Lisa Horn Dielman will be our DJ this week. Lisa will be assisted by Kathleen McDonagh.
New, Do, Review (NDR)
Franklin Houston will teach Floricica, which the Balkan Singers will perform live.
Live Music!!!
Come enjoy the lively and very danceable tunes of the Austin Balkan Singers, accompanied on the accordion by Austin’s own Don Weeda (with a short electric set in between the two ABS sets).
Holly Plotner will be our DJ this week. Holly will be assisted by Donna Baker.
New, Do, Review
In addition to DJ-ing this week, Holly will review the dances that she taught two weeks ago: Ooska Gookas, Pandalaš, and Chikulata Chikita. Also Misi Tsurikov will teach Potkorak, a Croatian dance that John Rodi taught at SAFDF 2025.
John (Janos) Scales will be our DJ this week. He will be assisted by Donna Baker.
New, Do, Review
This week at NDR Franklin Houston will review the dances he taught last week – Tanuló szerba, Slow Vranjanka, Fast Vranjanka, Drhtavac/Pagaruša; and teach the Macedonian ‘Krsteno’ dance in 9/8 rhythm: Katuše Mome/Što Mi Je Milo..
Madeline Brock will be our DJ this week. Madeline will be assisted by Mark Edwards. Madeline will run an all request program. So bring your list of favorite dances.
New, Do, Review
This week for NDR Rebecca Hample will review Tourdion which Holly taught last week. Then Franklin Houston will teach some of the dances he presented at SAFDF 2025. He’ll be selecting from this list: Tanuló szerba, Slow Vranjanka, Fast Vranjanka, Katuše Mome/Što Mi Je Milo, Čuješ Mala, and Drhtavac/Pagaruša.
Our DJ this week will be Mike Revesz. Mike will be assisted by Jeff Kessel.
New, Do, Review
This week at NDR we will review some of dances we have taught in the past few weeks. Then Franklin Houston will teach the Thracian râčenica, which Homegrown will play that evening.
Homegrown!!!
Then at 7:45 enjoy (and dance to) the live music of Homegrown!!!
– Livin’ the greek life; – Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-25, 2025; – 414 St Stephens School Rd, Austin, TX 78746; – $5 admission; – Cashless .. credit cards only.
This week we celebrate our volunteers with a Volunteer Appreciation Night. Volunteers make our Friday night gatherings successful: DJs, assistants, teachers, board members, and many more. For this special night they have submitted their favorite dances which will make up the program. Donna Baker and Rebecca Hample will lead the program. Pat Potts will assist.
Our DJ this week will be Anthony Toprac. Anthony will be assisted by Donna Baker.
New, Do, Review Hungarian Dances from Sárköz
This week at NDR enjoy another special teaching treat as Csardas introduces Hungarian Dances from Sárköz. Sárköz is part of south Hungary next to Danube River.
Live Music!!!
This week enjoy the lively and danceable tunes of Amanda Kitchens and members of Carnival of Sound.
April Birthdays!!! This week we will celebrate April Birthdays.
Our DJ this week will be Kathleen Yoder. Kathleen will be assisted by Mark Edwards.
New, Do, Review Hungarian Dances from Moldva
This week at NDR enjoy a special teaching treat as Csardas introduces Hungarian Dances from Moldva. Moldva is part of old Romania (not Transylvania). It is home to a group of Hungarian villages and a special old style circle dances.
Next Week: Amanda Kitchens Carnival of Sounds. April Birthdays!!!
Ever wonder about the origins of folk dancing in Austin? Check out this hand written history from the 1960s. Thanks to Dena and Franklin Houston for preserving this.
CTX Learning Festival is on for 2025! Start planning how you’ll learn across Central Texas through the event page.
AIFD is participating in the Central TX Learning Festival on March 7 and our usual hours, at Hancock. Free evening for everyone, with lots of beginner teaching.
This week’s program: Our DJ this week will be Misi Tsurikov. Misi will be assisted by Mark Edwards.
This week’s program: Our DJ this week will be Anthony Toprac. Anthony will be assisted by Donna Baker.
New, Do, Review
This week as NDR, Kathleen McDonagh will review Megdansko Horo and Holly Plotner will review Čoček Za Merak, a Roma dance brought to us by Jaap Leegwater.
February Birthdays
This week come celebrate February Anniversaries and Birthdays. Treats will be provied.
This week’s program: Our DJ this week will be Holly Plotner. Holly will be assisted by Kathleen McDonagh.
New, Do, Review
This week for NDR, Anne Alexander and Franklin Houston will review Sweatheart Waltz. Also, in addition to DJ-ing and assisting, Holly and Kathleen will teach something great.
Our DJ this week will be Kathleen Yoder. Kathleen will be assisted by Kym Oltrogge.
New, Do, Review
This week in NDR Kathleen McDonagh will review Paharelul and Anne Alexander will review Žensko Makedonsko Oro, both from 2024 Texas Camp. Franklin Houston and Lisa Horn Dielman will teach Batuta, Foxtrot, and Texas Two-Step.
Austin Balkan Singers:
This week we’ll be treated to the enchanting tunes of the Austin Balkan Singers, accompanied by Don Weeda.
