http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/feed/? Latest topics Sun, 08 Mar 2009 18:51:09 GMT 10 http://illiweb.com/fa/prosilver/site_logo.gif http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/feed/? http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/inclusive-groups-f5/beginner-class-begins-again-with-some-veterans-t36.htm denismurf Here we go again tomorrow, Feb 25, with 14 enrolled. Five were in the fall class, and 2 are not really beginners. They just like my style and hope to have a good time. There will be 2 males in the class this time. I'm hoping to be able to move along faster than last time with people who already know the first night's material scattered among the total novices. But you never know. I've taught beginner classes many times and am always surprised by how difficult some groups of people find ... Inclusive groups Wed, 25 Feb 2009 05:03:52 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/inclusive-groups-f5/beginner-class-begins-again-with-some-veterans-t36.htm#111 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/inclusive-groups-f5/beginner-class-begins-again-with-some-veterans-t36.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/live-music-f8/dancing-to-live-music-t19.htm lenusz There is a great variety of live music, with a normal spread of excellence/non-excellence. There are many benefits to live music, but like everything else, it depends on your level of experience. If you know the basic dances, and I am NOT talking about the made-up (politically correct=choreographed) dances, then I encourage you to go to live music dances, particularly "ethnic" dances. It will hone your recognition, so you don't make the mistake of thinking there is "only 1 racenica ... Live music Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:35:03 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/live-music-f8/dancing-to-live-music-t19.htm#25 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/live-music-f8/dancing-to-live-music-t19.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/inclusive-groups-f5/inter-species-dancing-t38.htm Halfdan Frostie shakes a feather]]> Inclusive groups Sun, 08 Mar 2009 18:51:09 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/inclusive-groups-f5/inter-species-dancing-t38.htm#117 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/inclusive-groups-f5/inter-species-dancing-t38.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/radical-ideas-f9/how-do-you-make-coin-headdresses-t37.htm Dansingsal We seem to have serendipitously launched a new group of kids (ages 7-14) folk dancers! Well, okay, we've met once, but my mind is spinning with the possibilities. One idea I had is to give awards (think Girl Scout badges or Campfire beads) for skills or dances learned. I was thinking of awarding a coins, to be used toward making a Balkan/Middle Eastern-type headdress or scarf edge (do boys ever use coins on their costumes?). How would one attach these? It's illegal to deface money (by drilling), ... Radical ideas Sat, 07 Mar 2009 21:33:31 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/radical-ideas-f9/how-do-you-make-coin-headdresses-t37.htm#116 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/radical-ideas-f9/how-do-you-make-coin-headdresses-t37.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/who-are-you-f2/denis-murphy-t6.htm denismurf Greetings. I'm Denis Murphy, recently moved from St. Louis to Seattle. Ethnic dance, also known as international folk dance and world dance, has been my core hobby, recreation, activity, etc., since I first learned Balkan dance at the Defense Language Institute (formerly Army Language School) in Monterey, CA, in 1961. Yes, dance was part of the official curriculum in the Serbo-Croatian department and was taught by Gospodin Dimitrijevic. I later branched into line and circle dances from all ... Who are you? Fri, 19 Sep 2008 18:04:45 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/who-are-you-f2/denis-murphy-t6.htm#8 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/who-are-you-f2/denis-murphy-t6.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/radical-ideas-f9/radical-idea-folk-dance-presence-in-libraries-t35.htm Dansingsal Folk Dance Presence in Area Libraries Spreading the word about folk dancing, and recruiting new dancers, is one of our chief challenges. Most clubs probably have standing announcements in local newspapers, and may have posters out too. For the most part, performances at festivals by local club members probably provide the only exposure to folk dance that most non-dancers get. I propose to add a standing presence in another venue: local libraries. Libraries are not dead! Not only ... Radical ideas Tue, 17 Feb 2009 20:12:59 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/radical-ideas-f9/radical-idea-folk-dance-presence-in-libraries-t35.htm#107 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/radical-ideas-f9/radical-idea-folk-dance-presence-in-libraries-t35.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/theme-nights-t34.htm Sonia I commented on a suggestion in my International group about theme nights, and Jeremy posted a timely and thought-provoking reply just as I was drafting an email to our group of leaders. When you add a demo or lesson, how much of the evening does it take up? Is part of the time devoted to the regular repertoire? Do you let the dancers know what's coming up ahead of time? Do you have more info on what the Toronto folk dancers are doing? I looked up the Ontario Folkdancer website, but ... General Mon, 09 Feb 2009 22:20:27 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/theme-nights-t34.htm#99 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/theme-nights-t34.