ROBERSON INTERNATIONAL FOLK DANCERS
The Roberson International Folk Dancers generally meet each Thursday evening for social dancing. No partner is needed. We do dances from all countries, ranging from very easy to more complex. No special costumers are required; just bring comfortable soft soled and supportive dancing shoes. The dances done range from line and circle dances to the occasional couple dance; some slow and others vigorous. Folk dancing is a great way to stay fit and mentally alert.
We generally begin with a Basic Steps half hour session from 7:30PM -8PM, where specific folk dance steps may be taught and reviewed, and put in the context of a dance. Then regular programming starts at 8PM, with one of our six Programmers leading dances and responding to dance requests. Dancing usually ends by 9:30-10PM. See the Schedule page for the latest changes in location and schedule; directions are on the Contact & Directions page. Many of our members attend folk dance workshops held afar to bring back new dances to enjoy.
There is a fee of $3/night for non-members; no charge for first time visitors. Or you are encouraged to join the Roberson International Folk Dancers for an annual fee of $12/year for the period of Jan. 1 to Dec 31. Members pay only $2/night, so membership pays for itself in 3 months. See our Membership page for a membership form.
For those who want to attain greatest proficiency and perform for community events and charitable organizations, we have a Demo Team that generally meets from 6:00PM-7:30PM 2 Thursdays a month. Practice for the Demo Team is open to all with the physical stamina to perform, but acceptance to actually perform with the Team is based on demonstrated proficiency on specific dances. Annually we sponsor our Oquaga Folk Dance weekend every Fall at Scott’s Oquaga Lake House, in Deposit, NY. Two internationally known teachers teach dances at workshops and there is social dancing at night. This weekend tradition has been going on for over 40 years, and is known for it warmth to new attendees. See the latest plan and schedule on our Oquaga Folk Dance Weekend page. Our organization was created in the 1940’s, and its longevity is primarily due to a shared responsibility subject to a rotating Board of Directors of dance members. Our Board of nine meets monthly on the 2nd Thursday of the month to guide the organization, with an annual membership meeting at the end of the year. Members are encouraged to join the Board so as to best promote the organization with diverse viewpoints. We maintain a phone tree for members for venue changes, issue a quarterly newsletter, and have an active Social Committee for staging special dance events.
We are associated with and support the Roberson Museum and the Amercan Civic Association. We danced for many years at the Roberson Museum and still perform their annually; we have danced weekly at the Civic Association, and expect to resume dancing there shortly.
For further information contact:
-Thursday night dancing: Lavinia at 607-722-7909 or laviniaa@juno.com
-Demo Team: Bridget at 607-768-1183 or martin_b@sunybroome.edu
-Oquaga Folk Dance Weekend: Richard at 607-280-3471 or rabrown46@aol.com
COME JOIN US!
