International Folk Dance MN and beyond

What's International
Folk Dance?

International folk dance... sometimes abbreviated IFD... gets you up and doing dances from cultures around the world. Line and circle dances predominate, but you'll encounter partner dances from many lands too. Move to the exciting rhythms and tunes of the Balkans, the Mediterranean, and beyond. A fun night out, a great hobby!

Tell Me More...

Want to learn?... Try Tapestry Folkdance Center's Saturday Beginner Classes. You'll also find some newcomer-friendly instruction and dancing at Tapestry's year-round Friday sessions and at other IFD groups. And you can simply join in at live-music events listed in the Calendar below.

Got some experience?... Dance throughout the week at local and Midwest IFD groups.

Like dancing to live music?... The Calendar lists some opportunities, along with links to local and Midwest artists, festivals and workshops, and venues to watch.

Just want to watch?... Shows by performing groups display the possibilities of IFD. Here is information on Ethnic Dance Theater, but links to other groups are not yet posted.

Specialized?...A number of folk dance forms that IFDers engage in... Contra Dance, Square, English Country, Irish, Scottish, Scandinavian, Cajun... have their own evenings and web resources. See the Links section for more information on these.

Calendar

Dance to live music, attend performances, or do other swell things, locally and elsewhere in the Midwest ( indicates performance only; no participatory dancing expected)... Listings updated Monday March 17, 2008.

