Kyriakos Moisidis will be teaching line dances, mostly from Thrace and his native Macedonia, as well as some from near the Albanian border.  These are mostly simple village-style dances that should be a real treat for those with no prior experience, as well as for seasoned dancers.  The music is typically slow and "bluesy" in the north and more rhythmic in the east.  The dances and music are some of the most distinctive in the Balkan region, and are perennial favorite of folk dancers.  This is a great chance to learn them in authentic style.

Schedule and Prices

See schedule at the left for details.  A weekend dance package is available for $45 which includes everything in the schedule except for the lunches.  You may use the Registration Form to order weekend passes and lunches.  Individual sessions, the lunches, and the Saturday night dance party may also be paid for at the door as indicated in the schedule.

The Sunday sessions are intended for those who have attended earlier workshop sessions, but other interested persons are invited to come and observe.

About the Teacher

Kyriakos Moisidis was born in Prohoma, Thessaloniki, and is one of the world's leading authorities on Greek traditional dance.  He has been studying traditional dances for 20 years and teaching for the past 15 years.  He studied business administration at the University of Macedonia, and majored in traditional Greek dance at the Aristotle University in Thessaloniki.  He has researched dances in many areas of Greece, and has taught workshops in Greece as well as much of the rest of the world, including Australia, Europe, and North America.  Currently he teaches five dance groups throughout Thessaloniki and conducts many seminars throughout Greece and the world.  He has been involved with and has led a variety of folklore ensembles in Thessaloniki, Sparta and Nicosia.  In 2007 he was one of three dance teachers at the Balkan Music and Dance Camp at Iroquois Springs conducted by the East European Folklife Center.  For more information see his web site at http://www.moisidis-dance.gr/moisidis/?&lang=en.

To hear examples of the type of dance music that will be featured at this workshop, tune in to Music from the Hills on Saturdays from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on radio station KDHX, 88.1 FM in St. Louis.  The program is co-hosted by IFDA members John Uhlemann and Gitry Heydebrand.  You can also listen online -- see KDHX's web site at www.kdhx.org.

Locations

University United Methodist Church (Friday and Saturday):  6901 Washington Ave., University City, Missouri; on the northwest corner of Washington and Trinity south of the Lion Gates on Delmar — see Google Map.  (Not indicated on the map is the fact that most of the streets in the area other than the main streets are non-through.)  Parking is available in the church lot and on Trinity, but please do not park on the residential part of Washington.  Walk by the playground in front of the church, and enter by the door at the inner corner of the L-shaped building.

The Focal Point (Sunday):  2720 Sutton Blvd., Maplewood, Missouri; 1 1/2 blocks south of Manchester — see Google Map.  Watch for one-way streets in the area.  Park on street.  Directions will also be available at the Saturday sessions.

Other Information

Hard-soled shoes (leather or synthetic) are recommended, since rubber tends to stick to the floor.  Dress is casual.

Lunches will feature soup and sandwiches.  Saturday dinner will be our usual excellent potluck.  Contributions of fruits and sweets for snacks would be appreciated.

Crash Space is available.  Please contact Diana Blanchard at 314-726-5737 or diana.blanchard@att.net.

For Other Information:  Please contact Nancy or Rex Couture at 314-275-8228 or , or Barbara or John Uhlemann at 314-726-5838 or barbara.uhlemann@sbcglobal.net.