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/care-and-feeding-of-wood-dance-floors-and-fledgling-dance-groups-t33.htm Sonia I've been holding a weekly dance group in my living room for a year now. I had the oak floor refinished before I moved in, so it was pretty much pristine when we started dancing. At the time I didn't know I would be starting a dance group, so I didn't get an especially hard finish. About three months in, I noticed a series of gouges along the dance path on the floor, and asked everyone to wear clean, soft-soled shoes. It's hard for me to police that, on top of running the music and dancing, ... General Mon, 09 Feb 2009 18:21:14 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/care-and-feeding-of-wood-dance-floors-and-fledgling-dance-groups-t33.htm#96 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/care-and-feeding-of-wood-dance-floors-and-fledgling-dance-groups-t33.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/why-a-forum-revisited-t31.htm denismurf Obviously life went on undisturbed during the almost 2 months when I could pay no attention to this forum. Question now is, should it continue? It's certainly worth it from my perspective as a Balkan/ethnic dance teacher since I learn something from every posting. My next community college class starts Feb. 25, and I hope to get some collective wisdom from you on how to run a class of half total novices and half veterans of one 8-week class that ended way back on Nov. 19. Also, how ... General Thu, 29 Jan 2009 19:49:53 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/why-a-forum-revisited-t31.htm#89 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/why-a-forum-revisited-t31.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/annual-memberships-to-dance-groups-t32.htm Sonia Most of the dance groups I attend charge a per-session fee of $2-3 to cover room rent and equipment. I noticed that one group I visit occasionally (the Scandinavian group I mentioned earlier) has annual memberships for $40. Thinking that this would save weekly hassle for regular dancers, I proposed a similar annual membership to the committee who runs the local International group. The idea went over like a lead balloon, with objections that it would be more work to keep track ... General Thu, 29 Jan 2009 22:09:16 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/annual-memberships-to-dance-groups-t32.htm#91 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/annual-memberships-to-dance-groups-t32.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/radical-ideas-f9/history-relevant-to-today-t29.htm denismurf For weeks, I've been drafting an article for a print mag about the differences between the way supposedly mass appeal weekly IFD events were run in the the 60's and 70's as opposed to today. The 60's and 70's were, after all, the years of big attendance, lots of youths and lots of males. Maybe they have things to teach the organizers of today. If anybody else was dancing during those years, I'd like to hear how you recollect things were run differently then. Radical ideas Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:01:16 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/radical-ideas-f9/history-relevant-to-today-t29.htm#82 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/radical-ideas-f9/history-relevant-to-today-t29.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/who-are-you-f2/jim-kahan-brief-dance-bio-t30.htm jimkahan Hi. I am Jim Kahan. I started dancing at Reed College in 1960, and have been a Johnny Appleseed of dance ever since. I ran the student group at Reed 1961-1964, as well as teaching for the Women's PE Department, and had an Israeli performing group. In Chapel Hill, NC, I started the Chapel Hill International Folk Dance Club, using reel-to-reel tapes of the Reed collection. During a postdoc in Aix-en-Provence, I taught for the CREPS (Centre regionale d'education physique et sociale), learned ... Who are you? Sun, 23 Nov 2008 03:01:02 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/who-are-you-f2/jim-kahan-brief-dance-bio-t30.htm#85 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/who-are-you-f2/jim-kahan-brief-dance-bio-t30.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/inclusive-groups-f5/beginner-class-chronicle-t22.htm denismurf What the heck. It might be instructive to write down the progress of the beginner class that started on October 1 offered through North Seattle Community College. It will also give me an opportunity to learn if I can easily drop stuff into these posts. Hearing no objections, here we go. There are 16 women formally enrolled. Two had big trouble keeping up physically and told me they will probably not return. The oldest of the ones who will probably return are in their 50's; the youngest are ... Inclusive groups Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:24:11 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/inclusive-groups-f5/beginner-class-chronicle-t22.htm#36 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/inclusive-groups-f5/beginner-class-chronicle-t22.