President: David Harris; Vice-President: Eileen Little; Secretary: Cheryl Spasojevic; Treasurer: Judy Young.
Members at Large: Carol Ernst; Alan Lincoln; Bernice Maslan; Kathryn Mbithi; Diane Vadnais
NFDI Board Members for 2020
President: David Harris; Vice-President: Bernice Maslan; Secretary: Cheryl Spasojevic; Treasurer: Jean Schweitzer. Members at Large: Alan Lincoln, Eileen Little, Kathryn Mbithi, Judy Young, Diane Vadnais.
Left to right, top to bottom: Alan Lincoln, Bernice Maslan, Eileen Little, Diane Vadnais, Kathryn Mbithi, David Harris, Jean Schweitzer, Cheryl Spasojevic, and Judy Young.
New Membership Chair
As of December 1, 2019, all membership applications and renewals should be sent to Kathy Bruni, 31341 120th PL SE, Auburn, WA 98092. Linda Caspermeyer has retired as membership chair.
NFDI Board Members for 2019
Left to right: Judy Robare, Alan Lincoln, Diane Vadnais, Cheryl Spasojevic, Jean Schweitzer, David Harris, Bernice Maslan, and Eileen Little.
Not pictured: JoAnne Rudo.
Renew Memberships and Pay for Ads Online!
As of September 8, 2018, you can renew your membership, make donations, or pay for ads online! Visit the page for each item to find instructions for online payments.
NFDI Sends Scholarship Winners to 2018 Stockton Camp
Four middle-school students from Portland and their teacher were awarded NFDI scholarships this year and attended Stockton Folk Dance Camp in California. They had a wonderful time, and NFDI is proud to be able to support them in their folk dance journeys.
2018 NFDI Dance Workshop at NW Folklife Festival
Susan Wickett-Ford taught a dance workshop on behalf of NFDI at the NW Folklife Festival on May 27. What fun! A group of happy dancers enjoyed Susan's expert teaching and energizing dance choices. Thanks, Susan!
2018 NFDI Fundraiser for NW Folklife
On April 14, NFDI held its 11th benefit dance for NW Folklife. Allspice played international favorites, while Orkestar RTW kept the crowd moving with the Balkan tunes. We raised $2475.00, all of which went directly to Folklife!
2018 Board Members
Officers for 2018: President, Bernice Maslan; Vice-President, David Harris, Secretary, Cheryl Spasojevic, and Treasurer, Jean Schweitzer. Here is a photo of the current board.
Left to right: Judy Robare, Alan Lincoln, Diane Vadnais, Cheryl Spasojevic, Jean Schweitzer, David Harris, Bernice Maslan, and Eileen Little.
Not pictured: JoAnne Rudo.
New Mailing Address
As of September 1, 2017, NFDI has a NEW ADDRESS!!
Northwest Folk Dancers Inc.
P.O. Box 333
Lynnwood, WA 98046-0333
NFDI Sends Scholarship Winners to 2017 Stockton Camp
NFDI awarded six scholarships to members this year. All of the awardees attended Stockton Folk Dance Camp in California. Four young students from Portland received scholarships from the Youth Fund, and two adults received scholarships under the regular scholarship program. We look forward to hearing from them about their camp experiences.
2017 NFDI Dance Workshop at NW Folklife Festival
On behalf of NFDI, Susan Wickett-Ford taught a dance workshop at the NW Folklife Festival on May 28. The room was full of eager dancers who learned quickly an had a lot of fun under Susan's expert tutelage. Thanks, Susan!
2017 NFDI Fundraiser for NW Folklife
On March 25 NFDI held its 10th benefit dance for NW Folklife. Allspice Band spiced things up with international dance favorites, followed by Orkestar RTW with the Balkan beat. We raised $2607.00, all of which went directly to Folklife!
NFDI Board Members for 2017
Left to right: David Harris, Cheryl Spasojevic, Harry Khamis, Bernice Maslan, Judy Robare, Jean Schweitzer, and Diane Vadnais.
Not pictured: Noel Wannebo.