MARCH '08
Fri 28 - Mark Stillman and Francine Roché, Times Bar and Cafe, Minneapolis: Accordionist Mark Stillman and vocalist Francine Roche give their usual quality treatment of French café music, with Mark playing hot Balkan tunes during the breaks. 9:30pm-??, Times Bar in Northeast Minneapolis. More on Mark... on The Times...
Sat aft 29 - Szászka and guests, Minneapolis Central Library: Szászka plays wild and amazing Hungarian a
Fri 28 - Mark Stillman and Francine Roché, Times Bar and Cafe, Minneapolis: Accordionist Mark Stillman and vocalist Francine Roche give their usual quality treatment of French café music, with Mark playing hot Balkan tunes during the breaks. 9:30pm-??, Times Bar in Northeast Minneapolis. More on Mark... on The Times...
Sat 29 - OBI at Tapestry's Silver Screen Ball, Minneapolis MN: Dance to OBI and more at Tapestry Folkdance Center's annual fundraiser. Silent auction 6:30-10pm; meanwhile, 7-midnight dancing to Orkestar Bez Ime and to live swing, contra, and salsa music. $25 advance, $30 after March 24 and at door ($15, 16 and under). More on OBI... on Tapestry...
Sun 30 - Maritza at T-Bock's, Decorah IA: The fabulous Maritza Orchestra plays at one of their local watering holes, T-Bock's Sports Bar, in Decorah. 8pm. More on Maritza...
APRIL '08
Fri 18-Sun 20 --Mila with EDT in First Love, St. Paul MN: Mila Vocal Ensemble joins Ethnic Dance Theater and OBI in presenting the full-length show First Love, a dance drama featuring the vibrant music, haunting songs and breathtaking dance of Bulgaria; inspired by the 'first love' theme of many Bulgarian traditional songs. Chor. Petur Iliev, dir. Don LaCourse. Fri-Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm at O'Shaughnessy Auditorium, College of St. Catherine, St. Paul. Reserved seating; $26 adult, $21 student/senior, $13 under 12, $210 CSC Student. More on Mila... on EDT...
Sat 12 - Fox Valley 16th Annual International Dance Workshop, Appleton WI: Hey, feel like driving to Appleton? Nick Bratkovich is playing for the Fox Valley Dancers' spring workshop. An astonishingly proficient accordionist, Nick, a Milwaukee expatriate, has shown up at Door County Folk Festival in recent years. Teachers are Katherine Rudin & Michael Kuharski. Great workshop, friendly club; held at the South Greenville Grange Hall, a delightful and historic dance space. $40 day of ($35 before Apr 5); partials available. Get the text of the registration flier or visit their site. More on Appleton/Fox Valley...on Nick Bratkovich...
Sat 12 - Szászka at Unity Unitarian, St. Paul: Come for the food, the music, the singing, the dancing, or all of the above. Szászka plays Hungarian village-style music; Eva Kish offers some basic instruction. 5:30pm songs and children's games, 6pm basic teaching, 7pm dance party. $10 (under 17 free), at Unity Unitarian Church, 732 Holly Ave, St. Paul. More on Szászka...
MAY '08
Thu 1-Sun 4 - Festival of Nations 2008, St. Paul MN: Orkestar Bez Ime is the House Band Saturday, for this great annual Twin Cities gathering of cultures. Save: Buy tickets ahead at Byerlys! More on the Festival... on OBI...
Sat 10 - FrÏlingsfest Fundraiser, St. Paul: The spring fundraiser for St. Paul's S.G. Edelweiss Bavarian/Austrian folk dance club. Music by Alpensterne, performances, and good German beer and food for purchase. 7-11pm, CSPS Hall, $12 advance/$14 door/$7 10 and under. Call 651-641-6101 for tickets. More on S.G. Edelweiss... on CSPS Hall...
Sat 10 - Mothers' Day Concert: Mila, with the Niks, in With Bread and Salt: Top-notch performers Mila Vocal Ensemble and The Niks join forces for a concert at Lakeville Area Arts Center, in Lakeville MN www.ci.lakeville.mn.us. 7:30pm; contact Arts Center for more info. More on Mila... on The Niks...
Sun 11 - Mothers' Day Concert: Mila, with the Niks, in With Bread and Salt: Mila Vocal Ensemble and The Niks again, this time at the Southern Theater, Minneapolis www.southerntheater.org. 2pm; $18. More on Mila... on The Niks...
JUNE '08
Fri May 30 -Sun June 1 - June Camp, Beloit WI: Orkestar Sloboda (!!) is this year's June Camp band again (!); internationally renowned teachers Lee Otterholt and Jaap Leegwater. Venue is the comfortable and convenient Beloit College. Always a great time! More on June Camp... on Sloboda...
JULY '08
Wed 9-Sun 13 - Door County Folk Festival, WI: Playing for the live dance parties are Balkan Cabaret, popular last year, and Nick Bratkovich, making a much anticipated return visit. A few Twin Cities people will be on staff again for dance and song workshops... dance includes Argentine Tango and Contra as well as all levels of International. One of the most pleasant and fun-filled workshops in the Midwest. Full details on the DCFF site. More on Balkan Cabaret... on Nick... on DCFF...
Tue 29 - OBI, at Phillips Public Library, Eau Claire WI: Our local international dance-music fix Orkestar Bez Ime, in concert at the Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire WI. 6:30-8:30pm. Watch Phillips Library info, or the Eau Claire International Folk Dancers' calendar for more details. More on OBI... on Eau Claire Folkdancers
AUGUST '08: Watch for... St. George Greek Festival
SEPTEMBER '08
Fri 26 -Sun 28 - Tapestry Fall Workshop, Minneapolis: Ahmet Luleci teaches Turkish dance. Details TBA. More on Tapestry... on Ahmet...; And watch for... Taste of Lebanon Festival, UW Madison World Music Festival.
OCTOBER '08: Watch for... EDT Fall Show, Ukranian Harvest Festival, Fairwater WI Fall Workshop.
NOVEMBER '08: Watch for... Nordeast Mpls Accordion Festival, Milwaukee Folk Fair
DECEMBER '08: Watch for... EDT Holiday Show

Artists &...

These local and midwest groups play international folk dance music (among other things).