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/broadcasting-the-dance-list-t4.htm Kim Each week after our session, since I live with the programmer, I look at the whiteboard with our program on it and send an email with the list (and perhaps some nmemotic commentary) to those who were there as well as regulars. It doesn't take long, seems to contribute some cohesion, and is intended to help fix dances in the members' minds. We are very much an "oh that dance" sort of group which knows what to do when it hears the music. Names have meant little (and I can't assert ... General Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:33:28 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/broadcasting-the-dance-list-t4.htm#4 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/broadcasting-the-dance-list-t4.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/the-incredulous-grin-of-a-returning-dancer-t27.htm Sonia I'm sure you've witnessed at least one, and maybe you've worn one yourself - the incredulous grin that a returning dancer wears as she/he rediscovers familiar music, movement, and the magic of dance after a hiatus of many years. In my case, I drifted away from dancing as I got busy in college, and didn't reconnect until I moved to Portland fifteen years later. I had researched the scene here online, but didn't actually go until after chatting with a stranger next to me on an airplane. ... General Fri, 31 Oct 2008 21:15:31 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/the-incredulous-grin-of-a-returning-dancer-t27.htm#76 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/the-incredulous-grin-of-a-returning-dancer-t27.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/live-music-f8/stefce-and-dragi-macedonian-musicians-t28.htm Sonia We're lucky enough to have Kafana Klub play for us every Tuesday at a pizza place, and every so often they host visiting musicians. This Tuesday, Stefce Stojkovski, visiting from Macedonia, and Dragi Spasovski, now living in Seattle but originally from Macedonia, played and sang for us. The energy of the evening was wonderful - warm, sweet, and connected. I felt blessed, absorbing the sight and sound of Stefce's gajda, Dragi's singing and dancing, and a room full of happy dancers. I ... Live music Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:55:41 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/live-music-f8/stefce-and-dragi-macedonian-musicians-t28.htm#77 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/live-music-f8/stefce-and-dragi-macedonian-musicians-t28.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/inclusive-groups-f5/what-s-an-inclusive-group-or-event-t9.htm denismurf Keeping in mind that we (you readers and posters, as well as the forum administrators) are developing a terminology on the fly, here are 2 examples of what inclusive means to me. In St. Louis I taught a beginner class for 2 years and then converted it to a group of about 15 that has been going for 3 years more. I hope to achieve something similar with the beginner class in Seattle that starts on Oct. 1. Example 1. Here's what members of the St. Louis class, then group, expect to find ... Inclusive groups Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:21:19 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/inclusive-groups-f5/what-s-an-inclusive-group-or-event-t9.htm#11 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/inclusive-groups-f5/what-s-an-inclusive-group-or-event-t9.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/radical-ideas-f9/passionate-about-balkan-dance-t11.htm Sonia I grew up attending an International folk dance group every week, and it was the best part of my childhood, so I figure that's why I'm passionate about folk dancing. I don't have a clear explanation about why I specifically love the Balkan dances and music the most. People keep asking me if I have Balkan ancestry, but I don't as far as I know. I've also met lots of people who started dancing as adults, and they seem to feel equally strongly about it. What do you think? What is it about ... Radical ideas Thu, 25 Sep 2008 23:02:05 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/radical-ideas-f9/passionate-about-balkan-dance-t11.htm#13 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/radical-ideas-f9/passionate-about-balkan-dance-t11.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/balkan-dance-class-in-la-t26.htm Elizabeth Mahina taught by Paul Petruscu & Yasemin Yildiz
at Ara School of Dance
6925 Canby Ave #103
Reseda, CA 91335
class cost $25 for 2 hour workshop
contact ElizArtist@verizon.net or dacianroman@yahoo.comfor details or
website www.elizartist.com for specific directions]]> General Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:13:14 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/balkan-dance-class-in-la-t26.htm#68 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/balkan-dance-class-in-la-t26.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/who-are-you-f2/saying-hello-t25.htm Elizabeth Mahina Hi! I'm new to the forum and I'm a tribal belly dancer. I've become interested in Balkan music through the dancing and am now going to have a friend teaching a workshop to my belly dance students here in L.A.! I hope it's ok to post information on the up coming class in the appropriate thread! I'm very excited to learn folk dance and think it will enhance what I already do! Who are you? Wed, 22 Oct 2008 21:06:50 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/who-are-you-f2/saying-hello-t25.htm#67 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/who-are-you-f2/saying-hello-t25.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/inclusive-groups-f5/neat-flyer-t24.htm denismurf
