This weekend-long gathering of the folkdance tribes brings together hundreds of folk arts enthusiasts to Madison for a variety of daytime dance workshops and huge live-music dance parties.

We don't do registrations and we don't take money at the door -- the Folk Ball is (miraculously) 90% supported by your freewill donations at the events you attend,  so please be generous and responsible with your support.

We will send complete details around New Years, but here is a sketch of the main features as we know them now.

Dance Parties:

CONTRA DANCE
7:30-11:00 Friday at Grace Church (W.Washington at the Square),
called by Steve Pike with music by Colin McCoy, Roger Diggle, & friends.

INT'L DANCE
7:30-midnight Friday at Tripp Commons in the Memorial Union (800 Langdon), music by:
Maritza (new folk band from Decorah IA)
Malo Selo ("izvorno" Balkan band - Madison)
Sloboda Orchestra (veterans of Milwaukee's IFD/ethnic scene)
Cajun Strangers (Madison's up&coming Cajun outfit).

THE LEGENDARY FOLK BALL
7:00pm-1:00am Saturday at Tripp Commons in the Memorial Union, featuring:
Yid Vicious (klezmer band from Madison)
Izvor Orchestra (Milwaukee's alltime favorite IFD band)
Reptile Palace Orchestra (eclectic ethnic for a new century)
Dance performances by Narodno, Oak Apple Morris Team, and others TBA.

Featured instructors for the Saturday workshops (10am-5pm at the Union and Pres House, schedule TBA):

Joe Graziosi (Greek folkdance)
Penny Brichta (Israeli dance)
Dan Talmo (Transylvanian Hungarian men's dances)
Oak Apple Morris (English Morris-dancing)
Jeanette Watts  (Wisconsin polka)
Mila Vocal Ensemble & Tri Bratovchedki (Balkan singing).

We expect to offer a convenient, sociable, & affordable buffet-style group dinner on Saturday (5:00-7:00).  Menu and price are yet to be determined, but you can let us know if you are interested -- we'll put you on the list & confirm with you after the holidays.

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