When I was in Greece last summer attending  a wonderful folk dance seminar, I fell in love with Greek Pontic dances. These dances originated in the area on the shores of the Black Sea, and came to Greece after the Treaty of Lausanne of 1923 forced an exchange of populations between Turkey and Greece. 


The rhythm and style of Pontic dances are among the most difficult but also deeply compelling. The movements are sharp, precise; the body help upright, the arms close to the body; the dancers shoulder to shoulder, in closed circles (I was told this was to keep the good in, the evil out). We've been learning and dancing Dolme, Samson, and Dipat.


Throughout the next month, we'll also be reviewing and doing dances (Melnik, Thracian Racenica, Karamfil, Ballos, Eleno Mome, and more) that will be played by Deena, Greg, Lisa & Mark at our Annual Spring Party on April 14, 8-11 p.m., at Hermann Sons Hall in Petaluma. Be sure to mark your calendars now for this fun folk dance event!