Trust me, I would much prefer to off-load that assignment to hotel staff. And they really don't want it. So all of you who want some special arrangements, work with me. We have reserved quite a few more rooms for next year, so it should work out more easily. We're also going to try to be sure that the rooms over the dance floor are occupied by our people, so when we party into the night, we won't have to worry about disturbing the other hotel guests.

As I write this, Jan is still adding up the last of the bills. For a while it looked as though we were going to be on my budget to break even, but as the last of the bills have come in, we are a bit in the hole. Nonetheless, thanks to memberships and other non-camp income, we are finishing up the event with more money than we started with, so that's a good thing.

FFDC Board Members and un-Camp Organizers: Bernice Roth, Caroline Lanker, Willa Davidsohn, John Daly, Jean Murray, Fannie Salerno and Jan Lathi

We've made tentative arrangements to have Basque be one of our cultures for next year. The people of this region have some very interesting and energetic dances and the ever enthusiastic Roo Lester will come to show us some of them. Countries under consideration for the other culture are Croatian, Puerto Rican, Hungarian, Japanese. However, several people now have requested Yves Moreau. He is available and willing to teach dances from a variety of Balkan countries and I'm leaning heavily toward asking him to come. Now is the time to express your views.

Relaxing on the Lodge Porch: Betty Nehemias, Ann Robinson, Annette Brand, Ruth Ann Fay and Dorothy Archer

Photo by Jack Seltzer;

Scholarship Recipient, Donna Young, who kept the music going

Dimitrius Babiak, Shirley Babiak and Bobby Quibodeaux performing

I'm not yet making any commitments about costs for next year. Hotel rates are going up just a bit, we don't know what transportation costs will be for our instructors, but I'm thinking that we should be able to make some adjustments and keep the price about the same.

A final note, many of us, at least in Central Florida, went to see the Tamburitzans in Daytona Beach. Julius was involved in organizing this event. The FFDC purchased a full page ad in the program. Fannie and Willa drew up some nice artwork for the ad, and I put in contact information for as many of the Florida groups as I could manage. So hopefully our groups will get some exposure. Thanks to Julius for his part in making this happen.

All for now.

– John

Other photos this page by Caroline Lanker

FFDC un-Camp Group Photo

Below is the group photo that was taken at un-Camp. No one thought about taking it until Sunday, after some people had left, so not everyone is in it. We had quite a time finding a place with space and reasonably good lighting and then getting everyone in the picture. I hope you like the result. - CL

FFDC un-Camp in Rhyme

by Terry Abrahams

I promised you this would be a poem

I’m doing it right away – now that I’m home.

The dance “un”-camp was super great!

Some of the reasons I will now relate:

John changed the venue to Sebring city,

Leaving the old camp was almost a pity.

But Kenilworth Lodge was really quite nice –

I’m almost glad he didn’t take my advice!

We didn’t have to lug our bed stuff

Only the slow elevator made it tough…

To get to our rooms, which were not too bad,

Most of the dancers were very glad.

Excellent choices, very nice price

Really good food, all quite nice

Then we danced and met the teachers

Romanian and Armenian were the features

I have to say the floor was wood

I have to say that part is good

The columns holding up the ceiling

Were not the favorite part of dealing

But deal we did the weekend through

The columns started dancing, too

Left to right and front to back by rows (sort of): John Daly, Willa Davidsohn, Jean Murray, Kelly Fagan. Caroline Lanker, Sonia Dion, Cristian Florescu, Susan Lind-Sinanian, Bobbie Ward; Bobby Quibodeaux, Ruby Durian, Ernesto Baizan; Ruth Schwartz, Pat Henderson, Judith Merkt, Mary Zaleta, Joy Herndon, Terry Abrahams, Jan Lathi, Judith Baizan, Kay Afonso, Ursula Tison, Palmira Mora-Valls, Katy Moss Warner, Doris Wolman, Bernice Roth, Betty Nehemias; John Ward, Andi Kapplin, Claudia Terrence, Donna Young, Julius Horvath; Mark Moser, Terri Franz, Linda Seltzer, Annette Brand, Ann Robinson, Dorothy Archer, June Littler, Kay Demos, Fannie Salerno; Jenneine Lambert, Sara Osborn, Liz Nunan, Juanita Schockey, Pat Pieratte, Ruth Ann Fay, Dylan Conway; Virginia Marszal, Jack Seltzer, Tim Sneed, David Digby, Marie Millett, Jim Osborne.

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Photo by Jean Marszal

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Breakfast was decent, the coffee so-so

But none-the-less gave us our “get up and go”

John’s committee made two lunches

They were fantastic, we thank the bunch(es)

They were so good, I want to name them please –

Willa, Fannie, Suzan and Bernice

The catering for Saturday’s evening dinner

Was also ethnic – we got no thinner…

Snacks were done by three different groups

Each was delicious, no errors or oops

The Olga Princi auction was quite a burner

Helped by organized Wanda Turner.

I got two fantastic Polish dolls,

And a funny pink wig enjoyed by all!