]]> Inclusive groups Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:15:25 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/inclusive-groups-f5/neat-flyer-t24.htm#58 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/inclusive-groups-f5/neat-flyer-t24.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/sound-systems-t3.htm Kim When Denis left St. Louis we largely replicated the sound system he was using for the Monday night group: --an iPod and some variant on an iHome. This suits our smallish room in a recreational center and our group which ranges from a dozen to two dozen. It is not high tech or audiophillic, but it suits. I can envision improvements (see below) but I think the basic concept is solid. The iPod (or, conceivably, a designated lap top with iTunes or--and Denis had looked at these a ... General Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:22:33 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/sound-systems-t3.htm#3 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/sound-systems-t3.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/more-on-terminology-t23.htm denismurf When this forum was being organized, we also considered using "lite" or "laid back" instead of "inclusive" and "serious" or "advanced" instead of "performance-level." This terminology is subject to discussion and can be changed, if there's consensus for doing so. Here's another example of what we mean, from Buffalo in late 80's. When we (Denis and Judy) arrived in 1987, there was one fairly large group (30 to 40 per Friday night) ... General Wed, 08 Oct 2008 22:32:38 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/more-on-terminology-t23.htm#47 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/more-on-terminology-t23.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/performance-level-groups-f6/defining-performance-level-t13.htm denismurf Here's my stab at what a performance-level event or group is. Event is easier because it already has a term - master class. It's intended for teachers and stresses conformity to what the master teacher lays out in terms of both styling and what the feet/legs/arms/hands are doing at any given moment, regardless of how simple the dance is. I include here the short course on teaching folk dance that Dick Oakes and Richard Duree held in Las Vegas 7 or 8 years ago. An example of a performance-level ... Performance-level groups Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:48:50 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/performance-level-groups-f6/defining-performance-level-t13.htm#17 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/performance-level-groups-f6/defining-performance-level-t13.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/radical-ideas-f9/radical-ideas-learning-song-words-t18.htm Dansingsal The variety of languages interests me almost as much as the variety of dances, yet I've never yet learned to sing along with the music, either while dancing or even just while listening. One of our club members, who really wants everyone to sing along, has come up with a novel way to promote singing, at least during our closing lesnoto. She printed out the words to Trugnala Rumjana on a giant piece of posterboard and wears it hanging around her neck, hung by a bungee cord! People who want ... Radical ideas Wed, 01 Oct 2008 19:24:14 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/radical-ideas-f9/radical-ideas-learning-song-words-t18.htm#24 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/radical-ideas-f9/radical-ideas-learning-song-words-t18.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/your-first-dance-group-t10.htm Sonia
Sonia]]> General Thu, 25 Sep 2008 22:44:30 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/your-first-dance-group-t10.htm#12 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/your-first-dance-group-t10.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/who-are-you-f2/lenusz-a-polish-affectional-diminutive-for-leonard-t21.htm lenusz My mother taught me the Polka, Oberek, and Waltz when I was 4. Shortly after that, she enrolled me in a Polish performing group. This was in Detroit, where I was born and grew up. In the 7th grade, after transferring to a public school from a Polish Catholic school, I met some other Slavic kids (Bulgarian, Macedonian, Serbian, and Croatian). We agreed to exchange, I would take them to the Polish events and teach them Polish Polka, Oberek, and Waltz, and each of them, in turn, would take us ... Who are you? Sat, 04 Oct 2008 19:14:03 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/who-are-you-f2/lenusz-a-polish-affectional-diminutive-for-leonard-t21.htm#34 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/who-are-you-f2/lenusz-a-polish-affectional-diminutive-for-leonard-t21.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/full-service-groups-f7/advertising-special-events-and-results-t20.htm lenusz We have two aspects, one of us (the prime representative, officially) sends out notices to local newspapers and to local dance organizations (NFDI) and dance groups. Their partner sends out notices to EEFC and people in neighboring cities like Vancouver and Victoria. I send out notices to people I've danced with in both the local area and the neighboring areas (Portland). We overlap, deliberately, and repeat the notices several times as the date approaches. The "official" folks ... Full service groups Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:10:55 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/full-service-groups-f7/advertising-special-events-and-results-t20.htm#32 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/full-service-groups-f7/advertising-special-events-and-results-t20.