Dancing Bear Join us in the Dancing Bear
 
VDR Logo"Where the World Comes to Dance"
Friday Dance Party 7:30pm-11:00pm-ish Central + Post Dance Discussion
(Sound Checks/Music: 7:00pm – Repertoire Workshop: 7:30pm – Dance Party: 8:00pm – Discussion: 11:00pm-ish until …)
EDC Home | DCFF Home
Virtual Dance Room Home
Fred Bear

Fred Bear Invites You to View & Download Info About these Virtual Dance Room Events!

Upcoming VDR Events

  • VDR Monthly After-Party (3rd Saturdays)
    • Sat/Sun May 17/18, 2025 - 8:15pm - 3:00am- ish Central
    • Featuring another tribute to Frances "Sunni" Bloland" who passed away last month
    • Sunni attended my Halloween wedding in 1987 and conspired with my best friend (Andrew Greenberg) to perform a "skit" with Andrew's Sister and Brother-In-Law.
    • Sunni brought "LOTS OF SUN AND ENERGY" into the International Folk Dance Movement with her humorous and personable presentation of Romanian Dances!
    • We'll also celebrate the life of Susan Lind Sinanian who passed away around the same time as Sunni
    • Virtual Only for the Immediate Future
 
  • VDR Zooms the Balkanske Igre Spring Festival from Chicago - Fri/Sun, May 23/25,
  • May 23-25 (Weekend) - Central
  • Balknskee Igre Spring Festival
  • Instructors, Musicians, Workshops, Parties:
    • See Website
  • More Information:
  • VDR Zoom Schedule TBA
  • Zoom Link: https://virtualdanceroom.net/springfest/
  •  

  • Watch for Marvin Moehle's Special VDR Presentation In April (to be scheuled)
    • Marvin Moehle Presents
    • Names of Balkan Folk Costume accessories and their origins
    • Bring your questions and curiosity
    • Event Announcement TBD
  •  

  • VDR Special Catalog of IFD Dance Music (v20)
    • Paul Collins Presents this Research Project
    • Music and A Capella Groups with origins in the International Folk Dance Movement
    • View this database and send us your comments, additions, corrections
    • IFD Music/A Capella Groups updated
  •  

Coming To You Soon

2025 Door County Folk Festival


2024 Door County Folk Festival


Links to Other Information



Links to MANY Other Virtual Sessions and Major Events

 

If the VDR provides you with any amount of enjoyment and entertainment, please take a minute to click this link to review our request for your financial support.

To view various online and offline donation options for the VIRTUAL DANCE ROOM, click the GREEN button below

VDR Donation

.

VDR General Information

  • VDR sessions are free, however we do have expenses...
  • We greatly need & appreciate your donations that offset operating costs, including Zoom & internet fees, increased facility rent, equipment replacement/repair costs and funding for musicians and dance workshop instructors
  • We suggest a donation of $10 per person per session (or best effort) or between $20 and $25 per month when you attend.
  • Click any of the GREEN BUTTONS on this page to review donation options
.
 
Fred Bear

May We Have This Dance Please?

Fred Bear Invites you to Post Your Requests for Dancing/Teaching

  • We'd love to see more interaction between hosts and participants - such as requests
    • So what can we do to entice participants to submit requests?
  • To that end, we invite participants to play a more active role by:
    • Requesting dances to be led, played or taught by our talented hosts
  • How can you do this?
    • Login to the updated and easier to use VDR Online Request List
    • https://virtualdanceroom.net/requests/
      • Move to the next available open request row (automated soon)
      • Enter your request and comments (request to teach, play, etc.)
      • Enter your name & email (optional)
    • We'll monitor this Online Request List and schedule dances accordingly
  • We'll continue the practice of leaving part of Set 500 open for your requests.
    • Please send your in-session requests via Zoom Chat to the "Music Hall"


View All About "Stuff"

 

 

 

 
 
 

Click the GREEN button below for the usual multiple ways to donate to the Virtual Dance Room

If the VDR provides you with any amount of enjoyment and entertainment, please take a minute to click this link to review our request for your financial support.