The meeting was long with lots of discussion

Well, ya gotta do it, and there is no rushin’.

Dylan and I played music – John was too tired

But everyone danced, and no one expired

Andi and I sang yet another song

Some traditions just can’t be wrong!

Donna helped the teachers set the scene

By on-ing and off-ing the music machine.

Of course the MOST important part –

Was the teachers, the teaching, and giving us heart!

The Romanian teaching was the first attack

Cristian and Sonia, what an act!

They were very precise, they were full of vim -

Don’t know who I liked better, her or him!

We loved each one – gypsies were we!

We did them all with the greatest glee!

Their culture corner taught us how to “shout”

Which led to politics within and without.

Susan L-S was gentle and sweet

Her dances were easy, and genteel and neat.

Some we remembered from last time she was here

And the new ones added were just as dear

We loved her slides of her Armenian nuptials

And her coffee cup readings caused our bellies to ruptial (ok, it’s not a word, but this isn’t Scrabble)

Review in the morning caused tears to come

As we left with sadness but in our hearts a hum.

Those people who didn’t show this year

Should come next time – now, did y’all hear?

In the meantime you can atone for that sin

Come to Spring Fling – we’ll still let you in!

The un-Camp – Perspective from a "Newby"

by Judy Merkt

What a fun, fun weekend! I am a new folk dancer and this was my first dance camp. I will admit that after eagerly sending in my registration, I was a little apprehensive … could I be on my feet – and be dancing yet – all day for a full weekend??? Yikes!!! However, my fears were soon allayed when I experienced the huge amount of positive energy in that dance hall. You found yourself not wanting it to end, tired or not. Truth be known … oh yes, I was really, really, ready for that bed when I finally forced myself to say "enough" late into each evening's dance party. Even when I didn't participate in dances that I didn't know at the dance parties, I loved watching the talent and joy on that dance floor!

And may I take a moment to say that I so appreciate the encouragement of my mentors from the Sarasota Grapeviners – Andi Kapplin, Marie Millett, Ursula Tyson, and Delores Lustig. Their constant encouragement over the past two years has kept me energized and motivated. And how about our weekend instructors, eh? Wow! I couldn't have asked for better inspiration at my first camp. Yup, you guessed it – I'm hooked! Thank you to the organizers and everyone who made this lovely event happen.

Top: Bernice Roth showing the un-Camp lunch buffet.

Above: Susan Lind-Sinanian reading Kelly Fagan's fortune in her coffee grounds

Photos this page by Caroline Lanker

Song for 2008 FFDC un-Camp

by Terry Abrahams

Tune: Oklahoma

Kenil-worth Lodge is the place that we have come to dance

Where the floor is fine, the food divine

'Twas enough to put ants in our pants

So when we say - thanks! to all that made the weekend come out oh so well

John and all his gals, plus added pals

Made each moment go so very well

We love to do Armenian

And we also love Romanian

So when we say – Yay! - we love you Christi-an and Sonia and you, Sue

You have made this fun, for everyone

Yes, we had a ball because of you

Johnny, Jeanie, Willa, Fannie, Bernie, Janice, Wanda, Donna

We love to do Armenian

And we also love Romanian

So when we say Yippi yippi yippi Yay!

We're only saying

FFDC camp - we love you - FFDC OK!

National Folk Organization Annual Conference

Orlando, February 28 - March 2, 2008

by Pat Henderson

When I agreed last year to be the site coordinator for hosting the annual conference of the National Folk Organization (NFO), I could not imagine what a wonderful experience it would turn out to be. I worked with Katherine St. John of Salt Lake City, since she is Vice-President of NFO and organized the conference. I chose the Holiday Inn East Orlando, UCF to be the conference hotel for the atmosphere, previous experience as a user, location and price.

Lee Otterholt was invited to come as part of the conference, so I immediately thought about having a dance workshop at the Whirl & Twirl, where we have had so many dance events in the past. The proximity of the hotel and W & T worked out quite well. There were about 41 full-time registrants and at least 40 part-time with most of those coming on Saturday for Lee’s workshop. FFDC members attending full-time were: Pat Pieratte, Terry Abrahams, Kelly Fagan, Bobby Quibodeaux and me. Unfortunately, Ann Robinson was scheduled to come but ended up missing it due to the flu. All participants contributed to making this year’s conference very successful. I want to personally thank everyone who came at any time during the weekend. You helped show the world that folk dancing is alive and well in Florida.

Dany and Ruthy in Gainesville

by Terry Abrahams

The annual Israeli Dance Spring Workshop, starring Dany Benshalom, aided by Ruthy Slann, was held once again in Gainesville on March 22 - 23. Saturday night, Dany taught five dances (whew!), followed by request dancing, and as per usual, it was great to have such a nice big group. This year, not as many people, but then again, for an Easter weekend, not too bad!

Sunday, Dany and Ruthy taught seven more dances. They did a nice combination of oldies and newies, and Andi and I brought home a couple that we started teaching already. As per usual, good to see all our friends, and the young, really good dancers are a joy to watch – we should all have some of them in our groups. The venue had moved a couple of buildings over, and it was a much newer, nicer building; snacks were good; weather was good; dancing was good; housing with Jack and Linda was great – what more could one ask?!

