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13 December 2023
Katy Bishop, Editor
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The Art of Jewish Papercutting
December 14, online SOFA Series
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Papercutting has been a common Jewish art form since the Middle Ages, connected with various customs and ceremonies, and associated with holidays and family life. Since papercutting’s probable origin in China, its Jewish form has evolved to include Jews from various countries and cultures, including Ashkenazi, Sephardic, and Moroccan traditions.
Rachel will speak about the history and elements of this style of papercutting, show examples of and demonstrate her art, then lead participants through a simple project to try making Jewish paper-cut art for themselves. The link for this free event will be available on the event page.
Rachel Asarnow is an artist, teacher, and organic gardener. She was a two-time recipient of a Folk Arts Apprenticeship grant from the NJ State Council on the Arts.
-- Lynne Janbergs
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Friday Night Folk Dancing
December 15, Arlington, MA
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As the year draws to a close we have one more chance to enjoy each other's company on a Friday night - and that would be this Friday night! It seems especially appropriate at this time of year to say "the more, the merrier!" and it is true - the more smiling faces in the hall, the more chatting and laughing there will be, and the more fun that will be had by all.
It would be great to have a request-driven program, so brush up on the names of those dances you say you can never remember, and let's make a festive night of it! Refreshments and holiday attire would be most welcome!
-- Marcie
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Mostly Waltz for Boston Holiday Party
December 17, Concord, MA
Come waltz to The Nutcracker, polka with Frosty the Snowman, and swing in a Winter Wonderland, all at the Concord Scout House this Sunday. Music will be a mix of traditional, contemporary, and seasonal tunes deejayed by Diane Gonzales for your dancing pleasure, with some musical surprises thrown in. If you have any favorite holiday dance tunes, waltz or otherwise, let us know! (rumba, cha-cha, WCS anyone?)
The 2pm dance lesson, with Tom Roby & Diane Gonzales, will focus on Couple Sequence Dances. We'll teach a few dances that will be done later during the party: Kujawiak (a romantic Polish couple dance), Salty Dog Rag (a fun schottis), Lola Tango (a delightful vintage tango), and St. Bernard's Waltz. Open dancing starts at 3pm.
Bring goodies to share for the refreshment spread!
--Diane Gonzales
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Instagram is both another great space for staying in the know about upcoming events, as well for viewing photos and videos from the many series and special events we produce.
But wait, there's more! Check out our Story Highlights (also on our Instagram profile) for exclusive content from some of our dances and camps over the last year (including FAC FolkDays, Dancing on the Greenway, Labor Day Weekend, and the November Monthly Party)!
-Anna Alter
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Special Events
Thursday, December 14: The Art of Jewish Papercutting with Rachel Asarnow (online)
Sunday, December 31: New Year's Eve Dance Party with the Pinewoods Band (Belmont, MA and online)
Saturday March 16, 2024: Balkan Music Night Returns!
Dance & Music Series
Friday, December 15: Friday Night Dancing (Arlington, MA)
Sunday, December 17: Mostly Waltz (Concord, MA)
Thursday, December 21: Thursday Night Dancing with the Goatcracker band (Arlington, MA)
Sunday, January 21, 2024: Cut a Rug (online)
Camps and Tours
May 1 to 12, 2024: Czech Tour to South Bohemia
June 20-27: Pinewoods International Sessions (Plymouth, MA)
October 2024: Bulgarian Tour with Iliana Bozhanova and Todor Yankov
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Updates Contributors:
Anna Alter: FAC Program Manager
Nick Bishop: Updates proofreader
Diane Gonzales: Mostly Waltz for Boston coordinator
Lynne Janbergs: GASP Committee member, Updates proofreader
Marcie Van Cleave: FAC Executive Director
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The Folk Arts Center of New England is a nonprofit organization promoting participation in the traditional dance and music of many cultures. FAC sponsors community dances, annual camps, workshops, and other programs in the greater Boston area, elsewhere in New England, and online. | |
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The Folk Arts Center thanks
the Massachusetts Cultural Council
for its generous support.
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