (5688 Lakeville, Petaluma) on Sunday, March 20 at 4 p.m. 

So many wonderful dances to learn! During the next month, I'll be teaching these dances in Petaluma:

• Duz Halay - a beautiful 3-part dance from eastern Turkey, taught by Ahmet Luleci
• Ikariotikos - a lively dance done in shoulder hold that I learned and danced at many parties on the island of Ikaria in Greece
• Tresenica - this dance from eastern Serbia, taught by Dennis Boxell, has mixed Rumanian and Serbian styling
• Tri Godini Kate - a sweet Macedonian dance in 2 parts, to lovely music sung by Dragi Spasovski who teaches at Balkan Camp

Swing and Salsa classes continue in Point Reyes on the first and third Tuesdays 7:15-8:30 p.m.; next class is February 1. We'll work on the basic rhythms and steps of both dances, and learn some cool turns. Newcomers and beginners are always welcome.

Monday nights in Petaluma we are learning three new dances:

• Hozanki - a lively Kurdish dance from southeastern Turkey that was taught by Ahmet Luleci at the 2010 Kolo Festival
• Yareach Limon (Lemon Moon) - an Israeli circle dance choregraphed by Kobi Michaeli in 2000
• Cumbia Semana - a one-wall line dance choreographed by Ira Weisburd to a tune from Colombia entitled Fin de Semana, performed by Texas musician Fito Olivares
  

Wednesdays nights in Point Reyes we are learning:

• Adje Jano and Gori Mare from Serbia, Ciuleandra and Joc de Leagane from Rumania, Ikariatikos from Greece, and Zorba which is an Israeli line dance choreographed by Kobi Michaeli to a contemporary version of theme music from the movie Zorba the Greek

Swing & Salsa classes start on Tuesday, January 18, 7:15-8:30 p.m. at the Dance Palace, 503 B Street in Point Reyes. Newcomers, beginners, drop-ins are always welcome at all classes.

Happy new year! This is a great time to make a new year's resolution to start dancing - for fitness and fun. Did you know that:

• Mayo Clinic researchers report that dancing helps to reduce stress, increase energy, improve strength, and increase muscle tone and coordination.
• The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says that dancing lowers your risk of heart disease, decreases blood pressure, and strengthens your bones.
• As an exercise form, dancing is unique because it not only provides the heart-healthy benefits of aerobic exercise - it is also a wonderful social activity that’s just plain fun.

Come join a class: International Folk Dance on Mondays 7-9:15 p.m., January 10-May 2, at Herman Sons Hall, 860 Western Avenue Petaluma and on Wednesdays 7:15-8:30 p.m., January 12-February 16, at the Dance Palace, 503 B Street, Point Reyes; Swing & Salsa on the first and third Tuesdays 7:15-8:30 p.m., January 18-May 16, at the Dance Palace, 503 B Street, Point Reyes.

A great time was had by all at the Petaluma Snap-Dancers Holiday Dance Party!

Very special thanks to Nuri Bal, Natalie Hicks, Jim Avera, and Barbara Babin of Santa Rosa Vecherinka for the fabulous live music.

You are all invited to an evening of Turkish food and dancing on Monday, December 20, 6-8 p.m., at Afendi's Turkish Grill, 299 North McDowell, Petaluma.

Classes will resume after the holidays -- International Folk Dance at Herman Sons Hall, 860 Western Avenue, Petaluma, on Mondays 7-9:15 p.m. starting January 10-May 2; International Folk Dance at the Dance Palace, 503 B Street, Point Reyes, on Wednesdays 7:15-9:30 p.m., January 12-February 16; Swing & Salsa at the Dance Palace on the first and third Tuesdays 7:15-8:30 p.m. starting January 18.

Happy holidays to you all!