Above right: Dancing at the NFO Conference workshop.

Right: Lee Otterholt dancing with glass of water.

Photos by Caroline Lanker

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The Greek Kefi Hellenic Dancers; Claudia Terrence is on the far right.

Photo by Pat Henderson

On Sunday, there was a short wrap-up business meeting. Most of the discussion centered around the location of the conference next year. It will probably be the Denver area in April. It would be nice if interest in NFO continues with some Florida people attending.

On March 5, Roo Lester wrote, in part:

"This year's annual meeting of the NFO is now a part of history, but it is a very bright part. I think the meetings and talks presented were wonderful. I thought all was well organized and am very glad that I was able to attend and participate.

"Though I do find sitting all day a challenge, I loved that Friday was focused on meetings and the presentations. Saturday's dance workshops were wonderful fun, well attended and well paced.

"It was great to have such participation from the Florida community.

"Huge thanks to our site coordinator and amazing worker Pat Henderson. Thanks to all for the great communication, information sharing and camaraderie. An inspiring time for me. I am sorry to have to wait an entire year for our next gathering.”

Marianne Taylor and Roo Lester

Photo by Caroline Lanker

On Thursday, February 28, the conference began with the President’s Reception in the Hospitality Room. It was a time to meet and greet with regular NFO attendees, renew friendships and meet those there for the first time. On Friday, there was a general business meeting followed by several programs, including the following:

1. Hans Holz of Austria, the Secretary General of the International Organization of Folk Arts (IOV), spoke about international festivals. The IOV has thousands of members worldwide and publishes a directory of festivals given by members.

2. Lee Otterholt gave an interesting presentation on the spread of dance and folk dance throughout Europe. He analyzed how the Ottoman Empire influenced the direction the circle moved (to the left) and also the lack of partner dances.

3. Dr. Florence Neubauer, a dance and humanities professor at Rollins College, UCF and Valencia Community College, showed how ancient symbols and everyday tasks were incorporated in English dances. We did the Farandole with her; the line wound like a snake and then wove in and out like making fabric. She pointed out that some English dances evolved into American dances, using the example of the similarity of Sir Roger DeCoverly to the Virginia Reel.

4. Marianne Taylor presented her view of the last fifty years of folk dancing in the United States. She lamented the decline in folk dancing and gave the following reasons: a) specialization of groups on one country; b) younger people are busy with other activities so the existing groups are graying; c) generally less interest in group activities, with the Internet and HDTV competing for leisure time; d) life is more demanding, so people want to chill when they have free time. Marianne and her husband, Conny, founded the New England Folk Arts Center in the mid-1980s. She is an expert in international, English, Scottish and contra dance.

After a dinner break the conference continued with evening dance party, which featured two performing groups and a folk dance party led by Lee. The groups performing were The Greek Kefi Hellenic Dancers from the Daytona area and the New Age Dancers from Orlando. Claudia Terrence was one of the Greek dancers. The New Age Dancers performed a dance with Tai Chi movements and then two others with a Celtic style.

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Dunedin Ball

by Terry Abrahams

I attended my first Scottish ball in Dunedin on February 9th. A couple of other international dancers were there too (picture below) as well as Cubby Whitehead! It was an extremely organized, very nice occasion. We started with a covered dish dinner, plentiful and good, then introductions were made, followed by the actual dancing. Each person had been sent ahead a "dance card" which included all the pertinent information on the ball itself, including a map, and a list of all the dances to be done that evening with "syllabi", so that they could be studied and learned before the dance. A "caller" went through each dance before it was played, but did not call as it was done. Very interesting. There was live music, always a pleasure, very nice people and as the saying goes, a good time was had by all!

At the Dunedin Ball: Delores Lustig, Terry Abrahams, Bill Schwarz, Marion Hoercher and Circe Davenport

The Babiak Dance Ensemble

On March 9, the Babiak Dance Ensemble presented a show at the Jewish Food Celebration held at Kobernick House in Sarasota. They did Slavic and old Jewish dances from the schtetels in Eastern Europe: Kolomeyka, Vlajana, Bohemian National , Vretelka, etc. The costumes were magnificent and the audience responded with singing and joining the dances. One of our dancers, Varda Ruskin, is an Israeli citizen who has performed with dance groups in Israel.

The Babiak Dance Ensemble performing at Kobernick House

Photo by Varda Ruskin

un-Camp Review

by Suzan Grinarml

Our un-Camp at Kenilworth Lodge in Sebring FL on Feb. 15-18 2008 was a huge success thanks to the many hours of hard work, planning and preparation of registration, music and program scheduling by our president John Daly and assistant Jean Murray. We appreciate your dedication. Well done.