Our DJ this week will be Franklin Houston. Franklin will be assisted by Mark Edwards.
New, Do, Review
This week in NDR Kathleen McDonagh will review Shivers and teach Paharulul – from 2024 Texas Camp. Anne Alexander will teach Žensko Makedonsko Oro and review Toičevo Kolo, both from 2024 Texas Camp.
Our DJ this week will be Lisa Horn Dielman. Lisa will be assisted by Jeff Kessel. Lisa is feeling the holiday spirit and invites you to join in with some fun holiday tunes and Christmas head-wear!
New, Do, Review
This week in NDR Kathleen McDonagh will review Divčibarska Kolo, which Misi taught last week. She will also teach two dances from camp: Haire Mamougeh taught by Joan Bennett, and Shivers taught by Nick and Melissa Enge.
Our DJ this week will be Madeline Brock. Madeline will be assisted by Kathleen McDonagh.
New, Do, Review
This week in NDR Misi Tsurikov will teach two dances from camp, Divčibarsko Kolo from Serbia, that was taught by Joan Bennett; and Marbridge Mixer, which is a new dance choreographed right here in Austin and taught to us by Nick and Melissa Enge. Also, Rebecca Hample will review the two dances she taught last week: Kouresh from Kyrgyzstan, and Le’or Chi Yu Chech from Israel.
Homegrown!!!
This week we’ll be treated to the live music of Homegrown!!!
Our DJ this week will be Holly Plotner. Holly will be assisted by John “Janos” Scales. Holly writes “Texas Camp Retrospective! Friday’s program will focus on the dances taught at this year’s TX Camp. Let’s practice what we learned and show everyone who didn’t attend how much fun we had.”
New, Do, Review
>This week we’ll be treated to a dance taught at last week’s Texas Camp!!
Our DJ this week will be Anthony Toprac. Anthony will be assisted by Cat Thompson.
New, Do, Review
This week in NDR: Holly Plotner will review Valle Pogoniste, taught last week. Then Dee McCandless will review Hestekaren, also taught last week. Rebecca Hample will then treat us to some additional great teaching.
Enjoy a lively evening of folk dancing DJ’d by Lisa Horn Dielman. Lisa will be assisted by Kym Oltrogge.
New, Do, Review
Madeline Brock and Rebecca Hample will teach. Madeline will review the 3 dances she introduced last week: Kortanc (Hungary), Ajnzerica (Croatia), and Koroglu (Turkey).
Enjoy a lively evening of folk dancing DJ’d by Madeline Brock. Madeline will be assisted by Rebecca Hample.
New, Do, Review
Robert Sampson will review Cicerenella, the Italian dance he introduced last week. The evening will also include “reviews by request” conducted by several teachers. So have your list of dances ready.
Enjoy a lively evening of folk dancing DJ’d by Holly Plotner. Holly will be assisted by Jeff Kessel.
New, Do, Review
Robert Sampson will kick off the evening by teaching the requested dance Cicerenella. He will be followed by “reviews by request” conducted by several teachers. So have your list of dances ready.
Enjoy a lively evening of folk dancing DJ’d by Mike Revesz. Mike will be assisted by Kym Oltrogge.
New, Do, Review
Franklin Houston and Lisa Horn Dielman will conclude their tour of COOL Texas standards. We’ll practice the Texas One Step and Texas Two Step and sample a little bit of Texas Triple Two Step. Be sure to make this final week; we’ll start boot scootin’ right at 7PM!
Enjoy a lively evening of folk dancing DJ’d by Kathleen Yoder. She will be assisted by Kathleen McDonagh.
New, Do, Review
This week, Franklin Houston and Lisa Horn Dielman continue their tour of some COOL Texas standards. We’ll continue exploring Texas One Step and add on Texas Two Step, with perhaps a little bit of Texas Triple Two Step. If you didn’t catch the first week, be sure to be there at 7PM so you won’t miss a thing!
Enjoy a lively evening of folk dancing DJ’d by Anthony Toprac. Anthony will be assisted by Pat Potts.
New, Do, Review
Join Kathleen McDonagh for two dances with beautiful songs that make you want to sing along: Tou Paradeisou Lemonia (“Lemon Tree of Paradise”) and Bulgaria dance Sadi Moma. Kathleen will also review Cimpoi, recently taught by Lisa Horn Dielman.
Enjoy a lively evening of folk dancing DJ’d by Kathleen Yoder. Kathleen will be assisted by Donna Baker.
New, Do, Review
Lisa Horn Dielman will teach Cimpoi. Then Lisa and others will do Reviews by Request! This is where we take requests from the class for review. It doesn’t have to be a whole dance – it can be a transition, a small part of a dance, or a few steps that need a little revisit. All are welcome!
July Birthdays
This week we’ll celebrate those with birthdays in July!!
