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As newly elected president of FDA, I'd like to thank Chris and her committee for their great efforts over the past two years, in spreading the joy of folk dancing. We've gained some talented and enthusiastic new members and newly-trained teachers, had wonderful and informative workshops and are aiming to further promote and enjoy dancing. Many of our NSW and ACT members and musicians had the pleasure of being in Sydney recently for a performance of Ross Daly's band, playing traditional Cretan, Balkan and Middle Eastern music. We all left feeling inspired by the harmony created through their music, despite the unsettled world situation. Of course, there was the added delight of Vasilios' Greek performing group's beautiful dance display and Con and family's mouth-watering Greek food to sustain us! The Greek community has been very involved with festivities in Sydney over the past 2 weeks, sharing their cultural traditions with everyone. As a result of the FDA Teacher Training Course "Think Tank", also held that weekend, the course will take on a new direction in modular form and hopefully be more accessible to dance teachers all over Australia. We wish the facilitators many successes and offer any support FDA can avail to them. To top the weekend off, we had some exciting and informative tuition by Gary Dawson at his Balkan Dance workshop on Sunday. The communication of subtle details in dance styles and the wealth of historical information related to the different dances taught (as well as the comical anecdotes) are what make Gary's workshops, and any other workshops, most beneficial. These little details aren't there in an instruction booklet or on video – the reality of the traditions is a hands-on, participation activity – so be there and bring on the workshops! No doubt, as we dance the steps from those countries involved in global troubles at the moment, we will spare a thought for the cultures these dances will continue to preserve. Looking forward to seeing some of you on the dance floor at the National Folk Festival in Canberra over Easter. Jenny Lester, FDA President
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WELCOME to the 2003 FDA COMMITTEE!
We still have a vacancy for the Grants co-ordinator. Anyone wishing to contribute on an ad hoc or other basis would be appreciated. ON REFLECTION - PAST PRESIDENT'S REPORT Another year has passed and FDA continues to provide a great service to the folk-dancing community. Although we did not achieve all we set out to do in 2002 we have maintained an active organization. A wonderful and diverse series of workshops were run in Sydney. FDA was a sponsor and provided behind the scenes support for the Victorian folk dance camp. We ran a "request" Kolo at the National Folk Festival in Canberra. Perhaps most importantly, Footnotes continues to be published bimonthly maintaining the high standard Maureen has set, and, since being posted on the web, is receiving lots of compliments from all over the world. I have to thank my committee for all the good work throughout the year: Vas for handling all the secretarial work, Kaye for maintaining a good hold on finances, Debbie for looking after the membership, Maureen for her hard work as editor of Footnotes, Sandra for organizing such excellent workshops, Ashley for maintaining the Web page and Jo, Jenny and Barbara for their support. continued next page... => |
| ...continued from previous page Sadly our vice president, Helmuth, died suddenly in the middle of the year. His beautiful caring nature will be missed by all of us. I have enjoyed my terms as president and would recommend serving on the committee to all members. Best wishes to the incoming committee. I have no doubt that you will take our association to an even brighter and better future. ? Chris Wild (NSW) TEACHER TRAINING COURSE The Graduate Sub-Committee currently consists of three people: Lesley Rose and Jim and Christine Battisson. Stage 3 of the Recreational Folk Dance Teacher Training Course was completed in July, 2002, with five students attending and passing their final examinations. Another student, who had to withdraw during the week due to family commitments, did make-up exams for teaching and dancing at a later stage. These occurred during the normal classes of Folk Dance Canberra and I am happy to report that she also passed, making six graduates in all. Tutors for the week were Kaye Laurendet, Christine and Jim Battisson and Lesley Rose. Examiners were Kaye and Lesley, plus two independent people, Kirsty Hilson and Priscilla