In both the Point Reyes and Petaluma folk dances classes, we are learning Aj Lipo Ti Je, a beautiful Croatian circle dance in front basket hold. The dance was taught by Zeljko Jergan at the Statewide Festival in June. The song is sung while talking to and from a field or party; the lyrics say "it's nice to seed wheat but nicer when you see two in love."

We're also learning two dances from Macedonia (Changulovo and Elerinka), a very aerobic dance taught by Yuli Yordunav at Balkan Camp (Boaliysko Horo), a Rumanian classic (Vulpuita), two Israeli dances (Al Sadenu and Maria), and a lively Serbian cacak that was danced by Michael Ginsburg at a Balkan Camp party (Padez Cacak).

From 7-7:15 p.m. in Petaluma, I am teaching/reviewing one beginning dance from the repertoire each week. So far, I've gone over Setnja, Rumalaj, Vodeno Horo, and Gori Mare. The week of October 18, I'll be teaching the lovely Rumanian Dance, Hora Mare. Beginners and newcomers are always welcome to join both classes.

New international folk dance class sessions will be starting up in Petaluma and Point Reyes next week!

Here's the schedule:
Mondays 7-9:15 p.m., Herman Sons Hall, 860 Western Avenue, Petaluma
Wednesdays 7:15-8:30 p.m.,The Dance Palace, 503 B Street, Point Reyes

I've got a long list of wonderful dances to teach that includes: Changulovo, Dolgoto Oro, Elerinka, Ravno Oro (Macedonia); Boaliysko Horo, Severnyashko Paidushko (Bulgaria), Tremouliastos (Greece), Vulpuita, Hora de Mina (Rumania); Kak Po Logu (Russia); Al Sadenu, Ya Habib, Maria (Israel); Padez Cacak (Serbia), Iste Hendek (Turkey). In Petaluma, I'll teach and/or review a couple of beginning dances during the first 20 minutes if there is a critical mass of newcomers/beginners, then teach 2-3 intermediate or advanced dances around 8 p.m. the rest of the evening will be open dancing to requests and old favorites. We'll also have snacks and drinks each night.

Looking forward to seeing you all on the dance floor!

Mark your calendars now for fall 2010 classes:

International Folk Dance in Petaluma: Mondays 7-9:15 p.m., September 13-December 13, at Herman Sons Hall, 860 Western Avenue, Petaluma

International Folk Dance in Point Reyes: Wednesdays 7:15-8:30 p.m., September 15-October 27, November 3-December 15, at the Dance Palace, 503 B Street, Point Reyes

Ballroom Dance in Point Reyes: Wednesdays 6-7 p.m. - Cajun, September 15-29; Cha Cha & Rumba, October 13-27; Merengue, November 3-17

Turkish dancing at
Afendi's Restaurant in Petaluma!

I'm just back from Balkan Camp where I took fabulous classes with Michael Ginsburg and Yuliyan Yordanuv! I learned many wonderful new dances that I hope to teach in the fall including Dolgoto Oro, Chanugulovo, Turkish Ramo, Shopska Ruchenitsa, and Padez Cacak.

Summer Dancing continues in Petaluma at Herman Sons Hall, 860 Western Avenue on Mondays 7-9:15 p.m. through August 9. Come drop-in on a Monday night any time; bring your requests. And if you want to learn to Salsa Dance, I'll be teaching a 3-week session at the Dance Palace in Point Reyes from July 7-21.

Summer dancing continues at Herman Sons Hall, 860 Western Avenue, Petaluma, on Mondays 7-9:15 p.m. through August 7. Come with your requests! Beginners through advanced dancers always welcome to drop-in any time.

You can also come join a new 3-week Salsa class session at the Dance Palace, 503 B Street, Point Reyes, on Wednesdays 7:15-8:15 p.m., from July 7-21. Great rhythms and music! Learn some basic moves, how to lead and/or follow, and how to just feeling comfortable dancing to the music with your partner.

In Point Reyes, we are learning three wonderful, classic folk dances: Vulpita (Rumania), Jove Male Momaj (Bulgaria), and Ravno Oro (Macedonia). Videos of these dances, as well as other dances taught in 2010, are posted in the "Dance Videos" section of this blog. The Point Reyes class continues through Wednesday, June 12.

Summer dancing starts in Petaluma on June 7 and continues on Mondays 7-9:15 p.m. through August 9. Come with your requests! Beginners to advanced dancers are all welcome; this is a great opportunity to just drop-in and see how much fun international folk dancing can be.

You can also join me when I teach a Balkan dance class at the San Francisco Free Folk Festival at 450 30th Avenue (near Geary), San Francisco, on Saturday, June 12, at 3 p.m. The event features a wonderful variety of dance and music, including an evening folk dance party from 6-8 p.m. with live music by Vecernica.