Lisa Horn Dielman and Franklin Houston will co-host a fun evening of dancing, featuring recently taught dances and old favorites
New, Do, Review
Franklin Houston will review the dances he presented last week: Rukavice (Slavonian/Croatian), Mandinades (Greek island dances), and Floricica/Floričika (Bulgarian Vlach). Lisa Horn Dielman will then teach Schottische d’Auvergne (French) and Cimpoi (Romanian)
Balkan Singers & Live Music
This week we’ll be treated to the lively and danceable tunes of the Austin Balkan Singers. Live music will also be provided by Don Weeda
Later Franklin Houston will present dances popular at AIFD 50 years ago – Rukavice, a Slavonian/Croatian circle dance; Mandinades, a medley of three easy line dances from the Greek islands of Crete, Rhodes, and Ikaria; and Floricica/Floričika, a Bulgarian Vlach line dance.
Enjoy a fun evening of dancing DJ’d by Madeline Brock. Madeline will be assisted by Pat Potts.
New, Do, Review
This week in New, Do and Review Holly Plotner will teach us three dances: Mahala Mori Shej, by Steve and Susan Kotansky, to haunting Roma music. Introduced to AIFD just before Covid lockdown; Minka, from Yves Moreau, an easy Bulgarian women’s dance. An old favorite of ours. Auauauau, by Romanian choreographer Daniel Sandu, learned from Roberto Bagnoli. An easy, sassy dance to fun contemporary music. Come early – you don’t want to miss this!
Enjoy a fun evening of dancing DJ’d by Lisa Horn Dielman. Lisa will be assisted by Kathleen McDonagh.
New, Do, Review
This week in Summer School by Request! In addition to assisting, Kathleen McDonagh will review two dances she taught two weeks ago – Sandansko Horo and Sedi Donka. She will also teach Tsakonikos. All are welcome at 7 to New, Do and Review!
Enjoy a fun evening of dancing DJ’d by Holly Plotner. Holly will be assisted by Mark Edwards.
New, Do, Review
This week we are continuing with Summer School by Request! in New, Do and Review.
By special request, Donna Hinman and Roy Hinman will teach St. Bernard’s Waltz. Lisa_Horn_Dielman and Rebecca Hample will review Maple Leaf Rag, which was taught two weeks ago, and Lisa will review Bavno Horo, which she taught last week. Come at 7 to enjoy the fun! All are welcome!”
Enjoy a fun evening of dancing DJ’d by Kathleen Yoder. Kathleen will be assisted by Misi Tsurikov.
Live Music!!!
This week we’ll be treated to the lively tunes of Prosciutto Bandits!!!
New, Do, Review
Join the team of teachers Madeline Brock, Kathleen McDonagh, and Lisa Horn Dielman at New, Do and Review as they go over some of the dances that Prosciutto Bandits will be playing live on Friday!
Enjoy a fun evening of dancing DJ’d by Madeline Brock. Madeline will be assisted by Dee McCandless.
New, Do, Review
This week is the beginning of Summer School by Request in New, Do and Review. This week Rebecca Hample and Misi Tsurikov will review Salty Dog Rag, and Maple Leaf Rag. If time permits, they will teach the basic Texas Two Step. Come at 7 to start the summer fun!
Enjoy a fun evening of dancing DJ’d by Misi Tsurikov. Misi will be assisted by Donna Baker.
May Birthdays and the Texas Camp Band!!!
This week we’ll celebrate those with birthdays in May and dance to the tunes performed by the Texas Camp Band!!
New, Do, Review
In New, Do and Review this week Franklin Houston will review Sardana. By request, Rebecca Hample will teach Salty Dog Rag. Everyone come at 7 for the fun!
Reminder, HRC is closed this week. Instead we will meet at Dancers Workshop Austin*, 11150 Research Blvd #205, Austin(map). *Please wear soft soled, non-marking shoes to dance in. Also no food or drinks except water in a closed container.
This week’s program:
Enjoy a fun evening of dancing DJ’d by Madeline Brock. Madeline will be assisted by Misi Tsurikov.
New, Do, Review
This week in New, Do and Review: In celebration of our demonstration at Atria Senior Living on Thursday, and the Greek Festival this weekend Misi Tsurikov, Rebecca Hample and Madeline Brock will teach Greek dances. Everyone come join the fun. Yasou!
Volunteer Appreciation Night!!!Join us for a special evening where we will recognize the many teachers, DJs, assistants, and other volunteers who made this year a success!
This week’s program:
Enjoy a fun evening of dancing DJ’d by Dee McCandless. Dee will be assisted by Misi Tsurikov.
New, Do, Review
This week in New, Do, Review Holly Plotner will review the SAFDF dances she taught last week: Kaži Suto from Serbia and Al Je Ljepo from the Croatian minority in present day Hungary. And by request, Franklin Houston will teach Sardana from Catalonia.
Enjoy a fun evening of dancing DJ’d by Anthony Toprac. Anthony will be assisted by John (Janos) Scales.
New, Do, Review
This week for New, Do, and Review Holly Plotner will review the dances she taught last week – Draganinata from Bulgaria, Vallja e Pllanës from Albania, and Fado Portugues, a Sacred Circle dance. Then she will teach two dances from SAFDF – Kazi Suto from Serbia and Aj Je Ljepo from Croatia. Come join the fun!”
Elections of Directors for AIFD for 2024 will be held during dancing on Friday, May 10, 2024, at Hancock Recreation Center. Current members of AIFD are eligible to vote.