Ruffell. Financially, it was very tight with so few students. Because of a grant from the ACT Bureau of Sport and Recreation, ultimately all financial commitments were able to be met. I believe that the structure of the course needs to be reviewed to make it more appealing to a wider audience. OUTCOME OF THE "THINKFEST" In March, a number of ex-graduates attended a meeting to discuss the future of the FDA Teacher Training Course and the problems of attracting community interest. One of the major drawbacks for interested people was the full week of tuition. After much discussion, it was decided to break down the syllabus into smaller blocks of teaching (Modules), running each of them over a weekend. At present there are about 5 or 6 Modules covering most subjects, with others which can be covered by correspondence. The name will be changed to "FDA Dance Teaching Instruction Course" Methodology is, of course, the most important subject and will serve as the base for everything else. The course will also be competency-based. There will be clear guidelines of expectations and goals for students so they can see for themselves how they are progressing. Needless to say, there is a lot of refining to be done on the process but we think the outcome will be worth it. Hopefully, this style of course will have more appeal to the much wider community, including schoolteachers and dancers of other genres, not just the folk dancing fraternity. ? Lesley Rose, Facilitator TTC (ACT) |
Here are some of the more unusual items that visitors to our website have searched on:
KIDS GO "AROUND THE WORLD" For eight weeks of term 1, a group of twenty-three Year 3 to Year 6 pupils at Connells Point Public school (NSW) have been "dancing around the world in sixty minutes." The school offers children not involved in public schools' competitive sport a variety of options and, for this term, selected folkdance. The group was composed of nineteen girls and four boys, the majority being in Years 5 and 6. Twelve dances in all were taught from Bolivia, USA, Greece, Israel, China, Pacific Islands, Macedonia and Mexico. Classes were held in the school hall, and we had a lot of fun. Drink breaks were essential as many days were warm to hot. Teaching the dances took up most of the time each week, yet by week 7 they were ready for requests, and chose which dances they really energised on, and those which they rested on. The hot favourites were Yesh, Jiffy Mixer, Pulu te Vaka, Sasa Nukufetau, Chassapikos and Chilili. They loved the chewing gum dance too (Choeloe!), and this dance term was recognised and named in another dance (Mexican Shuffle) by a couple of girls...... Great! So, who knows, perhaps more schools will provide opportunities for international dance as a sport option! ? Fiona Clark (NSW) 'UNITED' in DANCE "United" is a concert of contrasting dance cultures, and can be experienced at the Glen Street Theatre, Glen St, Belrose, Sydney on Sunday 6 July, 2003, at 2,00pm. It is a coming together to promote cultural harmony of five cultural dance groups: Xochipilli Mexican Dancers, Carol Maddocks Folkloric Dancers, Los Maravillas, Spanish Dancers, Walton School of Irish Dance and Vasilios Aligiannis' Greek Dancers. The concert, under the artistic direction of Dianna Laska Moore, will present an exciting dance programme from twelve countries: Mexico, Russia, Greece, Hungary, Hawaii, Ireland, Ukraine, Armenia Philippines, Slovakia and Romania, and Spain. For further information please contact Carol Maddocks on (02) 9905 1563 or email. |
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FROM OUR ROVING REPORTER - in SOFIA This week I watched a 3 hours rehearsal of the "Filip Koutev" national ensemble (professional). They were practising a new dance from northern Bulgaria, and one from the Karakachan people (they live in the hills, breed sheep and speak Greek) - soul wrenching music, just beautiful. "Filip Koutev" rehearse every morning which enables me to watch now and again. One day there were no less than ten musicians - can you imagine? - a thrilling scene! A dancer from "Filip Koutev" holds classes once a week, on a non-Zornitsa evening. I was lucky enough to attend a couple but doors keep opening and now I have the chance to attend a choreography class, so am doing that instead - not to become a choreographer but to learn about dancing horos more precisely. Most are from Balkanfolk 2002, but with different and more complicated routines, so very interesting and it's great to refresh the memory this way instead of relying on the video! According to Bulgarian folk belief, March marks