I spent last week at Balkan Music and Dance Camp up in Mendocino where I had the opportunity to take dance classes with Joe Graziosi (Greek), Michael Ginsburg (Macedonian), and Yuliyan Yordanuv (Bulgarian). There was also fabulous live music for dancing every night - the photo on the right is of the Rhodope song/dance circle, with folks dancing around a whole group of gaida (Bulgarian bagpipe) players. I learned many wonderful dances - including Skudrinka and Zensko Pousteno from Macedonia, new versions of Paidusko and Tsamikos from Greece, and Gruchkoto which is currently very popular dance in Bulgaria - that I will be teaching when classes start up again in the fall. Monday night dancing continues in Petaluma through August 10; the Wednesday class in Point Reyes continues through July 22.

In loving memory of John and Susan Hagopian, dear friends and fellow dancers.

Susan passed away on June 30. John passed away on May 19.

Susan's memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 10 a.m., at the Parent-Sorenson Mortuary, 850 Keokuk Street, Petaluma.

We will be dancing in Susan's memory in Petaluma this Monday, July 6, 7-9:15 p.m.