To view various online and offline donation options for the VIRTUAL DANCE ROOM, click the GREEN
button below

VDR Donation
 
Upcoming VDR & Other Dance Events - Save These Dates

Advanced Notice - Upcoming Events Summary - Save These Dates

  • Apr 25-27 (Fri/Sun) - BIFD ANNUAL WORKSHOP - GENCI KASTRATI teaches ALBANIAN DANCES in Boulder, CO
  • Apr 24-27 (Extended Weekend) - 15th Annual Verea Bulgarian Festival in Chicago Area
  • May 17 (Sat) - Global Dance Party - Theme TBA
  • May 17/18 (Sat/Sun) - Dance More at VDR's After-Party - Theme TBA
  • Jun 12-15 (Extended Weekend) - Annual June Camp with Steve Kotansky
  • Jun 21 (Sat) - Global Dance Party - Theme TBA
  • Jun 21/22 (Sat/Sun) - Dance More at VDR's After-Party - Theme TBA
  • Jul 11-13 (Weekend) - 46th Annual Door County Folk Festival at MUSE Sturgeon Bay (WI)
  • Jul 19 (Sat) - Global Dance Party - Theme TBA
  • Jul 19/20 (Sat/Sun) - Dance More at VDR's After-Party - Theme TBA

 

Fred Bear Fred Bear invites you to Czech out these links to many International Folk Dance Events! - (Save these dates!)

Apr 18 (Fri) - 7:30pm - to 11:30pm-ish - Central

  • Weekly VDR Dance Party + Post-Dance Discussion
  • Virtual Dance - Online Only
  • Guest Hosts: Orkestar Unbound (Video Music), Mitch Miller, Barbara Bleisch
  • Join the VDR Friday Dance Party

 

Apr 19 (Sat) - 5:00pm-8:30pm Central

Apr Apr 25-27 (Fri/Sun) - BIFD ANNUAL WORKSHOP - GENCI KASTRATI teaches ALBANIAN DANCES

  • The Avalon, 6185 Arapahoe Rd, Boulder, CO 80303
  • Dance notes and music as well as video of the review session will be available from Genci download link).
  • Purchase at time of workshop.
  • Contact Nancy at 303-359-0121 or ncrawford303@gmail.com

 

Apr 24-27 (Extended Weekend) - 15th Annual Verea Bulgarian Festival in Chicago

  • Area Little Bulgaria School, 832 Lee St, Des Plaines, IL 60016
    • Thu, 24 Apr, 2025 at 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm (CDT) Film
  • Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S Goebbert Rd Arlington Heights, IL
    • Fri, 25 Apr, 2025 at 05:00 pm to 08:00 pm (CDT) Workshop
    • Sat, 26 Apr, 2025 at 10:00 am to 12:00 pm (CDT) Workshop
    • Sat, April 26th, 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM CDT Concert
      • More than 500 performers from the US, Canada, and Europe!
  • White Eagle Banquets - 6839 N Milwaukee Ave, Niles, IL
    • Sat, April 26th, 8:00 PM – Dinner & Dance

Apr 25 (Fri) - 7:30pm - to 11:30pm-ish - Central

  • Weekly VDR Dance Party + Post-Dance Discussion
  • Virtual Dance - Online Only
  • Guest Hosts: Catherine Rudin, Michael Chyet, John Parrish (Live Music)
  • Join the VDR Friday Dance Party

