Come enjoy an afternoon of folk-style dances from Europe and especially the Balkans, with LIVE MUSIC by Tom Pixton, Ben Powell, and Niki Yeracaris, in the U.S. tradition of International Folk Dance! No experience required — beginners welcome.

Who is this dance for?  This dance is run by younger members of the folk dance community, and is youth-focused (i.e. young adults), but not youth-exclusive. It is intended as a space for lively folk dancing and youthful energy to flourish, for beginners and experienced dancers alike. If this sounds like the space for you, then please join in!

When: 2-4:15pm on Saturday, March 2, 2024 (pre-registration required)

Where: The Dance Complex (Central Square, Cambridge MA) (first floor, across from welcome desk)

Please wear soft-soled, non-street shoes to protect the floor!

Some street parking is available, but public transit is recommended.

Cost: sliding scale $0~$20 ($10 suggested)

Program:

2-2:30 pre-teaching (dances that will be done later)

2:30-4:15 open dancing, cycling through:

Accessible dances (no teaching)

Medium-level dances, with brief walkthroughs

Advanced dances (enjoy the dance or enjoy the show!)

No partner or experience is required. This dance is mask-optional.

What is International Folk Dance?

International Folk Dancing traces its origins back to at least the early 20th century, and is practiced today by communities of dancers around the world. In the folk dance community in the Boston area, IFD mostly consists of a repertoire of dances from and inspired by folk dance culture from Europe and neighboring areas, with a focus on the Balkans. This vast repertoire of dances ranges from traditional to choreographed, line to partner, fast to slow, and straightforward to complex. Many dances have been passed down for decades in the U.S., while new ones are still brought to the community at annual dance camps and other events.

The tradition emphasizes community, revels in the joy of dance, and celebrates the beauty of music and movement from a variety of cultures. It includes dances that are accessible to complete novices, while also providing opportunities for even the most experienced dancers to continue learning.

Other IFD events in the area

BALKAN MUSIC NIGHT: March 16 • Big party, mixed-level, live music • Somerville

NEFFA: April 19-21 • Folk festival including a wide variety of dance and music • Marlborough MA

Folk Arts Center events (see their website for more):

Thursdays (biweekly): experienced, in Arlington

Fridays (biweekly): mixed-level, lots of teaching, in Arlington

Saturdays (monthly): mixed-level party, no teaching, in Belmont

Dance with Andy Taylor: Fridays (biweekly) • Lots of teaching • Somerville

Zdravets: Saturdays (monthly) • mixed-level party, Bulgarian/Macedonian • Waltham

Tuesday Night Revival: Saturdays (monthly) • experienced party, mostly Balkan • Waltham

Questions? Want to get involved? Contact Taylor Yeracaris at 617-631-5498 / ctay@yyci.com

All photos thanks to Sue Flint