Enjoy a fun evening of dancing DJ’d by Kathleen Yoder.
Teaching
Come to New, Do and Review at 7 for some easy new dances taught by Holly Plotner and Anne Alexander. Their main teaching will be Vallja e Pllanës, a fun Albanian dance – with scarves!
Enjoy a fun evening dancing DJ’d by John (Janos) Scales. John will be assisted by Jeff Kessel.
Celebration!!!
This week we’ll celebrate March Birthdays and Anniversaries!!!
Teaching:
Rebecca Hample will review the Dandiya, taught two weeks ago by Anu Niampally of Austin Dance India. Rebecca will then teach some dances from last week’s SAFDF.
This Friday, March 22 – AIFD will not meet at Hancock. Instead we hope to see you at SAFDF 2024.
March 22-24: San Antonio Folklife and Dance Festival! This year’s teachers: Andy Taylor-Blenis (international), Miroslav “Bata” Marcetic (Serbian), Zeljko Jergan (Croatian). Live music from Shirley Johnson and Slavadillo. Registration and complete details at safdf.org.
Enjoy a fun evening dancing DJ’d by Madeline Brock. Madeline will be assisted by Misi Tsurikov.
Mini Workshop 7-8 pm:
This week we will kick off the evening with teaching by Anu Niampally of Austin Dance India. Anu will introduce some traditional dances from India. Please arrive at 7 to take full advantage of this fun event.
Enjoy a fun evening of your favorite classics and recently-taught dances (and maybe a surprise or two) DJ’d by Franklin Houston. Franklin will be assisted by Pearl Ohlsson.
Live Music:
This week we’ll be treated to the dance tunes of Prosciutto Bandits!!!
Teaching:
This week New, Do and Review will focus on Review. Rebecca Hample, Kathleen McDonagh, and Holly Plotner will review dances taught in the past few weeks. This will include De Secerat, an easy Romanian dance set to upbeat music from Sonia & Cristian, which Holly will review. Everyone is welcome!
AIFD Mini Workshop March 15, 7-8 pm
On Friday, March 15, during the teaching hour, AIFD will host a mini workshop with Anu Niampally of Austin Dance India. Anu will introduce some traditional dances from India.
Enjoy a lively evening of folk dancing DJ’d by Kathleen Yoder. Kathleen will be assisted by Anne Alexander.
Teaching: Come enjoy some lively teaching by Kathleen McDonaugh.
AIFD Mini Workshop March 15, 7-8 pm
On Friday, March 15, during the teaching hour, AIFD will host a mini workshop with Anu Niampally of Austin Dance India. Anu will introduce some traditional dances from India.
Enjoy a lively evening of folk dancing DJ’d by Lisa Horn Dielman. Lisa will be assisted by Donna Baker.
Teaching: This week Rebecca Hample will review Hai Ne Ne Ne that Emily Doubt taught last week. Emily will be out of town, and sends her “grapiest” wishes. By request, there will also be a Shimmy by Lisa lesson. If we have time, Rebecca will teach another dance. Join us to see what it will be!
Michael Martin Baker
Those who danced with AIFD in the 1990s may remember Leslie Robson Gompf and Bob Gompf. It is with great sadness that we annouce the passing of Leslie’s oldest son, Michael Martin Baker. A nice tribute to Michael is included in the announcement of a gathering of family & friends for Michael on Saturday, February 24, 2024 beginning at 1:00 PM at Cook Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar Blvd, Texas 78752, followed by a celebration of life gathering at 2:00 PM.
Enjoy a lively evening of folk dancing DJ’d by Franklin Houston. Franklin will be assisted by Jeff Kessel.
Teaching:
This week join us as Emily Doubt teaches Hai Ne Ne Ne, a dance we learned at camp from Roberto Bagnoli. Also, Misi Tsurikov will review Branle Gai Alsacien. Rebecca Hample will review An Dro, taught by Franklin last week, and continue with other related dances, aka ‘The An Dro Sisters’.
Enjoy a lively evening of folk dancing DJ’d by Holly Plotner. Holly will be assisted by Pearl Olhsson.
Teaching: This week Rebecca Hample will review Shantel, which she taught last week. In addtion, and in support of all the new folks who have joined AIFD, she will review some of AIFD’s favorites.
Our DJ this week will be John “Janos” Scales. John will be assisted by Dee McCandless
Teaching: This week Rebecca Hample will teach one of our favorites: Shantel. Shantel may be new or review for you, and we can all enjoy doing it together. (You may remember it was on the schedule at the end of December, but that didn’t work out, so we will do it this week.) If time permits, we will add another fun dance. Be ready to dance right at 7, as teaching will end at 7:45 this week. Looking forward to see you all!
This Friday at dancing we’ll celebrate January Birthdays and Anniversaries.
Our DJ this week will be Misi Tsurikov.
Teaching throughout January:
Teaching:Stephanie Anderson and John Scales will guide us over the final hills and through the woods of Odina Jonsson’s Bakmes to review the partnering skills and turning steps we’ve worked on this month. Franklin Houston will start at 7PM with his Bulgarian dance tour, warming up with Pravo, Četvorno, and Eleno Mome, followed by some easy Kopanica variations and a teaching of Krivo Slivniško.