May 2 (Fri) - 7:30pm - to 11:30pm-ish - Central

May 9 (Fri) - 7:30pm - to 11:30pm-ish - Central

May 16 (Fri) - 7:30pm - to 11:30pm-ish - Central

May 17 (Sat) - 5:00pm-8:30pm Central

May 17/18 (Sat/Sun) - 8:15pm-3:00am Central

  • Dance More at VDR's Monthly After-Party + Post Dance Discussion
  • Virtual Dance - Online Only
  • Featuring another tribute to Frances "Sunni" Bloland" who passed away last month
  • Sunni attended my Halloween wedding in 1987 and conspired with my best friend (Andrew Greenberg) to perform a "skit" with Andrew's Sister and Brother-In-Law.
  • Sunni brought "LOTS OF SUN AND ENERGY" into the International Folk Dance Movement with her humorous and personable presentation of Romanian Dances!
  • We'll also celebrate the life of Susan Lind Sinanian who passed away around the same time as Sunni
  • VDR After-Party Announcement
  • Click for After-Party Playlist
  • NOTE: THE AFTER-PARTY IS A 1-DAY EVENT THAT STARTS SATURDAY EVENING AND ENDS EARLY SUNDAY MORNING
  • WE SHOW SAT/SUN DAYS FOR OUR OVERSEAS PARTICIPANTS BECAUSE FOR THEM, THE EVENT STARTS ON SUNDAY

May 17 (Sat) - 8:00-11:00pm EDT - Hybrid Event

  • MIT Tuesday Night Revival (TNR) Dance
  • $10,
  • Attendees must be vaccinated - masks suggested
  • Location - First Parish, 50 Church St, in Waltham, MA 02452
  • Saturday Dance Zoom Link: https://tinyurl.com/tnrzoom
    • Meeting ID: 99176986857 (no passcode)
  • TNR Website/Schedule: https://tuesdaynightrevival.com/

May 23 (Fri) - 7:30pm - to 11:30pm-ish - Central

May 30 (Fri) - 7:30pm - to 11:30pm-ish - Central

Jun 6 (Fri) - 7:30pm - to 11:30pm-ish - Central

Jun 7 (Sat) - 8:00-11:00pm EDT - Hybrid Event

  • MIT Tuesday Night Revival (TNR) Dance
  • $10,
  • Attendees must be vaccinated - masks suggested
  • Location - First Parish, 50 Church St, in Waltham, MA 02452
  • Saturday Dance Zoom Link: https://tinyurl.com/tnrzoom
    • Meeting ID: 99176986857 (no passcode)
  • TNR Website/Schedule: https://tuesdaynightrevival.com/

Jun 13 (Fri) - 7:30pm - to ? - Central

  • VDR Dance Party Joins with June Camp Friday & Saturday Parties on Zoom
  • NO Separate VDR Friday Zoom Party this Weekend

Jun 12-15 (Weekend) Annual June Camp

Jun 20 (Fri) - 7:30pm - to 11:30pm-ish - Central

Jun 21 (Sat) - 5:00pm-8:30pm Central

Jun 21/22 (Sat/Sun) - 8:15pm-3:00am Central

  • Dance More at VDR's Monthly After-Party + Post Dance Discussion
  • Virtual Dance - Online Only
  • NEW THEME - TBD
  • VDR After-Party Announcement
  • Click for After-Party Playlist
  • NOTE: THE AFTER-PARTY IS A 1-DAY EVENT THAT STARTS SATURDAY EVENING AND ENDS EARLY SUNDAY MORNING
  • WE SHOW SAT/SUN DAYS FOR OUR OVERSEAS PARTICIPANTS BECAUSE FOR THEM, THE EVENT STARTS ON SUNDAY

Jun 27 (Fri) - 7:30pm - to 11:30pm-ish - Central

Jul 4 (Fri) - 7:30pm - to 11:30pm-ish - Central

Jul 5 (Sat) - 8:00-11:00pm EDT - Hybrid Event

  • MIT Tuesday Night Revival (TNR) Dance
  • $10,
  • Attendees must be vaccinated - masks suggested
  • Location - First Parish, 50 Church St, in Waltham, MA 02452
  • Saturday Dance Zoom Link: https://tinyurl.com/tnrzoom
    • Meeting ID: 99176986857 (no passcode)
  • TNR Website/Schedule: https://tuesdaynightrevival.com/