2016 NFDI Fundraiser for NW Folklife
Our fund raiser dance on April 9 to benefit NW Folklife was a big success! We raised $2065 for Folklife. Many thanks to the bands--Allspice, Julie King and Olga Hauptman (with calling by Gordie Swartzman), and Folk Voice Band. Thanks, too, to the Cedar Valley Grange, which donated the use of the hall; Sno-King International Folkdancers, who donated their usual dance night; Skandia, who allowed us to borrow their sound system; and Patrick McMonagle, who donated his time and expertise to run the sound. It was so much fun!
2016 Festival for NFDI's 60th Anniversary
NFDI's festival to celebrate our 60th anniversary was held March 19 & 20, 2016, at the Russian Community Center in Seattle. What a great festival! From the superlative teaching of Lee Otterholt (international) and Marty Koenig (Balkan), to the dance concert with Radost and Kisbetyárok and the folk dance ball, with Folk Voice Band, Allspice, and Orkestar RTW, it was a wonderful event. In addition to our fabulous teachers, performers, and bands, we had items for sale from John Filcich (Festival Records), both instructors, and Dennis Roth (who donated his proceeds to NFDI, as did Susan Wickett-Ford, who brought some costumes to sell). The fun didn't stop there, though, as Sunday included another workshop from Lee, a cultural hour on Bulgarian dancing with Marty, and a review session to wrap it all up. Thanks to all of you who came; we had excellent attendance, and there were many comments about what a wonderful festival it was.
2016 Board Members
In the election held at the end of 2015, board member Diane Vadnais was re-elected, and new board members David Harris and Bernice Maslan joined us. Officers for 2016: President, Susan Wickett-Ford; Vice-President, TBD, Secretary, Bernice Maslan, and Treasurer, Kathy Bruni.
Here is a photo of the current board.
Back row: Susan Wickett-Ford, Diane Vadnais, Kathy Sandstrom, Noel Wannebo, David Harris
Front row: Judy Robare, Bernice Maslan, Kathy Bruni, Gordie Swartzman.
Not pictured: Katharine Hough and Jean Schweitzer.
2015 Fundraiser for NW Folklife
NFDI held a successful fundraiser dance on March 28, 2015, to benefit Northwest Folklife. $2080 was raised at the event, with another $120 donated after the fact because of our dance, for a total of $2200! Around 70 people attended, and it was a grand and glorious evening! Thanks so much to the three bands that donated their time and expertise to make this event so much fun: Folk Voice Band, Laurie Andres and Cathie Whitesides, with caller Jean Causey, and Allspice. Kudos to Art Hare, who provided sound for the event, and many thanks to Skandia, who graciously loaned their sound equipment. Thanks are also due to Sno-King, who allowed us to hold the event on their regular dance night, and to Cedar Valley Grange, who donated the use of the hall. If you missed it, you really missed out...plan to come to our event next year!
2015 Board Members
In the election held at the end of 2014, board member Sarah Huntington was re-elected, and new board members Jean Schweitzer and Noel Wannebo joined us. Officers for 2015: President, Gordie Swartzman; Vice-President, Susan Wickett-Ford, Secretary, Sarah Huntington, and Treasurer, Kathy Bruni.
Here is a photo of the current board.
Back row: Diane Vadnais, Kathy Sandstrom, Judy Robare, Gordie Swartzman, Sarah Huntington, Kenneth Bartanen.
Front row: Susan Wickett-Ford, Jean Schweitzer, Katharine Hough, Kathy Bruni.
Not pictured: Karen Shaw and Noel Wannebo.
2014 Fundraiser for NW Folklife
NFDI's benefit dance for Northwest Folklife on March 29, 2014, was a great success. With fabulous music by three bands—Allspice; Laurie Andres, W.B. Reid, and Betsy Alexander, with Karen Shaw calling English; and Orkestar RTW—there was plenty of dancing, and a good time was had by all. Sound provider and technician Allan Swensson helped the bands be heard. We raised $2500 to benefit NW Folklife! Thanks to the bands, Allan, Cedar Valley Grange, and Sno-King International Folkdancers, for making this event possible!