the beginning of Spring. Traditionally, on March 1st, Bulgarians exchange red and white tassels or small wool dolls called Martenitsi, for good luck and happiness. These are worn until the end of the month then hung on a fruit tree. Meantime, anyone who sees a stork will be even luckier! On this day, Zornitsa took part in a morning concert, in which other folk ensembles also performed. As well, there were displays of ballet, tango, modern, and a brilliant "Lord of the Dance" performance - a beautiful concert and a fitting way to send off winter and welcome the spring, in springlike weather conditions too. In the afternoon, I had a horo lesson; and in the evening, many of us from Zornitsa met at a restaurant and danced the night away - a wonderful finish to a happy day. With lots of good wishes from Sofia, to all the dancers in Australia! ? Anna Travali (QLD) GARY DAWSON joins with SEDENKA Dear friends,
My work commitments, certainly over the first half of the year, are such that teaching dance three nights a week as I did the last couple of years is not possible. I am continuing with the Hungarian dance class on Tuesdays, at the Harris Community Centre, Ultimo, and am also committed to the Kodaly Hungarian kids group on Fridays, 6.30pm - 7.45pm. I will share the teaching with Chris and the others. Sedenka's traditional format for the night is that used by most folk dance groups around the world - new dances are taught and older dances revised in the first part of the night; dancers can request dances they like in the second part of the night. continued top of next column => |
... continued from previous column If newcomers are unsure of a dance routine or style, more experienced dancers will give a helping hand during the second part of the night. The dance repertoire features a lot of Balkan dance. In addition, the Sedenka folks do some dance from central, western and northern Europe, the Middle East, including Israel. I think the combination of Sedenka and the ex-Thursday night Balkan class should give new vigour and make the amalgamated group more social and accessible for people. I hope to see you there! Cheers, Gary The Sidetrack Performance Group in association with the Greek Festival of Sydney 2003 is presenting a Greek play "Alkestis", by Euripides. When Euripides wrote "Alkestis" he rocked the ancient world by putting tragedy on a collision course with comedy and in so doing mounted a stinging and often hilarious attack on men and their gods. The story goes: King Admetos was born lucky, his father set him up with a prosperous land and the god Apollo saved him from an early death by striking a deal with the Fates: Admetos could live if someone in the kingdom would die on his behalf. When the day came, no one wanted to die for the king, that is until his beautiful wife, Alkestis, sacrificed her life for his. You can see "Alkestis" at 8pm on Tuesdays - Saturdays until April 12 (cost $25 / $18) at the Sidetrack Studio Theatre, 142 Addison Rd, Marrickville, Sydney. Bookings can be made on: 02 9294 4655 or email
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"New Wave" Folkdancing Resources a variety of dances for various ages. Order through Kaye Laurendet, okaye@optusnet.com.au or 02 9528 4813.
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FDA Victorian Folk Dance Workshop, 31 May - 1 June This year, the Victorians are planning a 2-day non-residential workshop to be held at the Australian Catholic University's Performing Arts Centre. Our main teacher will be the exciting Peter Williams, recently returned from an extended stay in Greece. All who remember Peter will recall his love of Greek dance and his enthusiastic ability to convey this in his teaching. We also have Rae Marnham from Adelaide, to teach Balkan and Armenian dances, and Jan Turner who will extend the selection with Israeli and children's dances. The Saturday Night Dance is a big feature of this workshop and is the reason for not having the usual residential Dance Camp. This year's organizer, Deborah Tait has arranged for Lambros Kappas and his talented group of musicians to play Greek music for us and Pesov Kek will play our favourite International dances. It should be a night to remember, so please join us for the fun.
For more information contact: Deborah Tait 03 9752 543 email or Dorothy Plummer 03 9580 4117, email or P.O. Box 5267, Mordialloc 3195. FDA Serbian Folk Dance Workshop, 1 June Djordje Nikolic has the experience, skill and passion to inspire you at this one-day workshop. There will also be a display of Serbian dance from members of his performing group.
