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11 January 2024

Katy Bishop, Editor

Dance and Music Events Coming Up

Friday Night Folk Dancing

January 12, Arlington, MA

Perhaps one of your hopes for the new year is to have more dance and music in your life?? If so, you're in luck, as tomorrow night there just happens to be a folk dance in Arlington Heights - an event sure to put a smile on your face and a lift in your step.


The dance will be just that much more fun if you join us, so I hope to see you there!


--Marcie Van Cleave


Friday Night Folk Dancing Calendar:

January 26

February 9: Bulgarian Night with Zornitsa and Divi Zheni!

February 23

Balkan Music Night 2024

March 16, Somerville, MA

We are excited to announce that Balkan Music Night returns for its 35th annual concert and dance party in a new location – the Center for the Arts at the Armory in Somerville, MA.


Dance all night in the main hall to the rhythms of the Balkans, headlined by Zlatne Uste and Kavala Brass Bands, or escape to the kefana (Balkan café) and listen to the virtuoso music of Beth Bahia Cohen, Elitsa Stoyneva, Sophia Bilides, and more. Online registration will open soon, and FAC members always get the best price!


Visit the website for more details as they are finalized. And help us spread the word, invite your friends! We look forward to dancing with you!


--The Balkan Music Night Committee

From the Executive Director

My Travel Travails


I'm back once again, with conflicting emotions.

(This always happens when I travel over oceans.)

My conundrum is a happy one, as wherever I wander,

I'm blessed with great friends of whom I grow ever fonder.


Whether at home or abroad, my life's interesting to the hilt

I happily recall stories without any guilt!

How I get through my travels is a question oft asked,

"Careen" comes to mind, and it leaves witnesses aghast!


Whether watching my suitcase go AWOL through the bus,

Or a shrewmouse in my dance class that left me nonplussed.

Sitting on stinging nettles may not have been my best move,

And just what, by trying to ski, was I hoping to prove?!!


People have suggested that I compile my stories.

This tome would have multitudinous categories!

I love going away, for it's always character-building,

And coming home to you all is what's called lily-gilding!

Calendar

Special Events


Saturday, March 16: Balkan Music Night (Somerville, MA)



Dance & Music Series


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


Thursday, January 18: Thursday Night Folk Dancing with Shining Moon (Arlington, MA)


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


Sunday, January 21: Cut a Rug (online)


Friday, January 26: Friday Night Folk Dancing (Arlington, MA)


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




Camps and Tours


May 1 - 12: Czech Tour to South Bohemia with FAC and Dvorana


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:

Balkan Music Night Committee

Nick Bishop: Updates proofreader

Lynne Janbergs: Updates proofreader

Marcie Van Cleave: FAC Executive Director, Updates contributor

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.


The Folk Arts Center thanks

the Massachusetts Cultural Council

for its generous support.