Join us throughout January for Bakmes and Balkan!Stephanie Anderson and John Scales will guide us over the peaks of Scandinavian dance to help us elevate our partnering skills as we learn Odina Jonsson’s Bakmes. Franklin Houston will continue his tour of Bulgarian dance rhythms. We’ll start right at 7, warming up with Pravo and Četvorno, then explore Kopanica and Krivo Slivniško. Time permitting, we’ll even take a look at Eleno Mome!
Enjoy a lively evening of dancing DJ’d by John “Janos” Scales. John will be assisted by Pearl Ohlsson.
Teaching throughout January:
Join us throughout January for Bakmes and Balkan!Stephanie Anderson and John Scales will guide us over the peaks of Scandinavian dance to help us elevate our partnering skills as we learn Odina Jonsson’s Bakmes. Franklin Houston will lead a magical mystery tour through the enchanted forest of Bulgarian dance rhythms found in Pravo Trakiysko Horo, Kopanica, Krivo Slivniško, Eleno Mome, and Jove Male Mome. Be there and B squared in January!
Kaye Roth memorial: Saturday, Jan 13:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kaye Roth. A memorial service for Kaye will be held on Saturday, January 13th, 2pm, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3003 Northland Dr, Austin, TX 78757. The service will be followed by an informal reception on church grounds.
This Friday at AIFD: Enjoy a lively evening of dancing DJ’d by Anthony Toprac. Anthony will be assited by Donna Baker.
Teaching throughout January:
Join us throughout January for Bakmes and Balkan!Stephanie Andersonand John Scales will guide us over the peaks of Scandinavian dance to help us elevate our partnering skills as we learn Odina Jonsson’s Bakmes. Franklin Houston will lead a magical mystery tour through the enchanted forest of Bulgarian dance rhythms found in Pravo Trakiysko Horo, Kopanica, Krivo Slivniško, Eleno Mome, and Jove Male Mome. Be there and B squared in January!
Come celebrate the New Year on Friday, December 29 at the Masquerade Ball! There will be Live Music by the Texas Camp Band, light refreshments, and wonderful dancing. Wear a masque and dress up, wear your favorite International costume, or come as you are. We will have a few extra masques if you need one. Hope to see you there!!
Teaching:
Join us for a pre-party New, Do and Review of some of the dances the Camp Band will be playing. Rebecca Hample, Misi Tsurikov and Franklin Houston will review Shantel, Ziguenerpolka, Hora Veche, and Dramskoto. Everyone is welcome to join whether these dances are new or review for you!
Kaye Roth:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kaye Roth. A memorial service for Kaye will be held on Saturday, January 13th, 2pm, at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 3003 Northland Dr, Austin, TX 78757. The service will be followed by an informal reception on church grounds.
Kaye Saves The Day!!!! – a memory of Kaye by Dena Houston.
One Sunday afternoon, Franklin and I hosted an AIFD potluck supper at our house. Those were the days before potlucks were organized, so potluck really meant “luck”. Almost everyone had arrived and we had only desserts and salads. The serving table was resplendent with everything but a main dish. We then noticed Kaye walking up to our house carrying a huge covered serving dish. The smell of Kaye’s homemade lasagna preceded her. When she came in, everyone applauded. Kaye saved the day!
This Friday at AIFD: Enjoy a lively evening of folk dancing with DJLisa Horn Dielman. Lisa will be assisted by Donna Baker.
Teaching:Teaching: In New, Do and Review this week Misi Tsuriko and Rebecca Hambple will review Corlu and Maple Leaf Rag, and teach Ada’s Kujawiak #1. All are welcome to join!
This Friday at AIFD: Enjoy a lively evening of folk dancing with DJLisa Horn Dielman. Lisa will be assisted by Pearl Olhsson.
Teaching: In this week’s New, Do and Review we will have more dances from around the world that were taught at Texas Camp. Lisa will review Evangelina from Mexico, which she taught last week, Franklin Houston will teach Krivo Slivniško from Bulgaria, and Misi Tsurikov will teach Branle Gai Alsacien from France. All are welcome!
This week we will be treated to a performance by Austin’s own Hungarian group Csardas!!!
This week (Nov 10) AIFD will not meet. HRC will be closed for Veterans’ Day.
Thanks to everyone who helped make this year’s Halloween Party (on 10/27) a great success!! Click on picture for larger image. Thanks to Peggy Wingate for providing the photo.
Link of the week: For this week’s Link of the Week enjoy a video taken by Misi Tsurikov of last Friday’s Day of the Dead performance at AIFD by La Strada!!! …And thanks to everyone who helped make this a fabulous success!!!
This Friday we are celebrating the Day of the Dead, and remembering all the teachers who have given us dances, music, and an understanding of different cultures through the years. If you’d like to bring a picture or other remembrance of a special teacher who was this person for you, we’ll have an Ofrenda table and you can place it there.
La Strada is providing live music, and we’ll have sparkling water, cookies, and, of course, some candy! See you all there!
Our DJ for this lively event will be Madeline Brock. Madeline will be assisted by Donna Baker.
Halloween–so come in costume! Birthdays in October!