Twin Cities

Armenian Dance Ensemble of Minnesota: The Armenian Dance Ensemble presents the traditional folk dances of historic Armenia. They rehearse at St. Sahag Armenian Church in St. Paul, and are open to inquiries and participation by anyone interested in joining. :: Contact Nairy Digris, 651-639-9346 :: http://www.saintsahag.com/ACOM.html. More on St. Sahag Armenian Church...
Ethnic Dance Theatre (EDT) and EDT Orchestra: EDT presents dance from cultures around the world, with its choir, orchestra and company of dancers. Get a look at the exciting gamut of international dance at their performances. Their fundraisers, featuring live music, are beginner- and family-friendly. EDT's web address is www.ethnicdancetheatre.com
Chris Kalogerson Orchestra :: Callie Kalogerson: Chris is a Greek-American band leader whose group's repertoire ranges from ballroom and swing to the authentic rhythms and melodies of his ancestral Greece. His daughter Callie is an accomplished clarinetist. :: 951-935-9065 :: www.kalogersonmusic.com
Dolina Polish Folk Dancers: Established in 1949, Dolina has been thrilling audiences locally, nationally and internationally with its presentations of Polish culture in song and dance. http://www.dolina.org
Izvorasul Romanian Dance Ensemble: Izvorasul brings energetic and professional performance of Romanian dance to the stage and festival locally and across North America, even to Romania itself. John Omorean, artistic director, is a noted dance and folklore researcher. Though this is a performing ensemble and always in preparation for shows, anyone is welcome to attend warmup time and visit rehearsals, 7:30pm Mondays at Romanian Hall, 854 Woodbridge St. Paul; contact John Omorean for info, H 651-483-8550. Website is in progress.
Klezmerica: Klezmerica is a talented local group of national renown playing Klezmer music (and jazz), fronted by Joe Vass. IFDers don't dance Klezmer (the traditional music of the European and Russian Jews) frequently, partly because it practically demands live music, but it's very newcomer-friendly and a lot of fun. Joe has also written shows, including Gershwin the Klezmer. Info at www.klezmerica.com
Mark Stillman (and friends): Freelance accordionist Mark Stillman's ethnic repertoire has thrilled Twin Citians since the 70s. Currently, at regular club gigs at the French Press, Times and Sofitel, he joins chanteuse Francine Roche and extraordinary percussionist Tim O'Keefe, in a fantasia of French cafe, Latin and ballroom music; but between sets he tends to play his first love... international dance favorites (and Eastern European natives often show up to dance!). You too can grow to love kolos! Also look for him around town at such events as the St. Paul Bike Classic. He's available for private parties. To get on his mailing list, contact Mark through his website at members.tripod.com/MStillman_accordion Here is a link to a list of Mark's international folk dance repertoire (text file, 4k)
Mila Vocal Ensemble: This women's vocal ensemble authentically presents the choral traditions of Eastern Europe and other lands, researching and training extensively with native performers. They've appeared in diverse venues, including Prairie Home Companion, and are available for events and vocal and cultural workshops. :: Info at www.milavocalensemble.com
The Niks: 'The Niks' are an ad hoc group of musicians, some Bulgarian and some not, some of whom play in the Ethnic Dance Theater orchestra. They get together on an ad hoc basis to play Balkan music.
Orkestar Bez Ime (OBI): Alums and members of Ethnic Dance Theatre (EDT), this quintet is the biggest sound around for IFD dance music. OBI features Tim Wahl (kaval, tambura, etc.), Katrina Mundinger (clarinet, etc.), Colleen Bertsch (violin), Natalie Nowytski (vocal, percussion), and Dee Langley (accordion). They have an active gig schedule, join the EDT orchestra for performances and parties, and are also available for your special event. :: OBI info at www.rogaria.com/shows.html
St. Paul Czech and Slovak Folk Dancers: Formed in 1961 to display Czech and Slovak culture through dance. :: Group web site http://www.tancuj.org (but event info is out of date). Associated with Sokol Minnesota; tel. 651-290-0542; www.sokolmn.org
Secanje Tamburica Orchestra: In the past, Secanje, Nick Radulovich's Tamburica Orchestra has played mostly private functions, but they now occasionally appear at Kramarczuk's Eastern European Deli and Cafe in Northeast Minneapolis. The tambur is a Serbian/Croatian mandolin-like instrument. I challenge you to remain seated when the music gets going! More on Kramarczuk's... and a web link to tamburica music info...
Szászka: A melding of locals Colleen Bertsch and Natalie Nowytski (OBI) with Madison Wisconsinites Nienke Shinkevich, Sara Bruins and Doug Code (of Reptile Palace Orchestra), playing traditional village dance music from Hungary and Transylvania... and how! :: Contact via web site www.myspace.com/szaszkaband
Videki Hungarian Dancers: The Videki troupe is a long-standing presence in the Twin Cities, enthusiastically and emphatically presenting Hungarian dance and song. Contact Michele Glynn at michele.glynn@mpls.k12.mn.us

