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 easy dances at 7:30PM, where specific folk dance steps may be taught and reviewed, and put in the context of a dance. One or more of our six Programmers will lead dances and respond to dance requests. Dancing usually ends by 9:30-10PM. See the Schedule & Directions page for the latest changes in location and schedule; directions are on the Contact page. Many of our members attend folk dance workshops held afar to bring back new dances to enjoy.
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. In 2011 Members pay only $2/night, versus $3 for nonmembers, 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 seven 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 American Civic Association. We danced for many years at the Roberson Museum and still perform their annually; we have danced weekly at the American Civic Association now for several years, look forward to performing at ACA annual functions, and are honored to be listed as an ACA resource for new citizens.
For further information contact: Lavinia Adler at 607 722-7909 or Gary Truce at 607 785-3756.
-Thursday night dancing: Lavinia at 607-722-7909 or laviniaa@juno.com
-Demo Team: Gary at 607-785-3756 or gtruce@binghamton.edu
-Oquaga Folk Dance Weekend: Richard at 607-280-3471 or rabrown46@aol.com
COME JOIN US!