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/great-outreach-free-workshop-and-dance-party-t14.htm Sonia I witnessed great outreach from a dance group I attend very infrequently. They're Scandinavian, not Balkan, but I think their methods can be applied by any group. They held a free afternoon workshop teaching two dances that are fundamental to their repertoire, but almost impossible to pick up on the fly (Hambo and Snoa). There was a party with live music that evening where there was a lot of opportunity to practice the new dances. They did a lot of cross-over publicity to other ... General Wed, 01 Oct 2008 01:42:53 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/great-outreach-free-workshop-and-dance-party-t14.htm#18 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/general-f1/great-outreach-free-workshop-and-dance-party-t14.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/who-are-you-f2/sally-jenkins-introducing-myself-t17.htm Dansingsal I started folk dancing in earnest 10 years ago in Montana. We had a little start-up group where we all pooled what bits of knowledge we had, which turned out to be quite a lot as a group. After 3 years there I moved to Oklahoma and have now been active in Tulsa International Folk Dancers for 7 years. I have been the main teacher for several years. I think that teaching beginners is very important, but so is training new leaders. I'm also the newsletter editor for Texas IFD, of which Tulsa IFD ... Who are you? Wed, 01 Oct 2008 18:58:45 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/who-are-you-f2/sally-jenkins-introducing-myself-t17.htm#21 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/who-are-you-f2/sally-jenkins-introducing-myself-t17.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/who-are-you-f2/jeremy-hull-t16.htm Jeremy Hull I started folk dancing about 15 years ago when I was in my 40s - my wife got me to go out to an international dance workshop one night in March, here in Winnipeg. I got hooked on it and we joined the group the following fall. The timing coincided with our children getting to the age where we could no longer assume that we would do things as a family, and of course as teenagers they weren't much interested in going dancing with their parents, so we found ourselves free to pursue our own interests. ... Who are you? Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:54:07 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/who-are-you-f2/jeremy-hull-t16.htm#20 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/who-are-you-f2/jeremy-hull-t16.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/forum-mechanics-and-rules-f3/why-can-t-i-post-or-reply-to-messages-t15.htm Sonia If you don't see NEWTOPIC and POSTREPLY buttons when you're looking at a post, then you're probably not logged in. If you don't have an account yet, please Register for a new account. It's free, and we don't distribute or use your contact information in any way. You can click here, or use the Register link at the top of the page. You'll see the Terms of Service, with an I Agree button at the bottom of the page. After entering your chosen account name, password and a valid email address, ... Forum mechanics and rules Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:50:34 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/forum-mechanics-and-rules-f3/why-can-t-i-post-or-reply-to-messages-t15.htm#19 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/forum-mechanics-and-rules-f3/why-can-t-i-post-or-reply-to-messages-t15.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/inclusive-groups-f5/inclusive-study-group-for-complex-dances-t12.htm Sonia I started a Friday Balkan group in my house in January '08, named Zabava ("fun"). It's intentionally an intermediate/advanced group, because I want to learn all those cool Balkan dances (a lot of them from Yves Moreau) which the longtime dancers can do in their sleep, as well as practice the new dances we learn in workshops. Novices are also welcomed, and we alternate easy/hard dances and tone down teaching toward their level. This is a group for anyone who is passionate about learning ... Inclusive groups Thu, 25 Sep 2008 23:43:05 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/inclusive-groups-f5/inclusive-study-group-for-complex-dances-t12.htm#14 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/inclusive-groups-f5/inclusive-study-group-for-complex-dances-t12.htm http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/who-are-you-f2/sonia-connolly-t8.htm Sonia For me, Balkan music and dancing is about joy and connection. My family went folk dancing every week when I was growing up, and I loved it. After I left home, I took a long hiatus, but started dancing again when I moved to Portland, OR in 2005. Nowadays I dance three times a week - with a Balkan live band at a pizza place, with an International group to recorded music, and I run a Balkan group to recorded music at my house. Over the last year, I've discovered that I love sharing the joy ... Who are you? Fri, 19 Sep 2008 23:38:45 GMT http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/who-are-you-f2/sonia-connolly-t8.htm#10 http://balkan-ethnic-dance.forumotion.net/who-are-you-f2/sonia-connolly-t8.htm