Out-of-Town

Balkan Cabaret: An accomplished and exciting West Coast band playing, of course, the music of the Balkans; a big hit during their Midwest tour in '07 and sure to return. Visit their web page at www.balkancabaret.com/...
Nick Bratkovich: Nick is an astonishingly good accordionist and musician with a huge international repertoire. From Milwaukee, now living in Tulsa OK, he enjoys traveling back to Wisconsin occasionally for gigs. Check him out at www.bratkovichmusic.com.
Orkestar Sloboda :: Izvor Orchestra :: Prazna Flasha: These Milwaukee ethnic bands have shared and varied their membership over the years. Formed in the 70s, Sloboda ('freedom')... my personal favorite band in the world... is Milan Kontich (accordion), Stevan Petrovich (bugarija), Savo Radjenovich (bass), and Harley Schoville (percussion), playing a solid mix of Balkan, Serbian kolo music and IFD favorites. Formed in 1981, Izvor ('the source') is Fred Melk (clarinet) with the above, and others from time to time, playing a similar range of music. Prazna Flasha is straight-up Serbian tamburica music. All three groups are the real thing, NOT to be missed. Live music rules! (But Sloboda's CDs are tops, too.) Find out more about all three groups at www.balkanmusic.com/sloboda
Reptile Palace Orchestra: Madison's wildly popular 'Electric Balkan Lounge Funk' fusion band, started by long-time folk dancer Bill Feeny. Fast, loud, off-the-wall, thrilling. Catch them at Madison Folk Ball or the Cedar Cultural Center. All about Reptile at beeftone.com/rpo
Maritza: Based in Decorah IA, Maritza (fronted by long-time international folk dancer Pine Wilson) focuses on Balkan, Romany and Klezmer music. They foray into southeastern MN, WI for events. :: www.maritza.us
Yid Vicious: YV is a Madison WI band playing Klezmer music (Yiddish roots music, for dancing and celebrating). Klezmer dances are very newcomer-friendly, and practically demand live accompaniment. Find out more at personalpages.tds.net/~jzsp/home.html

Festivals &...

These regular festivals and workshops offer some great experiences in international folk dancing to live music. (Rough order of appearance)

Miscellaneous Festivals and Workshops

SNOPA!, Twin Cities MN: Midwinter international folk dance weekend, held at Totino-Grace Renewal Center in Fridley MN. Challenging dances, local-midwest teachers, Balkan singing, dance parties, craziness. Pre-register, except for parties. Details at www.snopa.org... Includes directions and map.
Madison Folk Ball, Madison WI: Midwinter international folk dance festival at the University of Wisconsin/Madison. Usually a major national teacher plus workshops on varied subjects; much live music including international, squares/contras, and more. Folk Ball is free! (donations requested) Contact Michael Kuharski at mk@mailbag.com or 608-241-3655, or visit the Folk Ball website, plantpath.wisc.edu/~tdd/folkball.html
Appleton Folk Dance Workshop, WI: April international folk dance festival in Appleton WI, sponsored by the hospitable Folk Dancers of the Fox Valley. Workshops and live music at the dance party. Details at www.angelfire.com/music4/walenski/FolkDancers.html
Festival of Nations, St. Paul MN: This multiethnic spring festival showcases dance, music, foods and crafts from many lands. Not much participatory dancing, but plenty of reasons to go anyway. Check their website at www.festivalofnations.com
Greater Chicagoland groups: 'June' Camp: The long-running June Camp has had to shift venues and time slots in later years, but seems to have found a terrific home at Beloit College on the southern Wisconsin-northern Illinois border. Great space, pleasant rooms, wonderful (!) food. There's always a nationally renowned teacher or two, and top-notch live music at the dance parties. :: Website is junecamp2008.googlepages.com/ :: Beloit College's website is www.beloit.edu
Door County Folk Festival, WI: This four-day festival of dance workshops, parties and socializing is held in the quaint lakeside village halls of Sister Bay and Ephraim in Wisconsin's Door Peninsula. There's something for every level of experience, and live music aplenty in the halls and on the beach and pier. A truly great experience. Traditionally the weekend after July 4th. Details at www.dcff.net
Tapestry Fall Workshop, Minneapolis MN: Each fall, Tapestry holds a weekend international folk dance workshop, with a nationally renowned teacher. Timing varies. The Saturday evening party features live music. More on Tapestry...
Annual Northeast Accordion Festival, NE Minneapolis MN: Local celebration of the accordion, spearheaded by accordion goddess Dee Langley of OBI, held in the center of old ethnic Minneapolis... "Nordeast!" Main space at California Building Gallery, 2205 California St NE, Minneapolis :: 612-788-5551 :: http://www.airaccordion.com/.
Annual Holiday Folk Fair, Milwaukee WI: Weekend before Thanksgiving. Not as large as the St. Paul MN Festival of Nations, but plenty of opportunity for dancing. :: www.folkfair.org

Venues &...