Facebook
As of January 26, 2014, we have a Facebook page! Search for Northwest Folk Dancers Inc and "Like" our page!
2014 Board Members
In the 2013 election, board members Kathy Bruni and Judy Robare were re-elected, and new board members were added: Katharine Hough, Kathy Sandstrom, Gordie Swartzman, and Susan Wickett-Ford. Welcome to all of you! To retiring board member Birgit Ages, thank you for your service on the board.
The modification to our bylaws passed by a large majority, so the board can now contain anywhere from 9 to 12 members.
Here is photo of the 2014 board members.
Back row: Kathy Bruni, Judy Robare, Susan Wickett-Ford, Gordie Swartzman, Kenneth Bartanen.
Front row: Karen Shaw, Diane Vadnais, Sally Jacky, Sarah Huntington.
Not pictured: Katharine Hough, Kathy Sandstrom, and Larry Reinert.
2013 Fundraiser for NW Folklife
NFDI's benefit dance for Northwest Folklife on March 9, 2013, was a great success. With fabulous music by three bands—Allspice; Laurie Andres and friends, with Karen Shaw calling English; and Folk Voice Band—there was plenty of dancing, and a good time was had by all. Sound provider and technician Allan Swensson helped the bands be heard. We raised over $2000 to benefit NW Folklife. Thanks to the bands, Allan, Cedar Valley Grange, and Sno-King International Folkdancers, for making this event possible! Download the flyer here.
2013 Board Members
In the 2012 election, Karen Shaw and Diane Vadnais were re-elected, and Ken Bartanen joined the board. We bid a fond farewell to outgoing board member Tali McGill.
Here is a photo of the 2013 board members.
Back row: Kathy Bruni, Sarah Huntington, Kenneth Bartanen, Larry Reinert, Diane Vadnais.
Front row: Karen Shaw, Sally Jacky, Judy Robare.
Not pictured: Birgit Ages.
2012 Fundraiser for NW Folklife
NFDI's benefit dance for Northwest Folklife on March 31, 2012 was a great success! Over 90 people enjoyed fabulous music by two bands—Allspice, and Hank Bradley, Cathie Whitesides, and Laurie Andres, with Tony Mates calling contras—and we raised $2000.25 for NW Folklife! Great door prizes and abundant, tasty food added to the fun. Thanks to the bands, sound provider and technician Allan Swensson, Cedar Valley Grange, Sno-King International Folkdancers, and the NFDI board members, as well as all the attendees, for making this a memorable and successful event!
We are looking for young dancers who want to attend Stockton Folkdance Camp this summer. NFDI will provide a partial scholarship, and the camp will provide a partial scholarship. More information on the Youth Fund page.
2012 Board Members
Our 2011 election has concluded and the following new members will be joining the board: Larry Reinert and Sarah Huntington. Sally Jacky was re-elected. Their terms begin in January of 2012. Our appreciation goes out to outgoing board members Erika Dehm and Denis Murphy.
Here is a photo of the 2012 board members.
Back row: Birgit Ages, Judy Robare, Kathy Bruni, Diane Vadnais.
Front row: Tali McGill, Sally Jacky, Sarah Huntington, Karen Shaw.
Not pictured: Larry Reinert.
2011 Fundraiser for NW Folklife
NFDI again held a fundraiser dance for NW Folklife, on March 19, 2011, at the Cedar Valley Grange in Lynnwood, Washington. We danced to the fabulous live music of Folk Voice Band, Allspice, and Orkestar RTW, with contra dances called by Karen Shaw during the band changeovers. We are grateful to the bands and to Allan Swensson, who provided sound equipment and the talent to run it. The Cedar Valley Grange donated the hall rental, and Sno-King International Folkdancers donated their dance night to the cause. NW Folklife staff was on hand, and all proceeds were donated directly to Folklife.
2011 Board Members
Birgit Ages, Kathy Bruni, and Judy Robare were re-elected to the NFDI Board in the 2010 election. Their three-year terms started January 1. Congratulations!
