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Thursday Night Folk Dance

January 4, Arlington, MA

Join us in Arlington as we ring in the New Year with the first Thursday Dance of 2024! Our programmer, Sue Rose, will review two dances with gorgeous a capella music: Jondane Johane, previously taught at Pinewoods by Maider Martineau of Sasi Ardiak; and Heyamoli, which some of our local musicians really love to sing. :-D

Our next live music event will be with Shining Moon on January 18!

Masks are now optional (but recommended and very welcome) at the Thursday Night Folk Dance.

--Sue Rose

From the Little Shop of Horas

Our Little Shop has been bustling with activity, with so many books, CDs, and virtual programs flying off the shelves! Today we thought we would share some recommendations from our contributors.

Do you have a favorite item from our shop? We would love to hear about it! Send recommendations to Katy

Wake Up Robin

Are you looking to start out your new year with some high-energy fiddle tunes, groovy rhythms, and sweet songs? Then look no further than Wake Up Robin’s self-titled album! Featuring bandmates Audrey Jaber, Andrew VanNorstrand, Amy Englesberg, and Noah VanNorstrand, this album is sure to rock your socks right off!

--Anna Alter

The Pinewoods International Collection

If you have a musical friend who you would like to slyly move toward our folk dance circle 😆... buy this book and give it to them as a present. The quality is excellent and as you know it showcases our favorite dance tunes. Grow the dancing community and nudge musicians to expand their repertoire! It's a win/win for our community!

--Sue Rose

The Waltz Book: Volumes I - IV

A huge collection of waltzes, so numerous four volumes were needed to hold them all, compiled by pianist Bill Matthiessen. This series covers a wild assortment of many different eras and styles, from traditional Scottish dances to modern-day tunes. Whatever your tastes, these volumes surely have many tunes you will enjoy!

--Nick Bishop

FAC SOFA Series

The SOFA Series has hosted so many brilliant presenters that it's hard to choose a favorite--they all explore such interesting topics. One presentation that really stands out in my memory is Ann Schunior's From Petroglyphs to Pottery: Conversations Across Millenia. The examination of petroglyphs was fascinating, and her pottery creations are gorgeous. Her insights gave me a whole new outlook on how to view the world around me, including random graffiti along the city streets.

--Katy Bishop

The Village Table Cookbook

According to unbiased sources, who don't know our folk dance community from a cauliflower, this is an exceptionally high quality cookbook with excellent variety and culinary choices. This is another useful recruiting tool to expand our gang of dancers. The power of a potluck cannot be underestimated as an acquisition strategy. I have been buying this book and gifting it to people when they get married. How better to guarantee a blissful life together?

--Sue Rose

Dance & Music Series

Thursday, January 4: Thursday Night Dancing (Arlington, MA)

Friday, January 12: Friday Night Dancing (Arlington, MA)

Sunday, January 21: Mostly Waltz with Anna Patton & Karen Axelrod (Concord, MA)

Sunday, January 21: Cut a Rug (online)

Saturday, January 27: Monthly Dance Party with Balkan Fields (Belmont, MA)

Camps and Tours

May 1 - 12: Czech Tour to South Bohemia

June 20 - 27: Pinewoods International Sessions (Plymouth, MA)

October 17 - 31: Autumn in Bulgaria Cultural Tour with Iliana Bozhanova and Todor Yankov

This week's contributors:

Anna Alter: FAC Program Manager

Nick Bishop: Updates proofreader

Lynne Janbergs: GASP Committee member, Updates proofreader

Sue Rose: Thursday Night Folk Dancing coordinator

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.