The dance instructors featured for our un-Camp were fantastic. Susan Lind-Sinanian, Armenian dancer and textile curator for the Armenian Museum in Watertown, MA showed us samples of her needlework and made Armenian coffee for two lucky winners, Kelly and Bobbie, and then read the coffee grounds to tell their fortunes. This was taught to her by her grandmother. She also showed us slides of her authentic Armenian wedding. She wore a gown which she designed and sewed herself and arrived at her 1970's wedding ceremony on horse back. She was also a delightful dance instructor.

Our Romanian dances were taught by the Romanian Cristian Florescu and French Canadian Sonia Dion, who live and teach in Montreal. They were a very entertaining and humorous couple. Cristian kept us all in good humor with his funny comments, facial expressions and lively dance steps. They also talked about Romanian culture and showed on a map where various dances were taught in Romania. They were very good instructors and their teaching method easy to follow.

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From the Editor

Just in case you thought there was nothing new under the Florida dancing sun…

On March 15 the town of Lake Wales held its “first annual” World Dance Bazaar. Gary and I contemplated performing there, but weren’t able to get a group together and didn’t want to perform by ourselves. We did go see it. It was held outdoors, just off Main Street. I arrived early. Someone was setting up the sound system and I was surprised to hear Opa Cupa playing – you remember that dance that Lee Otterholt taught us at camp? So, I thought maybe they would have a Serbian group, but I didn’t see anyone in Serbian costumes there. No, the first group were cloggers. Clogging is popular in this area, especially among natives. Their troupe included a bunch of young dancers. Next came a pair of belly dancers, who danced to the Opa Cupa music! After that a couple did ballroom dancing, a bagpiper played a tune and then the cloggers came back on. We didn’t see other groups waiting to perform except more belly dancers, so we left.

Besides the dance performances, a couple of businesses had set up tents and there was a small crowd gathered. Well, it’s a start. I hope they have a second annual World Dance Bazaar. Maybe next year we can do something for it.

On another subject, there will be performances by the Berea College Dancers March 31 to April 3 (see Berea College Country Dancers to Tour). Berea College is in Kentucky and their student dance troupe specializes in American country dances,

World Dance Bazaar, Lake Wales: Belly dancers performing to Opa Cupa and cloggers

Photos by Caroline Lanker

especially from the Appalachian area, and dances of the European countries our American country dances came from. They toured Mexico last year and are doing Florida this year.

It will be a special treat for Gary and me to see them because one of their dancers, Priya Thoresen, started dancing with us a few years ago. Some of you who have danced at our house will probably remember the Thoresens. When Priya started college at Berea, she auditioned for the dance troupe and was accepted as a freshman, which is unusual. We are very proud of her!

Melbourne Musings

by Suzan Grinarml

On Jan 27 2008. our group did a half hour dance demo at Our Lady of Grace Heritage Festival in Palm Bay. There were also Columbian and Filipino children and adult folk dancers featured. After our demo, we sampled delicious ethnic foods from Latino and African countries.

On Sunday night, March 9, the South Brevard Dancers were invited to the Riverside Presbyterian Church in Cocoa Beach to perform for the youth groups of the Presbyterian, Cocoa Beach Community and Lutheran Churches. There were about 25 youth and adults present. We demonstrated Greek, Israeli, Romanian and Azerbaijani dances and then invited the kids to join in as John Daly taught dances from Macedonia, South America, France and Serbia and even threw in a contra dance. The kids were wildly enthusiastic. Some hesitated at first but all joined in after some coaxing. They seemed to catch on very quickly to the dance steps and the laughter and energy was electric. I think John caught the fever too, as he was in grand style and in costume. Fannie, Willa, Bernice and Jean wore authentic costumes as well, which added to the color and charm of the evening. We have been invited back to the Lutheran Church in Cocoa Beach for another evening of performing and teaching in the near future.

After the performance, we ate an International Dinner at Suzan's house. The menu was stuffed cabbage from Germany, spanakopita from Greece, salad and dressing from Italy and American apple pie with vanilla ice cream for dessert. The wine was from Australia.

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Gainesville Gossip Going Good

by Jack Seltzer

What a buzz it’s been in February… Disneyworld “Movies” the 1^st weekend … FFDC un-Camp the 3^rd weekend … National Folk Organization meeting the last weekend.

What a trip, as they used to say… Bring it on, as they say, in Chicago… Keep a coming, as some say in Gainesville.

We’re thrilled to be able to be part of it all. Doing Ajde Jano in our club to Lee Otterholt’s version (Balkan & Beyond Vol. 3) was tremendous – a Macedonian dance to music with some African drums is certainly unusual. Thanks go to Lee for doing such a great 12 - 13 hours of stimulation in Orlando. That dance, Ljiljino Kolo, where we run and hop across the circle was so much fun. The wave dance, Syrtos Paros where I truly felt like I was riding the waves on some Greek island was so smooth and hypnotic. I could go on and on about Lee’s dances. We did the Racine Serbian, Gori More, and the Russian, Lugovon’ka, here. Great sounds. Serbs in Racine, Wisconsin? Thanks again, Lee. And thanks, Pat & Bobby, for doing all the work for the day’s workshop at Whirl & Twirl. Great place. Nice to dance around in a circle all day while every so often passing the food counter and picking up some treats. Felt like I was on the merry-go-round in Coney Island - picking up rings when I leaned off my horse.

