The Ann Arbor Folkdancers are non-profit, education-oriented, and dedicated to the enjoyment of international folk dancing and to the appreciation of other cultures through their dance.

On special occasions, we dance to the live music of The Ethnic Connection or Veselba.

At other times, we dance to recorded music drawn from the extensive collections of group members.


Upcoming dates:


  • Saturday, May 12, 2012 - live music by The Ethnic Connection, 7:30 P. M. - 10:30 P. M.
    Note new times

  • Saturday, May 26, 2012 - recorded music, hosted by Russ Ericksen, 7:00 - 10:00 P. M.
    Note new times

  • Saturday, June 16, 2012 - recorded music, hosted by Russ Ericksen,
    requests encouraged, 7:00 - 10:00 P. M.

  • Saturday, July 21, 2012 - recorded music, hosted by Russ Ericksen, requests encouraged,
    7:00 - 10:00 P. M.

  • Saturday, August 18, 2012 - recorded music, hosted by Russ Ericksen, requests encouraged,
    7:00 - 10:00 P. M.

We mourn Shawn Donaldson

Click for bio (PDF). An obituary can be found here.

A memorial for Shawn was held on Sunday, 20 November, 2011, at: Polonia Restaurant, 2nd floor, 2934 Yemans St., Hamtramck, MI 48212.

Shawn Donaldson

Also on this page: our recent dance repertoire; links to information on European folk dance, folk music, and folklore; where to find recordings and folk dance accessories; and links to other folk dance organizations

 

Above: The Ethnic Connection, November 19, 2005, image by Iris Gruhl

Above and left: images by Daniela Natcheva of our dance with Veselba January 21, 2012; used with permission

Visit the Facebook page of Ann Arbor Balkan Music and Dance

 


Fall kickoff picnic, September 11, 2011.
Images by Iris Gruhl, used with permission. 		Rides from the UM campus to Gretchen's can be arranged; contact I. Gruhl (below)

Location unless otherwise specified: The Barn at Gretchen's House, 2625 Traver Blvd., Ann Arbor Directions

Admission charge (to cover expenses):
  • Band: $10 regular, $5 students
  • Recorded music: $5 regular, $3 students
  • Any time: fruit or vegetable snacks and soft drinks are welcome. No nut products are allowed in the facility. Thanks!

Schedule varies; see individual listings above.

No partner, no experience needed! All welcome! Come and enjoy!

More photos by Iris Gruhl of our fall kickoff picnic, September 11, 2011, are available on Flickr.

Dances done recently

Tips for new dancers

Album of images from previous versions of this web page

More information on European folk dance, folk music, and folklore

Sources of international folk music and folk dance accessories

Other organizations

The Ann Arbor Folk Dancers is a recreational group and does not permit videotaping at its regular international folk dance evenings, either those with records or those with live music.

* Russ Ericksen became involved in International Folk Dancing back in the early 1960's. He worked for the New York City Parks and Recreation Department for over 35 years as Coordinator and Consultant of Square and Folk Dance Programs. Some of his programs were regularly featured on ABC's "Morning Show" throughout the 70's. He has taught with the Ann Arbor Folkdancers for many years and currently heads our program.

The Ann Arbor Folkdancers are grateful to the Department of Physics and Astronomy of The University of Toledo for permission to host this site at this location.

Embroidery motifs from Sárköz taken from Anne Szalavary, Hungarian Folk Designs for Embroiderers and Craftsmen (New York: Dover, 1980)

For more information about the Ann Arbor Folkdancers, contact: Iris Gruhl, igruhl at provide.net who will gladly speak with you by telephone if you email her your telephone number.
To suggest changes and updates to this site, please contact: Nancy Morrison
Page last updated: May 9, 2012