Jul 11 (Fri-Sat-Sun) - All Day - Central

  • VDR Dance Party Joins with Door County Folk Festival for ALL DAY Friday, Saturday and Sunday on Zoom
  • NO Separate VDR Friday Zoom Party this Weekend

Jul 11-13 (Weekend) - 46th Annual Door County Folk Festival at MUSE Sturgeon Bay

Jul 18 (Fri) - 7:30pm - to 11:30pm-ish - Central

Jul 19 (Sat) - 5:00pm-8:30pm Central

Jul 19/20 (Sat/Sun) - 8:15pm-3:00am Central

  • Dance More at VDR's Monthly After-Party + Post Dance Discussion
  • Virtual Dance - Online Only
  • NEW THEME - TBD
  • VDR After-Party Announcement
  • Click for After-Party Playlist
  • NOTE: THE AFTER-PARTY IS A 1-DAY EVENT THAT STARTS SATURDAY EVENING AND ENDS EARLY SUNDAY MORNING
  • WE SHOW SAT/SUN DAYS FOR OUR OVERSEAS PARTICIPANTS BECAUSE FOR THEM, THE EVENT STARTS ON SUNDAY

Jul 25 (Fri) - 7:30pm - to 11:30pm-ish - Central

Aug 1 (Fri) - 7:30pm - to 11:30pm-ish - Central

Aug 2 (Sat) - 8:00-11:00pm EDT - Hybrid Event

  • MIT Tuesday Night Revival (TNR) Dance
  • $10,
  • Attendees must be vaccinated - masks suggested
  • Location - First Parish, 50 Church St, in Waltham, MA 02452
  • Saturday Dance Zoom Link: https://tinyurl.com/tnrzoom
    • Meeting ID: 99176986857 (no passcode)
  • TNR Website/Schedule: https://tuesdaynightrevival.com/

Aug 8 (Fri) - 7:30pm - to 11:30pm-ish - Central

Aug 15 (Fri) - 7:30pm - to 11:30pm-ish - Central

Aug 16 (Sat) - 5:00pm-8:30pm Central

Aug 16/17 (Sat/Sun) - 8:15pm-3:00am Central

  • Dance More at VDR's Monthly After-Party + Post Dance Discussion
  • Virtual Dance - Online Only
  • NEW THEME - TBD
  • VDR After-Party Announcement
  • Click for After-Party Playlist
  • NOTE: THE AFTER-PARTY IS A 1-DAY EVENT THAT STARTS SATURDAY EVENING AND ENDS EARLY SUNDAY MORNING
  • WE SHOW SAT/SUN DAYS FOR OUR OVERSEAS PARTICIPANTS BECAUSE FOR THEM, THE EVENT STARTS ON SUNDAY

Aug 22 (Fri) - 7:30pm - to 11:30pm-ish - Central

Aug 29 (Fri) - 7:30pm - to 11:30pm-ish - Central

 

 

If the VDR provides you with any amount of enjoyment and entertainment, please take a minute to click this link to review our request for your financial support.

To view various online and offline donation options for the VIRTUAL DANCE ROOM, click the GREEN button below

VDR Donation

 

Virtual Dance Room (VDR) Followups

The Mystery Dance Theme Challenge of Friday, October 29, 2023

    • We planned a "Mystery Dance Theme" for all music used in sets 50 and 100.
      • Accidentally, all music for sets 200 and 400 followed this theme.
      • All dances except 1 in set 300 followed this theme.
      • Unfortunately, no one guessed the theme this time.
      • Instead of usinga lot of alternate music for doing dances on Halloween (other groups did that) we put the Halloween mood into the program by using only music in a minor scale or modal scale (Mixolydian, Lydian, Phrygian, Dorian, etc.)
      • I think we did this theme a couple of years ago and will try it again sometime.