We’ll be serving cake and sparkling water, so come and enjoy the party!!
Our DJ this week will be Madeline Brock. Madeline will be assisted by Franklin Houston. She’ll be playing some spooky tunes for our dances
Teaching: Everyone is welcome for another session of New, Do and Review. This week Robert Sampson will review the East Coast Swing he taught last week.
This Friday!!! Enjoy a fun evening of folk dancing DJ’d by Lisa Horn Dielman. Lisa will be assisted by Donna Baker.
Teaching: This week in New, Do and Review Rebecca Hample will review Salty Dog Rag, which she taught last week. Then Rebecca and Madeline Brock will teach some of the dances requested in the Please Teach notebook. Join us to see what dances they will be! All are welcome!
This Friday!!! Enjoy a fun evening of folk dancing DJ’d by Holly Plotner. Holly will be assisted by Kathleen McDonagh. This week’s program will be devoted to a tribute to Yves Moreau.
Teaching: In this week’s session of New, Do and Review, Kathleen will teach dances that Yves Moreau introduced.
This Friday!!! Enjoy a fun evening of folk dancing DJ’d by Madeline Brock. Madeline will be assisted by John (Janos) Scales.
We’ll be treated to the Live Music of GypsyCaravan!!! GypsyCaravan plays authentic Greek, Turkish, Armenian, Jewish, Jazz, Latin, Arabic, Gypsy, Slavic and World fav. You can find them on Facebook at facebook.com/gypsycaravansa
Teaching: Come to New, Do and Review to review some of the dances that will be done by GypsyCaravan. All are welcome!
This Friday!!! Enjoy a fun evening of folk dancing DJ’d by Franklin Houston. Franklin will be assisted by Lisa Horn Dielman.
Teaching: Come to New, Do and Review for a review of Jaimale by Kathleen McDonagh. We will also learn some of the dances that will be done by GypsyCaravan on August 25. All are welcome!
This Friday!!! Enjoy a fun evening of folk dancing DJ’d by Anthony Toprac. Anthony will be assisted by Pearl Ohlsson.
Teaching: This week join Robert Sampson as he brings two requested dances to New, Do and Review – Western Trio Mixer and Never on Sunday. Look forward to more dances to keep up the skills we have already learned and to prepare for fun events to come!
This Friday!!! Enjoy a fun evening of folk dancing DJ’d by Lisa Horn Dielman. Lisa will be assisted by Franklin Houston.
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Teaching: This week in New, Do and Review Rebecca Hample and Misi Tsurikov will teach something that has been requested – partnering! Come to learn, practice and have fun dancing together.
Enjoy a fun evening of folk dancing DJ’d by Madeline Brock. Madeline will be assisted by Kathleen McDonagh.
Live Music!!! This week we’ll be treated to the live music of Don Weeda and the 1001 Nights Orchestra.
Teaching: To get the most out of 1001 Nights Orchestra, the evening will kick off with a review of the dances the band will play. Everyone is encouraged to arrive in time for the first hour.
Enjoy a fun evening of folk dancing DJ’d by Robert Sampson. Robert will be assisted by Jeff Kessel.
Teaching: Come this Friday to learn one of the dances from our Please Teach request book – Jaimalé, taught by Kathleen McDonagh. Also this week and next week we will do and review dances that Don Weeda and his band 1001 Nights will play live on July 28. Everyone is encouraged to join the First Hour Fun!
Enjoy a fun evening of folk dancing DJ’d by John (Janos) Scales. Janos will be assisted by Pearl Olhsson.
Teaching: Preview of the First Hour: Ever wondered what all the talk is about condiments and insect sounds in folk dancing? Come this Friday to learn Mixed Pickles and the Buzz Step Turn with Madeline Brock! Then you will learn some dances with those steps. These two steps happen so often in folk dancing, they will be a great ones for everyone to New, Do and Review!
Enjoy a fun evening of folk dancing DJ’d by Misi Tsurikov. Misi will be assisted by Donna Baker.
Teaching: This week we will continue the New, Do and Review. We encourage dancers of all experience levels to join in the fun. You might learn something new, it’s always good to review the basics, and we will enjoy doing the dances together.
Enjoy a fun evening of folk dancing. Our DJ this week will be Franklin Houston. Franklin will be assisted by Misi Tsurikov.
Teaching: This week Rebecca Hample and Misi Tsurikov will conduct the New, Do and Review. We encourage dancers of all experience levels to join in the fun. You might learn something new, it’s always good to review the basics, and we will enjoy doing the dances together.
Enjoy a fun evening of folk dancing. Our DJ this week will be Holly Plotner. Holly will be assisted by Donna Baker.
Teaching: This week we will continue our New, Do and Review session with more dancing fundamentals. We encourage dancers of all experience levels to join in the fun. You might learn something new, it’s always good to review the basics, and we will enjoy doing the dances together.
Enjoy a fun evening of folk dancing DJ’s by Madeline Brock. Madeline will be assisted by Jeff Kessel.
Some of our dance tunes will be provided by Homegrown International. Homegrown International will also provide the music for this week’s contra, which will be called by Marc Airhart.