Meeting some of the folks from all around the country (actually world) who have contributed so much to the international folk dance scene was interesting – Bruce Mitchell, president of NFO and organizer of Stockton, and Marianne Taylor from New England. And Pat is now an elected member of the executive board. We’ve got some southeast representation now – go Pat, go.

Camp was great, as usual, this year. Susan, Sonia and Cristian were a fun teaching group. We’re doing the gypsy Te Aven Baxtale, a few nights already – exciting and doable. John Ward taught Jurelul & Opinca the last few nights. Some times it looks like we’re doing the oldie, Bunny Hop, around the dance floor.

But what a place we danced in for camp! Kenilworth Lodge. Such a unique experience. Built in 1916. Extremely well preserved. Great rooms. Pipes coming out of the walls in all sorts of places. Rocking in chairs on the huge front porch, looking down the hill to Lake Jackson.

Thanks so much to John Daly, Fannie Salerno, Jan Lathi, Willa Davidsohn and all others who gave so much to the experience at this un-Camp. Melbourne put out so much, giving us all that fine cooked food. I can eat humus all day, any day.

I'll never forget all those folks trying to put all those purple pieces into that 1,000 piece puzzle in the hotel lobby. Don’t think we ever did finish it, did we? (I actually had the patience to put in 3 pieces, but only when it was at least half done).

Let me wrap this up. On March 29^th, we’ll do our annual performance at the spring festival at Kanapaha Gardens, here in Gainesville. We’ll do about 12 - 14 dances from all over and try to entice some new folk to join us. We dance on the ground, around a huge oak tree. Well, more next month. Have to rest now and clean house, a little.

The Sarasota Grapevine Dancers

by Marie Millett

February and March have been great folk dance months. We enjoyed the FFDC Camp at Sebring. I enjoyed dancing with my friends from Manhattan, Kansas and appreciated everyone welcoming them to Florida. This was Terri's first workshop and Mark and I have been dancing together since the seventies. This was also Judy Merkt 's first folk dance workshop. I'm sure you understand why we consider ourselves fortunate to have her as a part of the Sarasota Grapevine Dancers.

The Wednesday following the Sebring weekend was a fun night for us because five of the Atlanta group, hosted by Sara and Jim Osborn, danced with us, plus Terry Abrahams, Bill Schwarz and Barbara from Tampa. Lisa, a folk dancer of Sarasota, joined to dance with David Digby, her first folk dance teacher in Orlando, when she was in her teensl It is great to have a big circle.

On March 12, we were joined by Caroline and Gary Lanker, the son and grandchildren of June and Tom Morse, and friends of Marion Hoercher from Poland. We would welcome you and I have overnight accommodations. We have been enjoying Andi's teaching of the FFDC Camp dances and Lee 's dances from the National Folk Organization workshop in Orlando.

Tampa

by Terry Abrahams

Well, there certainly has been enough dancing for awhile! And yet, there's more! Camp, excuse me, un-Camp, was quite marvelous! Most of us were there from Tampa (if only we were a larger group), and it made it a lot easier to review the dances upon returning home. However, we're looking forward to the DVD anyway. We want to send congrats to the committee. Their lunches were just great! Actually, better than the catered meal - maybe you gals should go into business! Everyone agreed this was a well presented, wonderful weekend and we’re ready for next year already! Thanks for buying so many buttons - enjoy! Thanks for laughing at the song Andi and I sang, dancing to the music Dylan and I played. (Wasn't it nice seeing Dylan dance again?!)

Sonia - hope your cold is better. The rest of us got it too, but not really from you - the whole of Florida has had either the cold or a kind of flu. Prior to camp, some of us went to a Scottish ceilidh (pronounced "kay-lay"), which was different and fun (see Dunedin Ball). Then of course there were many of us that attended the NFO conference. Meeting some of the names I've always heard of was quite exciting for me - like Mary Bee Jensen, my new idol - 90 and still going strong! And the venue for dancing couldn't be better, as we all remember from past events. Speaking of....I've finally found a venue we can afford in Tampa for Spring Fling. The one we used last year has raised their price so it's not feasible.

Next up for us Israeli dancers was Dany Benshalom and Ruthy Slann in Gainesville (see Dany and Ruthy in Gainesville); consideration is being given for Rang Tang, a few demos are on the books for our international and Israeli groups.

On the non-dancing side, I'm trying to become a fencing referee, took the test, flunked it (it's been a long time since I had to study), will have to do it again, but in person did a decent job (I think) - it was the same weekend as the NFO, so I was exhausted! I'm past my second week of radiation and except for a red (looks like sunburn) chest, I'm doing fine!

Israeli Independence Day is coming; Bill Schwarz is taking a two-step class and Judith is taking ballroom dancing; Andi is already working toward leaving us once again. Judith and Ernesto are flying around as usual. I'm going to quit by saying how good it was to see everyone, and hope it happens again soon. A mayim is a terrible thing to waste!