Morning and afternoon teas are provided. Music tapes and dance instructions will be available on the day. Videos can be ordered. For more information, contact Sandra Bassetti 02 6552 5142, Kaye Laurendet 02 9528 4813 or email. André's Easy Dance Workshop July 2003 Suitable for beginners, older folk and teachers, this workshop, presented by André van de Plas on Thursday, 17 July, will be held at:
BYO lunch; tea and coffee supplied. Contact Kaye: 02 9528 4813, or Fiona: 02 9548 0508 for more information. PLEASE NOTE: This workshop is during the school holidays. continued top of next column => |
André's Bowral Weekend, 18 - 20 July 2003 Application forms for André's annual weekend workshop at Bowral are now available from your local Folkdance Group. Accommodation is at the Golfview Lodge, with the dancing as usual at the Bowral High School. Contact Kaye: on 02 9528 4813 or email. School Teachers' FD Workshop 24 July 2003 This workshop, presented by André van de Plas, will feature dances from André's new Children's Dances CD.
Contact Kaye: 02 9528 4813, or Fiona: 02 9548 0508 for more information.
Prague Festival Dance Prize 2003 & Dance Grand Prix "Italia" 2003 Prague Festival Dance Prize 2003: Dance Grand Prix "ITALIA" 2003: Italian Address. Via Ugo La Malfa n.2 / 47020 Montiano FC Italy or e-mail dancefestival@dancefestival.it Please visit their new Web Site with all the details of the festival programs, and where you can select your favourite language www.dancegrandprix.com Doina Foundation Romanian Tours, 2003 You have a choice of two – one from April 26 – May 3 to Piatra Neammt in central Moldavia, at a cost of Euro€568, or July 26 – August 7 to Poiana Stampei in Bucovina, costing Euro€892. The cost includes transfers from Bucharest, full board, dancing lessons from Romanian dance teachers, live music, excursions, meeting and dancing with dance ensembles, visiting museums, etc and accompanied by the fun-loving and talented Silviu Ciuciumis and an English interpreter. For registration and more information, email Silviu at: FDNZ 3rd Annual National Dance Camp, 2003 This 4-day Dance Camp will be held at Tauranga, in the North Island of NZ, from Friday May 30 – Monday June 2. Greek dance (with Vasilios Aligiannis) will be one of the styles featured with French, Basque, Israeli, and Contra dance, and live music. More details will be included in Footnotes as they come to hand, but if you can't wait, email Kate Goodwin at: continued next page ... |
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... continued from previous page Belco Stanev, Bulgarian Seminars, 2003 Belco's International Folkloric Dance Centre is situated in Gorna Traka, 4 km north of Varna, 100m above the coast of the Black Sea (5 mins by car to the beach). The Centre has a wooden-floored 120sqm dancing hall, a dining room, big verandah, bar with open fire place, a traditional bread oven, swimming pool, and is surrounded by a two hectare vegetable and fruit tree garden. In this beautiful environment, you have a choice of five 14-day seminars: beginning 7 June, 12 July, 2 August, 23 August or 3 October, 2003 for a cost of Euro€710. The price includes the dance seminar (5 hours daily tuition with live music), optional lessons in Bulgarian singing and language, accommodation and full board with traditional Bulgarian cuisine and visiting a local festival and historic towns. For an extra fee, tuition in the playing of the gajda, gadulka, kaval, tambura and/or tapan is provided. For information about registration and other queries, email: Fde_varna@hotmail.com early in February (first Seminar) or early March (other seminars). Balkan Festival 2003, Zetten, Netherlands This Balkan seminar, running from July 3 – 6, features Greek, Turkish, Bulgarian, Macedonian, Yugoslavian and Romanian dances and Balkan singing classes. Accommodation (cost is extra, but cheap) is in sleeping halls (bring your own mattress or rent a bed and linen), or tents or caravans (bring your own); simple meals can be bought from the on-site restaurant. The cost, excluding accommodation, is Euro€67.50. It will be held in the Social Cultural Centre, "de Wanmolen", Zetten, Schweitzerpark 2. Email Ersin Seyhan at ersin@ozan.nl for registration and other details.