These locations frequently showcase live-music events for international folk dance... and many other types of dance as well. Many of them are available for rent.

The Cedar Cultural Center: The Cedar presents an eclectic range of traditional and contemporary folk and world music artists, in a (potentially loud!) large wood-floored space; when performances feature hot folk-danceable music, it's almost certain there'll be folk dancing in the aisles! :: 416 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis :: 612-338-2674 :: www.thecedar.org
CSPS (Sokol) Hall: Historic and delightful, CSPS Hall is frequently home to events of EDT, St. Paul Czech and Slovak Dancers, Dolina and many other groups. Wonderful dance space. Available for rent, from Czech and Slovak Sokol MN (a traditional Czech and Slovak social, cultural, educational and gymnastic organization) :: 383 Michigan St, St. Paul :: 651-290-0542 :: www.sokolmn.org
Edinborough Park, Edina: Indoor public park, featuring free cultural performances Sept-May in a 250-seat amphitheater (no space for dancing though). :: 7700 York Ave S, Edina MN :: 952-832-6790 :: http://www.ci.edina.mn.us/content/facilities/edinborough_park/index.htm
French Press Jazz Cafe: Mostly jazz, but has in the past had occasional IFD-enabled events. :: 213 4th St E, Downtown St. Paul :: 651-224-2732 :: www.fpjazz.com
Kramarczuk's Eastern European Deli and Cafe: This legendary 'Nordeast' Minneapolis deli features not only homemade nalesnyky, varenyky, kolachi etc.; it also hosts a variety of ethnic music. Floor is unforgiving (tile-on-concrete), but the atmosphere is terrific. 215 E Hennepin, Minneapolis :: 612-379-3018 :: web www.kramarczuk.com
Pioneer Place Theater, St. Cloud MN: This restored 1913 theater offers a very intimate setting for professional talent, and has a wine bar to boot (Veranda Lounge). Not really a dance space, but a great sound system. :: 22 5th Ave S, St. Cloud :: 320-203-0331 M-F, 320-203-1233 nights/weekends :: www.ppfive.com
St. Sahag Armenian Church, St. Paul MN: St. Sahag has several spaces available for rental, including the linoleum-on-wood-floored Fellowship Hall, and the Ararat Hall with stage. :: 612-382-6478 :: 203 North Howell St, St. Paul.
St. Paul Friends Meeting House: The charming new Friends House (or Meetinghouse) is available for rental: meeting room with ~35x35' wood dance floor and grand piano; fellowship room with kitchen, etc. Current contact is Laura Whitley Mott :: 651-699-6995 :: 1725 Grand Ave, St. Paul :: www.tcfm.org
Tapestry Folkdance Center: Tapestry hosts regular folk and swing nights, among them IFD, and special events that include live music for IFD. Tapestry also rents space. Some of the best dance floor in the Twin Cities. :: 3748 Minnehaha Ave S in Minneapolis :: 612-722-2914 :: www.tapestryfolkdance.org
Times Bar and Cafe, and Jitters: Mostly jazz, but occasional IFD-enabled events; small but decent dance floor. 201 East Hennepin Avenue, Northeast Minneapolis :: 612-617-8098 :: www.timesbarandcafe.com/

Churches

St. George Greek Orthodox Church: Holds an annual summer Greek Festival with music, dancing, food and more. :: 1111 Summit Ave, St. Paul MN :: 651-222-6220 :: www.stgeorgegoc.org
Saint Maron's Catholic Church: Holds an annual fall Taste of Lebanon Festival with food, music and more. :: 600 University Ave NE, Minneapolis MN :: 612-379-2758 :: http://www.stmaron.com
St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church: Holds an annual fall Taste of Greece Festival with music, dancing, food and more. :: 3450 Irving Ave S (eastern shore of Lake Calhoun), Minneapolis MN :: 612-825-9595 :: www.stmarysgoc.org

IFD Teachers &...

Twin Cities Area Teachers

Many local people teach international dance. Contact me, or Tapestry, or watch this space for bios.

This page was last updated on Monday March 17, 2008.

Happy Dancing!

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What's International Folk Dance?