The Mystery Dance Theme Challenge of Fridays, July 21 and August 4, 2023

    • The Mystery Dance Theme was continued on August 4th from the Friday July 21st dance
      • Barbara Bleisch (St Louis) guessed correctly (on the 21st) that all the dances had movements into the center and out / or forward to the center and back
        • We wanted 1 or 2 or more prize-winners, so the theme continued on August 4 and all hosts (Melissa, Theresa, Barbara-B) included theme dances in their sets
      • Erika Nadas (Chicago, IL), a fellow dancer and college mate of mine, got a 95% noting that all dances had movement into and out of the center - Erika also suggested that the dances seemed to then progress around the circle, but several did not.
      • Don Weeda (Austin, TX) took a look at the list and sent an email guessing that all dances had backing up, but not all went forward - which was only half correct. Besides, Besides, Don did not actually login, so he gets a 50% (and an honorable mention) but no fabulous prizes.

Special VDR Life Celebration Dance Party of July 28, 2023

    • This event was a great success
    • Thanks to all of the 40+ International Folk Dancers and Bulgarian Folk Dancers and Musicians who attended in person and to the 75+ participants who attended virtually

    • We used this occasion to celebrate the lives of several dancers who've had an impact on Chicago International Folk Dancing and who've recently passed away

      • Jeri Lynn Banina Sherby (regular dancer at EDC & the VDR for many years)
      • John Kuo (leader of Balkanske Igre and organizer of the Spring Festival)
      • Mary Garvin (Twin Cities dance leader who taught regularly at DCFF)

 

If the VDR provides you with any amount of enjoyment and entertainment, please take a minute to click this link to review our request for your financial support.

To view various online and offline donation options for the VIRTUAL DANCE ROOM, click the GREEN button below

VDR Donation
Door County Folk Festival (DCFF) Information
Door County Folk Festival (DCFF) Followups

Aug 20, 2023 (Sun) - Richard "Dick" Miller Celebration of Life in Middleton, WI

  • Aug 20 (Sun) - 1:30pm-5:00pm CDT
    • Celebrate the Life of Richard (Dick) Miller
    • We invite you to celebrate the life of Richard "Dick" Miller (Middleton, Wisconsin) who passed away on January 7, 2023 while on vacation visiting relatives and friends in Nevada.
    • Dick and Miriam Miller played VERY IMPORTANT ROLES by leading extremely fun and creative Youth/Children's Activities for the Festival.
    • Please visit the "Celebrating the Life of Dick Miller" Page on the DCFF website, where you'll find
    • Click to View Dick Miller Page: https://www.dcff.net/dickmiller/
  • Celebration Day Details
    • Lakeview Park Shelter in Middleton, WI - https://visitmiddleton.com/location/lakeview-park/
    • We have the shelter reserved (indoor/outdoor space)
    • We'll begin gathering at 1:30 pm. with a program starting around 2 pm.
    • The afternoon will include time for tributes, music, games, and a late lunch/early dinner concluding around 5 pm
    • We'd love for you to think of a story or memory to share - Click Link Below!

Jul 7-9, 2023 (Fri-Sun) - In-Person and Online Event - afternoon & evening proceedings were Zoomed

44th Annual Door County Folk Festival in Egg Harbor, WI and Online

  • Dance Workshops with the "Best of" Regional Dance Leaders
  • Great Dance Parties with live & recorded music
  • Informative Group Discussions and Presentations
  • Fish Boil Dinners
  • Return of the "DCFF Olympics"

Announcement:

DCFF Workshop Materials:

  • You may still request DCFF Media (Dance Music, Dance Descriptions, Dance Videos)
  • Participants who've requested downloadable media have been e-mailed the links
  • To request these materials: https://dcff.net/register/

Donations

Health Safety/Code of Conduct Policies:

Website:

 

The Door County Folk Festival requests your support. Help keep DCFF going by taking a moment to click this link to review our request for your financial support.

To view various online and offline donation options for the Door County Folk Festival, click the BLUE BUTTON below

VDR Donation
Miscellaneous Stuff

Miscellaneous Stuff

 

EDC Home | DCFF Home

Additional Information - Tel: (847)-846-8139, (773)-634-9381 - -

- -----