Teaching: This week we will continue our New, Do and Review session with more dancing fundamentals. We encourage dancers of all experience levels to join in the fun. You might learn something new, it’s always good to review the basics, and we will enjoy doing the dances together. We will also review some of the dances that will be performed by Homegrown International. – Rebecca Hample
Lisa Dielman will be our DJ this week. She will be assisted by Pearl Olhsson.
Teaching: This week we will continue our New, Do and Review session with more dancing fundamentals. We encourage dancers of all experience levels to join in the fun. You might learn something new, it’s always good to review the basics, and we will enjoy doing the dances together.
June 9 and 16 we will also be reviewing some of the dances that Homegrown International will be playing live on June 16.
Franklin Houston will be our DJ this week. He will be assisted by Anne Alexander. Come join them for some of your old favorites as well as some surprises!
Upcoming Live Music: On June 16, Homegrown will be providing live music for the evening.
This week, May 22-26, HRC is closed for maintenance. So on Friday, May 26, we will meet at the Go Dance studio, 2525 W Anderson Ln #530, Gallery room, in Northcross Mall. The entrance is on the west side, next to Guitar Center. Please read the “Studio Use Policy” below.
Our DJ this Friday, May 26, will be Madeline Brock. Madeline will be assisted by Donna Baker.
Teaching: Just like last week, Misi and Rebecca will tag-team to bring you informal walkthroughs of our favorite dances — likely focusing heavily on Greek, so you can be ready for Austin Greek Festival (see right)!
Studio Use Policy:
● Any furniture that is moved must be returned to the original location at the end of the
rental time. Client is responsible for the cost of replacing any equipment damaged at their
event.
● Food and drinks are not allowed on the wood dance floors.
● Tap shoes (or anything else that could damage the wood floors) are not allowed.
This week, May 19, join AIFD for a fun evening of folk dancing. This week’s DJ will be Misi Tsurikov. Misi will be assisted by Anne Alexander.
Teaching: Look for more tag-team teaching of our favorite dances from Rebecca, Madeline, and Misi!
Our Teacher Appreciation Night was a blast! Each teacher was given an orchid and led their favorite dance. Pictured are Emily, Rebecca, Lisa, Kathleen, Madeline and Misi. Missing are Holly and Franklin who are represented by an orchid with a mask, and a pair of tennis shoes in front of an orchid for our picture. Hooray, these teachers are fabulous! – Peggy Wingate.
Congratulations to AIFD’s new Board of Directors for 2023-4!!!
This week, May 12, join AIFD for a fun evening of folk dancing. Our DJ is still TBD. Pearl Olhsson will assist.
Teaching: This is not only election night … it’s also teacher appreciation night! We’ve had a fantastic corps of teachers in the last 12 months, and we will honor them throughout the night for their teaching talents.
This week, May 5, join AIFD for a fun evening of folk dancing with DJ Franklin Houston. Franklin will be assisted by Donna Baker.
Live Music!!! This week we will also be treated to the lively and danceable music of Slavadillo!!!
Teaching: Come early for some dances that will warm you up and get your feet jumping! Franklin will begin the evening by leading a number of recently-taught dances and some personal favorites (that range from easy to “not-so-easy.”) 😉 Then get ready for some familiar favorites performed by Slavadillo!
This week, April 21, we are back at Hancock Recreation Center (HRC). Our DJ will be Dee McCandless. Dee will be assisted by Mark Edwards.
Teaching: This week, don’t miss Rebecca Hample reviewing some of the SAFDF 2023 dances that she brought to you in past weeks — and, possibly, a touch-up review of Zigeunerpolka!
Go Dance was a success!!! we had a great evening of dancing last week at Go Dance, with more than 30 dancers in attendance.
Our next live music event is on May 5, 2023–Slavadillo!
AIFD Board Elections 2023-24:
Elections will be held at our membership meeting at dancing on May 12, 2023.
We have a list of nominations – see below!
Other nominations can also be made until election night. We will announce these in the newsletter, on election night, or both.
Current nominations:
President: Madeline Brock
Vice president: Jeff Kessel
Secretary: Peggy Wingate
Treasurer: Marcia Toprac
Teaching director: Rebecca Hample
Program director: Misi Tsurikov
If you would like to run for the board, please contact Bill Brock at president@aifd.cc.
Join AIFD this Friday as we teach cultural dances as part of the 2022 Jamboree. Hancock’s Holly Jolly Jamboree & Toy Drive is the perfect time to meet your neighbors, enjoy some holiday crafts, and make a toy donation for a child at the Helping Hand Home. Come join us on Friday, December 16, 2022 from 6-9 pm for an evening of live music, cultural dances, and hot chocolate. This is a free event. For full details check out the event website.
Our DJ for this special event will be John Scales. John will be assisted by Jeff Kessel. Several folks will teach and demonstrate dances to the community. This is a great opportunity to show how much fun dancing is and encourage folks to become regular Friday night attendees.
This Friday, December 9, 7:00-9:45, join AIFD for a fun evening of international folk dancing at HRC. $5 at the door (18 and up).
Holly Plotner DJs, Lila Luce assists. From Holly: “Tx Camp Highlights! We’ll dance through many of the new introductions from Camp.”