2008 FFDC Annual Meeting - Minutes

The meeting was called to order by the President, John Daly.

A welcome is extended to all at camp including our three teachers, Susan Lind-Sinanian, Cristian Florescu and Sonia Dion. Also a welcome and thanks to the volunteers who helped make the camp a success.

There was a motion to accept the minutes of the last meeting as published in the Newsletter. The motion was rejected and the minutes of the last meeting were read.

We have reserved the Kenilworth Lodge for 2009, February 13 through February 16.

There is an issue with doing the camp at the hotel. We cannot allow people to register at the very last minute or cancel after a certain date, as after the hotel cut-off date we are obliged to pay for the room. Next year the cut-off dates will be made very clear. There was also a questioning of all the options offered for the stay at the hotel. Caroline Lanker pointed out that we have always allowed part timers, as not everyone has the entire weekend off. It simplifies the registration to minimize the options and make it just for the weekend but it was decided that, at least for now, people will be allowed to stay part time.

Kelly and Ann Robinson suggested that we should run the weekend by allowing people to register at the hotel themselves and we just charge them for the program and meals. Dave Digby agreed with them that it would be his preference. It was agreed that this may be looked into.

John Daly mentioned that we did not include a housekeeping gratuity in our charges and everyone is responsible to provide one themselves.

The next major issue is the newsletter. Caroline Lanker and Gary will be doing more traveling and Caroline is willing to continue to provide the newsletter, but would like to be able to do several fewer newsletters during the year. She is willing to do about eight a year. The other issue is mailing the newsletter. Arleen Kauffman has been printing and mailing the newsletter but can no longer do so. Mary Jean Linn volunteered to mail the newsletter.

Terry Abrahams made a motion to allow Caroline to cut back on the newsletter to no less than six a year. Andi Kapplin seconded the motion. A vote was taken and carried.

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Caroline announced that she is getting notices of events too late. They should be sent in two to three months before the event. Dave Digby pointed out that the most important thing we can add to our website is a calendar of events.

It was announced that the Olga Princi auction will end at 1 PM on Sunday.

John Daly presented a preliminary treasurers report with an estimated balance of $5783.00.

Jan Lathi made a motion to adjourn the meeting and it was seconded by Julius Horvath.

Respectfully submitted,

Willa Davidsohn, secretary

Letters

From Raluca Rosca:

Greetings,

I was back in Gainesville in March, but missed dancing with the group on Friday the 21^st at 308 W. University Avenue. However, it was good to see a couple of folkdancing friends at a welcome party hosted by Peg and Gary on Sunday March 16. My timing was better with the Scottish group; Eric and I were able to join their Tuesday meeting.

After marrying Eric in December, I moved to Hamilton, NY (home of the 2,500 students of Colgate University).

If anybody is interested in pictures from the wedding, see www.brides.com/weddingwebsite/

ericandraluca/albums

I am now waiting for my work permit and other immigration papers, swing dancing once a week with the local group and otherwise trying to enjoy the snow :(

Other than that, we are searching for jobs together starting in Fall, as Eric's position here ends in May. So let us know if you hear about an

astronomer/physicist/programmer/librarian position and a mathematics/engineering position in 60 miles of each other.

See you soon dancing,

Raluca

From David Digby:

This is not a big item in terms of text, but here is a link to a YouTube video of "Dutch Crossing" in which I participated. It's a very interesting dance. www.youtube.com/watch?v=xt_Twu6lyQM

(If you really want to study the video, I have a DVD with much better resolution.)

The dance is performed by the Chattahoochee Country Dancers. I dance with them nearly every Friday night, and I'm on the Steering Committee. Dorothy participates several times a year, but knows many of the regulars.

This is really a contra dance group, with a few squares. The demo was kind of an oddball bit dragged in by Seth Tepfer, one of our more fantastic callers. Some folks in Florida may recognize his name – he gets around a lot.

David Digby

Spring Fling – May 10

by Terry Abrahams

Alrighty! We found a venue and are ready for action! This year the Spring Fling will be held in the Pinellas Park Auditorium on May 10. We will begin at 10 AM, break for a covered dish lunch around noon, and dance until 5 PM or possibly a little later (the contra group needs to be in there at 6). This building is the contra-dance building, and a contra dance will begin at 7:30 PM (for beginner lessons) or 8 PM (for regular dancing). They also play other dance music such as waltzes and sometimes a hambo during the break around 9 PM. This will allow you to double dip, as you can dash out and eat dinner and come back and contra dance! The price for our Spring Fling will be $5.00 for the day. FYI, Contra is $7 – so what a deal you’re getting for the SF! All day for $5.00!

Directions: The address for Pinellas Park Auditorium is 7690 59^th St. in Pinellas Park. From I-275, take Exit 28 (Old 15), also known as Gandy. Go west on Gandy Blvd, continue over US 19 onto Park Blvd (Gandy becomes Park). Turn right at 58^th St. onto Railroad Way (just before the RR tracks); jog onto 59^th St. N. Auditorium is on the left. Park next to the building or across the street. The building is next door to a police station, and the building itself looks like an old church (I think it was a church at one time.) Any questions? Email me or call me. See you soon!