Balkanfolk 2003, Pamporovo, Bulgaria Spend 18th – 31st July, 2003, in the sunny Bulgarian resort of Pamporovo, situated 200km from Sophia, hidden in the heart of the Rhodopes mountains. The experience will include learning Bulgarian, Greek, Serbian, and Turkish folk dances, with an opportunity to learn to play the gaida, kaval, voyanka, duduk, gadoulka, tamboura, tapan, tarambouka, or accordion and to try Bulgarian folk singing and learn a little of the Bulgarian language – accompanied by traditional Bulgarian cuisine. Continued next column => |
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Balkan Dance Seminar, Greece, July For 10 days from July 21, enjoy this seminar of Balkan dances organised by Yannis Konstantinou (a Macedonian from Florina). The seminar will be held near the Prespa Lake (bordering north-western Greece, Albania and Macedonia). Dances will be presented from these countries, as well as Bulgaria. For more information, contact Yannis or Maryse. Greek Dance Seminar, Macedonia, August This traditional Greek dance seminar will be held from August 5 - 17 near Prespa Lake, in the small village of Agios Germanos, situated in the Prespes national park, about 60kms from Florina. The lake is a natural border between the 3 areas of Albania, Fyron and Greece. The program incorporates all the facets of Greek traditional dance, each facet being taught by dancers native from the region (including Macedonia, Pondos, Epirus, Crete and Islands, Sarakatsani, Thraki,) and respectful of its traditions. The live music is also provided by local and regional musicians. Greek lessons will also be available upon request. During August there are always a lot of panegiria and we will have many opportunities to join the inhabitants of the neighbouring villages (Macedonian, Vlach and Pondi families) and share with them the happiness in dancing their own dances, still alive in this region. Visits and walks in the mountains will also be organized and a gathering every night at the cafeneion of the village, with the teachers, musicians, friends and neighbours. The price of the seminar for full accommodation is Euro€650, but other arrangements can be made (camping, part accommodation, etc.) A special price will apply to people wishing to attend both the Balkan seminar which will be held in the same area from July 21- 31 and this one. For more information, contact Yannis or Maryse. Greek Dance Seminar, Thessaloniki, August This 4th Greek Dance Seminar, to be held at the hotel "Rihios", in Stavros, Thessaloniki, will run from August 17 - 27, 2003 and will be hosted by Kyriakos Moisidis and assisted by Petros Selkos, Katerina Douka and Yiannis Amarantidis. Dances and songs will be taught from Thrace (Evros), Pontos (Garasari, Ak Dag Maten, Kars), Macedonia (Chalkidiki, Almopia) and Chios. Traditional costumes will also be shown from each of the above-mentioned regions. During the seminar there will be glendia at night in nearby villages to dance with the local dance groups and local people of the village. This way, participants will have the opportunity to dance with the local people of Neas Apollonias, Thessaloniki and in the beautiful village of Loutro, Langada. We will also travel to Eptamilon, Serres for a Pontic glendi! There will also be a glendi in Stavros. Finally, we will have the opportunity to enjoy exhibitions by the local dance groups. We also plan to tour the area by visiting the archaeological site at Philippi, the caves at Alistratis, and the mud baths at Lidias. continued next page => |
... continued from previous page There will be 4-5 hours of dance lessons each day, part in the morning and part in the afternoon. The lessons will be next to the sea and close to the hotel. Many of the lessons will be taught to live music! Every seminar participant will receive informational material such as a CD with all the dances and songs taught at the seminar, the words of the songs, pictures and descriptions of the costumes, and maps of the regions. Also included is the program of the seminar and other valuable information. All the above-mentioned are included in the price of the seminar (the seminar costs €680 Euro). Hospitality will be provided at the beautiful, seaside hotel "Rihios" which is located at the edge of the village, five minutes walking from the centre. Every room has air conditioning, refrigerator, TV, balcony, bath, etc. Breakfast and dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant. Stavros' seaside location and charm has made it a popular vacation destination for Greeks. It can be found in eastern part of the Thessaloniki region, close to Chalkidiki and not far from Mt. Athos. The village has all the conveniences such as bank, post office, many tavernas, cafeterias, and businesses. Kyriakos has been studying traditional dances for 20 years and teaching for the past 15 years. Currently he is teaching five dance groups all over the region of Thessaloniki. Kyriakos teaches at many seminars both in Greece and abroad. For more information, please email Kyriakos at krksm@hotmail.com
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Name: Elliott Raisen Name: Shirlee Lincoln From: Gruppe 4 From: Helene
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