July 19: July Birthdays and Anniversaries

CakeThis Friday at dancing:
John DJs, Denise assists.
July Birthdays and Anniversaries.
John ScalesDenise FynmoreEnjoy a lively evening of folk dancing DJ’d by John Scales. John will be assisted by Denise Fynmore. Do you or a fellow dancer have a birthday or anniversary in July? Come to folk dancing to celebrate with song, dance, and cake!
Lisa DielmanKathleen McDonaghTeaching: Lisa Dielman will kick off the evening presenting a couple of newcomer dances. Then, Kathleen McDonagh will review Hora Miresii and Busiocul.
Kathleen has provided some interesting links related to this week’s review:
Busiocul (as demonstrated by Lee Otterholt);
Hora Miresii (led by Nico Hilferink, the teacher who introduced the dance);
Hora Miresii lyrics.
Elizabeth StehlContra: Our Contra this week will be called by Elizabeth Stehl.

For more information and loads of other fun stuff, check out this week’s newsletter.


Friday, July 19, 7-9:45 pm.
Admission fee is $5 for those 18 and older.
There is no fee for those under 18,
but they must be supervised by a designated person 18 or older.
Hancock Recreation Center (HRC)

July 12: Franklin DJs, Janie assists.

This Friday at dancing:
Franklin DJs, Janie assists.
Franklin HoustonJanie HopkinsFranklin Houston will be the DJ with one of his classic programs. He will be assisted by Janie Hopkins.
Lisa DielmanKathleen McDonaghTeaching: Lisa Dielman will kick off the evening presenting a couple of newcomer dances. Then, Kathleen McDonagh will teach Hora Miresii and Busiocul.
Nana LopezContra: Our Contra this week will be called by Nana Lopez. This is Nana’s birthday, so come and sing Happy Birthday to her after the Contra.
For more information and loads of other fun stuff, check out this week’s newsletter.


Friday, July 12, 7-9:45 pm.
Admission fee is $5 for those 18 and older.
There is no fee for those under 18,
but they must be supervised by a designated person 18 or older.
Hancock Recreation Center (HRC)

July 5: Independence Day Party!!

Flag and fireworksThis Friday at dancing:
Independence Day Party!!!
Holly DJs, Denise assists.
Enjoy a fun and lively evening of folk dancing this Friday as we celebrate July 4th the dayHolly PlotnerDenise Fynmore after with our “Independence Day Party”!! For this party, you could wear red, white, and/or blue, or you could bring some snacks that are red, white, and/or blue. The possibilities are endless! Also, since there is no formal teaching (we may do walk-throughs), we can get the party started early!! Holly Plotner will be our DJ. She will be assisted by Denise Fynmore.
For more information and loads of other fun stuff, check out this week’s newsletter.


Friday, July 5, 7-9:45 pm.
Admission fee is $5 for those 18 and older.
There is no fee for those under 18,
but they must be supervised by a designated person 18 or older.
Hancock Recreation Center (HRC)

June 28: Franklin DJs, David assists.

This Friday at dancing:
Franklin DJ’s, David assists.
Enjoy a fun and lively evening of folk dancing this Friday.Franklin HoustonDavid Liang Our DJ will be Franklin Houston. As always, he’ll play some of his favorites from the past, recently taught dances, and your requests. Franklin will be assisted by David Liang.
Lisa DielmanMadeline BrockTeaching: Lisa Dielman and Madeline Brock will each teach a few beginner dances and and review some previously taught dances.
Elizabeth StehlContra: Our Contra this week will be called by Elizabeth Stehl.
For more information and loads of other fun stuff, check out this week’s newsletter.


Friday, June 28, 7-9:45 pm.
Admission fee is $5 for those 18 and older.
There is no fee for those under 18,
but they must be supervised by a designated person 18 or older.
Hancock Recreation Center (HRC)

Nelda Drury

Nelda Drury
April 23, 1918 – February 21, 2019.
Nelda Drury It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of Nelda Drury. Nelda left us peacefully on February 21st.

We extend our condolences to her daughter Elizabeth Newton and her son Jimmy Drury.

Nelda’s inspiration and passion for folk dancing cannot be overstated. A 1995 Ford Salute to Education Award summarizes this contribution nicely:

“Nelda Guerrero-Drury is recognized nationally and locally as one of the most prominent figures in performing arts – specifically International Folk Dance. She is an inspiring individual who has contributed over 40 years of her life teaching folk dance to many students and educators in San Antonio and throughout the world.”

Nelda was a founder of the San Antonio Folk Dance Festival, which celebrates is 61st anniversary on March 14-17.

A wonderful biography of Nelda can be found on the socialfolkdance.org website.

A church service will be at Covenant Presbyterian Church on 211 Roleto Dr., Saturday March 9, 2-4 pm. Luncheon and dance after the service.

From Our Prez

Tips for new, and not so new, dancers
from your president.
Denise FynmoreMy goal for all dancers on Friday nights is for them to spend as much time as possible doing the dances they enjoy. I want to give you a few tips here that may help you do that.

(1) Come at 7:00 for the teaching whenever possible.
(2) When you learn a dance you like, also learn the name of the dance. Write it down if necessary.
(3) Over the following weeks, request that dance by writing it on the request list on the music table.
(4) If you see a dance being done that you like, but don’t know it, ask someone or find the name on the board, then you can request that it be taught! There are now two forms at the music table:. One to request dances to be done that night and one to request dances to be taught.

We WANT you to request dances!! The programmers can’t read your mind, so let them know what you want. Yes, I know the dance names are difficult(!), but the names of the dances done each week are written on the board, so write them down or take a photo of the board. I have recently started including the names of dances taught the previous week in the newsletter, along with VIDEOS of them when available. This gives you the opportunity to review and practice at home. A website, folkdancemusings.blogspot.com, has the history, dance notes, and videos of almost every dance I’ve ever heard of, so you can look them up at home if you want to review or learn dances

Teaching requests?

From your AIFD Teaching Director:

Sharon CasteelIs there a dance you especially want to learn, or that you can’t quite get by following behind the line? Send your teaching requests to Sharon at teaching_director@aifd.cc; she’ll see what can go on the teaching schedule for summer and fall. – Sharon Casteel
« Previous Entries