Events

NFO and Liability Insurance

by Pat Henderson

The National Folk Organization (NFO) announced in its February newsletter that liability insurance is included in its membership. Here is an excerpt written by Mars Longden: "The NFO is pleased to announce that it has initiated liability insurance coverage for all of its members. This coverage was put in place as of October 15, 2007 and is effective through October 15, 2008. The policy is with the New Hampshire Insurance Company, a member of the American International Group. Its coverage includes $2M in overall general liability, with $1M liability coverage for each occurrence, $100K for premise damages to any one premise and $5K for medical expenses to any one person."

If you are a teacher or leader of a group, you may want to consider this advantage and join NFO. Membership info can be found on their web site at: www.nfo-usa.org. The dues are $30 individual, $40 household, and $50 group. FFDC might want to consider joining since we have paid hundreds in insurance in the past.

Berea College Country Dancers to Tour

This dance troupe from Berea College, Kentucky, performs western European and American country dances, illustrating the connections between them, plus audience participation dancing, with live music. Contact Mary Thoresen, 863-635-9366, for information about all performances.

Monday March 31 at Disney World Magic Kingdom

Location: Galaxy Palace Theater in Tomorrowland

Time: 4 – 4:30 PM

Tuesday April 1 at Bok Tower Gardens (Historic Bok Sanctuary)

Time: 2 – 3 PM

There is an admission fee of $10 per person to enter Bok Tower Gardens.

Bok Tower is on the north side of Lake Wales, east of US 27, 863-676-1408, http://boksanctuary.org

Thursday, April 3 at Heart Missionary Training Institute

Place: Warner Southern College, 5 ½ miles south of Lake Wales on US 27.

Time: 7 PM. Refreshments following – bring something sweet or salty to share.

Admission is free but donations are accepted.

Directions to Heart: Turn west off of US 27 on the main road into Warner Southern College. After the second speed bump, at the entrance to the college parking lot, turn left and follow the dirt road on the left side of the parking area. A sign by the dirt road entrance says "Soccer Field; Heart". Go one mile to the Institute. (The Heart facility is a simulated a third world village – the potholed dirt road is part of the ambiance.)

April 4-6 Rang Tang 35th Year

Teacher: Yuliyan Yordanov, Bulgarian

Music: The Zelyaskov Family of Atlanta

Location: Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, 5240 Memorial Dr., Stone Mountain, GA 30083

Time: Friday 7:30 PM - Midnight; Saturday 8:30 AM - Midnight; Sunday 9:30 AM - 1 PM

Contact: Liz Nunan 404-292-7176, liznunan@hotmail.com or Mary Turlington, 770-270-6884, maryturl@juno.com

Saturday May 10 Mayfair Ball

English Country Dance

Music by Full Circle Band

Place: St. Cloud Senior Citizen Center, 3101 17th Street, St. Cloud, FL

Contact: Pam Russo, 407-284-1955, stcloudecd@yahoo.com;

Catie Condran Geist, 321-427-3587, catiegeist@att.net.

May 17-18 Orlando Israeli Dance Workshop

With choreographer Shmulik Gov-Ari

Place: Jewish Community Center of Greater Orlando

Contact Debbie Meitin, 407-788-7277, dmeitin@cfl.rr.com

July 4 – 7 Israeli & International Folk Dance Weekend

Choreographer and Instructor: Ira Weisburd. Workshops at all levels; special International Line Dance Workshop.

Place: Hudson Valley Resort and Spa, Kerhonkson, NY, www.hudsonvalleyresort.com

Price: (4 Days, 3 Nights): $450 (Double Occupancy)

Contact: Sasha Gottlieb, 212-929-5698, sashjac@rcn.com

Renew Your FFDC Membership

Now is the time to renew your membership with FFDC, if you haven't already done so (unless you are one of the very few whose memberships expire at a different time of year). If you don't renew, March will be the last month you will receive the Florida Folk Dancer, if you get a mailed copy, or receive email notification of its availability on the website and significant announcements by FFDC. FFDC members will also receive a copy of the FFDC membership list. Please continue to support FFDC, the vital glue which cements together our small and sparse community of international folk dancers in Florida and nearby areas.

Florida Folk Dance Council, Inc.

MEMBERSHIP FORM

Last Name: ______________________________ First Name: _________________________

Address:____________________________________________________________________

City: _____________________________________State: __________ ZIP _______________

Email: __________________________________________ Phone: ____________________

If you include an email address, will receive an announcement when the FFDC newsletter, the Florida Folk Dancer, has been posted on the webpage, before it is mailed, as well as other notifications to members. You may choose to receive a mailed copy of the newsletter instead of or in addition to the email announcements.

FFDC Membership With paper newsletter Without paper newsletter

Single 15.00 _________ 10.00 __________

Family 20.00 _________ 15.00 __________

Make check payable to: FFDC Any questions

Mail To: Call: Jan at 386-447-8396

Jan Lathi email: amarjan1@bellsouth.net.