Teaching: Last week we began teaching dances from Texas Camp 2022… this week we continue! Come and enjoy learning from the thrilling teaching trio of Rebecca Hample, Emily Doubt, and Kathleen McDonagh!
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This Friday, December 2, 7:00-9:45, join AIFD for a fun evening of international folk dancing at HRC. $5 at the door (18 and up).
Franklin will be our DJ and Kathleen will assist. Franklin will play a mixture of old classics, dances from Texas Camp 2022, and of course your requests.
Teaching: This week we begin teaching many of the fun and wonderful dances that Yves Moreau, France Bourque-Moreau, Roo Lester, and Ahmet Lüleci taught us at Texas Camp 2022. Come and enjoy new dances and new teachers!
This Friday, November 4, 7:00-9:45, join AIFD for a fun evening of international folk dancing at HRC. $5 at the door (18 and up).
Dee McCandless DJs. Franklin Houston assists.
Teaching: Come at 7 pm sharp so you don’t miss any of Lisa Dielman’s fun and friendly newcomer sessions! We may see an influx of new folks who found out about AIFD at Polkapocalypse 2022, and there’s no better way to welcome them than with Lisa’s great teaching.
No Dancing at HRC next week, November 11. Hancock Rec Center will be closed.
This Friday, October 28, 7:00-9:45, join AIFD for a fun evening of international folk dancing at HRC. $5 at the door (18 and up).
Get ready for our Halloween Party, DJ’d by AIFD’s high priestes of fun, Madeline Brock. Madeline will be assisted by Pearl Olhsson. Costumes encouraged! AIFD will provide cookies and drinks.
This Friday, October 21, 7:00-9:45, join AIFD for a fun evening of international folk dancing at HRC. $5 at the door (18 and up).
Texas Camp Preview Program! Holly Plotner will be our DJ this week. Holly’s program will focus on dances from this year’s Texas Camp teachers: Ahmet, Roo, Yves and France. Holly will be assisted by Kathleen McDonagh.
Teaching: Come at 7 pm so you don’t miss more excellent dance teaching and reviewing from Madeline Brock!
This Friday, October 14, 7:00-9:45, join AIFD for a fun evening of international folk dancing at HRC. $5 at the door (18 and up).
We don’t have a DJ yet, but absolutely will by Friday. (S)He will be assisted by Dee McCandless.
Teaching: Come at 7 pm for Madeline Brock’s wonderful teaching! You will see many of our favorites, such as Arap, Orijent, Tino Mori, Bal De Jugon, and Mindrele. Then, later in the evening, don’t miss Emily Doubt reviewing the dances she recently taught — Valle Jarnana and Batjovata Baldazka!
This Friday, September 30, 7:00-9:45, join AIFD for a fun evening of international folk dancing at HRC. $5 at the door (18 and up).
Our DJ this week will be Mike Revesz. Mike will be assisted by Kathleen McDonagh.
Teaching: Come at 7 pm for Kathleen’s review of the dances she taught us last week — Jaimale (French Israeli), Kleftes (Greek), and Kotlensko Oro (Macedonian). Then, we are delighted to welcome Emily Doubt in her teaching debut at AIFD! Beginning at 8:30 pm, she will teach us Valle Jarnana (Albanian) and Batjovata Baldazka (Bulgarian).
This Friday, September 23, 7:00-9:45, join AIFD for a fun evening of international folk dancing at HRC. $5 at the door (18 and up).
Our DJ this week will be John Scales. John will be assisted by Robert Sampson.
Teaching: We continue fulfilling your teaching requests! This week’s featured teacher is Kathleen McDonagh, who will teach Jaimale (a French-Israeli dance), Kleftes (from Greece), and Kotlensko Oro (from Macedonia). Kathleen will also call the contra during one of the Homegrown International sets.
Our DJ this week will be Franklin Houston. Franklin will feature “core” dances that everyone can do, as well as some of his more challenging favorites. He’ll be assisted by Dee McCandless.
Teaching: Franklin will also be doing the teaching program. Come at 7 pm for a review of Zdrobuleánka (Moldvai csango), Strumička Petorka (Macedonia), Pop Marinko (Serbia), and Tropnalo Oro (Macedonia).
Instead we suggest the Austin Greek Festival:
In support of Texas Camp, AIFD will not meet at HRC. We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving however you spend it.
Robert Sampson will review Cicerenella, the Italian dance he introduced last week. The evening will also include “reviews by request” conducted by several teachers. So have your list of dances ready. 
One Sunday afternoon, Franklin and I hosted an AIFD potluck supper at our house. Those were the days before potlucks were organized, so potluck really meant “luck”. Almost everyone had arrived and we had only desserts and salads. The serving table was resplendent with everything but a main dish. We then noticed Kaye walking up to our house carrying a huge covered serving dish. The smell of Kaye’s homemade lasagna preceded her. When she came in, everyone applauded. Kaye saved the day!
Teaching: Come early for some dances that will warm you up and get your feet jumping! Franklin will begin the evening by leading a number of recently-taught dances and some personal favorites (that range from easy to “not-so-easy.”) 😉 Then get ready for some familiar favorites performed by Slavadillo!