38 St. Andrews Ct. Web page: www.folkdance.org

Palm Coast, FL

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Please note: The Florida Folk Dancer prints information on folk dance tours, camps and other events that may be of interest to our readers. This does not imply an endorsement or recommendation of any tour or camp (except our own FFDC events!).

International Folk Dance Tours

View two dances choreographed by Ira Weisburd: "Sonata" and "Borat" at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_r1irRTji44 and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=188lKJOA5gw.

June 17 – 29 Romanian Dance Tour

Led by Theodor and Lia Vasilescu and Marin Barbu.

Contact: Ping Chun

49 Junard Drive, Morristown, NJ 07960

973-539-70920, ping.chun@att.net.

July 25 – August 4 Jim Gold Tour – Hungary

Led by Adam Molnar.

Includes Jaszbereny and Matyo Folk Festivals

October 19 – 31 Jim Gold Tour – Greece and the Greek Islands

Led by Jim Gold and Lee Otterholt.

Santorini extension Oct. 30 - Nov. 2

For complete information on Jim Gold Tours, see www.jimgold.com. Or contact Jim Gold International at (201) 836-0362, jimgold@jimgold.com

Newsletter Editor: Caroline Lanker

1963 S. Lake Reedy Blvd.

Frostproof, FL 33843

863-635-9366

lanker2@attglobal.net

Submissions: Send all newsletter submissions to the Editor during the last week of the month, to be published the first week of the next month. Electronic submissions are preferred.

Copyright: Articles in the Florida Folk Dancer are copyright by the Florida Folk Dance Council, Inc., or by their individual authors.

Subscriptions are $15 per year and include membership in the Florida Folk Dance Council. The membership year runs from one Annual Camp (usually February) to the next. The newsletter is posted on the FFDC website and members with e-mail addresses are notified of its availability. Subscribers/members can also request printed copies to be mailed to them.

FFDC Website: www.folkdance.org

FLORIDA FOLK DANCER

Florida Folk Dancer is a monthly publication of the Florida Folk Dance Council, Inc., a non-profit corporation whose purpose is to further knowledge, performance, and recreational enjoyment of International Folk Dance.

2007 FFDC OFFICERS:

President: John Daly

321-482-6818

jdaly@palmnet.net

VP: Fannie Salerno

772-664-0580

fansale@aol.com

Treasurer: Jan Lathi

386-447-8396

amarjan1@bellsouth.net

Secretary: Willa Davidsohn

321-254-7090

annona2@earthlink.net

Historian: Dan Lampert

PO Box 151719

Altamonte Springs, FL 32715

dan300@dlc2.com

Return Address:

Florida Folk Dancer

38 St. Andrews Ct.

Palm Coast, FL 32137

USA

FIRST CLASS


*March/April 2008*
Contents President's Letter FFDC un-Camp Group Photo FFDC un-Camp in Rhyme Camp Perspective from a "Newby" Song for 2008 FFDC un-Camp Dany and Ruthy in Gainesville NFO Annual Conference un-Camp Review Dunedin Ball Babiak Dance Ensemble From the Editor Melbourne Musings Gainesville Gossip Going Good Sarasota Grapevine Dancers Tampa FFDC Annual Meeting Minutes Spring Fling – May 10 Letters NFO and Liability Insurance Berea Country Dancers to Tour Events International Folk Dance Tours Renew Your FFDC Membership		President's Letter I'm still enjoying pleasant memories from un-Camp. The camp DVD should be in our hands by the time you read this. Our group has been enjoying several of the dances, and with the DVD to give us confidence we'll start working on the rest. From the volunteer's point of view, un-Camp was a much less stressful experience. The kitchen crew worked hard, but they enjoy their own system of rooming and working together. Sometimes we try to help them and sometimes we just watch in amazement and keep out of their way. The biggest help for next year will be arranging in advance for someone to meet them and help bring the food and equipment in from the cars. And of course, at the end of camp, stow the equipment back in the cars. Also for next year, I need to do a better job coordinating the Olga Princi Auction and the swap meet table. Thanks to Wanda for accepting that task on short notice for 2008. And a volunteer stepped up at the NFO workshop to handle that job next year. The music also seemed to go smoothly. We had two volunteers to run the sound system. They were able to spell each other as the weekend went on, and I hope both got to do a fair amount of dancing. As we approach next year, the other officers and I will be talking with everybody to line up the rest of the tasks. Meanwhile, again, thanks to everybody for pitching in and proving that folk dancers are a fine group of people.
		The minutes cover much of the discussion at the annual meeting. We'll be talking about the ideas and suggestions as the year goes on. I did ask the hotel group coordinator about the best way to assign rooms. Hotel staff very much want us to handle room assignments, and our room rate is based on the understanding that FFDC will do that.

			Susan Lind-Sinanian
Sonia Dion and Cristian Florescu	Dancing, with columns, at un-Camp Photos by Caroline Lanker and Cristian Florescu
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