We also passed one bylaw change.
Here is a photo of the current board members.
Back row: Denis Murphy, Birgit Ages, Erika Dehm.
Middle row: Karen Shaw, Tali McGill, Sally Jacky, Diane Vadnais, Judy Robare.
Front row: Kathy Bruni
2010 International Folk Dance at NW Folklife
The international dance at Folklife was a great success! We had a packed room, two wonderful bands, and lots and lots of fun! Thanks to MC and community coordinator Patrick McMonagle for putting it all together and making sure everything went smoothly!
2010 Fundraiser for NW Folklife
On March 13, NFDI held a very successful dance at the Cedar Valley Grange to raise funds for NW Folklife. The fabulous live music of Allspice, Folk Voice Band, Orkestar RTW, and La Famille Léger, was donated for the event, as was the sound support and equipment from Allen Swensson. The Cedar Valley Grange donated the hall for the evening, and Sno-King International Folkdancers donated their dance night to the cause. Thanks to all these very generous people, all proceeds from the event went directly to NW Folklife. $1435 was contributed that night, and another $235 came in after the fact, for a total of $1670 that NFDI's fundraiser brought to NW Folklife. Thanks to all of the wonderful people who contributed to make that happen! Photos are on Facebook at this public link.
2010 Board Members
Karen Shaw, Tali McGill, and Diane Vadnais were elected (or re-elected) to the NFDI Board in the 2009 election. Their three-year terms started January 1. Congratulations, and welcome!
Elections (January 2009)
In 2009, we welcomed three new Board members: Denis Murphy, Sally Jacky, and Erika Dehm. Three current Board members will complete their terms at the end of December 2009: Robert Butler, Diane Vadnais, and Naphtali (Tali) McGill. Thanks for your service on the Board! Diane and Tali have agreed to run again, and we have two additional candidates: Karen Shaw and Bernice Maslan. NFDI members: Please vote in our 2009 election! Ballots will be distributed by November 1.
Revisions to the NFDI Bylaws were approved by the members in the 2008 election.
Scholarships awarded in 2009
NFDI members can apply for a scholarship to help them attend a dance camp or festival of their choice! Find the scholarship application here.
One scholarship has been awarded to Sonia Connolly of Portland, Oregon. She attended Mendocino Balkan Camp. Congratulations, Sonia.
A second scholarship was awarded to Jamie Lynn Webster, who attended Stockton Camp.
November NFDI Benefit Dance for NW Folklife (November 2008)
NFDI's benefit dance for NW Folklife on November 15 was a rousing success. We raised over $1000 for Folklife, and everyone had a lot of fun. Thanks to our wonderful volunteer bands—Allspice, Folk Voice Band, Druzhba, and Orkestar RTW—and our sound technician, Allan Swensson. The Sno-King International Folkdancers donated the cost of the hall rental, allowing us to hold this event in lieu of their regular Saturday night dance; many thanks to them! Please support these great bands by hiring them, and the sound technician, when you have a paying gig! See our Resources page for contact information.
New NFDI Newsletter Co-Editor (July 2008)
Welcome to Noel Wannebo, the new NFDI co-editor. Thea Huijgen retired from the position of newsletter editor in January 2008, and Noel graciously volunteered to replace her. Noel's first issue was the July 2008 issue, and she did a great job. Thanks, Noel!
"Best of Stockton, Part II" (April 2008)
The NFDI "Best of Stockton" (Part II) workshop on April 18, 2008 went very well. Despite snow—Again! In April!—we had a good turnout, including three participants who came over from Richland, WA. Thea Huijgen, a master teacher originally from the Netherlands, taught more dances from 2007 Stockton Folkdance Camp.
NFDI Benefit Dance for NW Folklife Festival (March 2008)
The benefit dance for the NW Folklife Festival on March 15 garnered a great turnout, and raised a substantial amount of money for Folklife. Many thanks to Folk Voice Band, Skandia Kapell, Druzhba, and Orkestar RTW, who donated their playing for the evening. Thanks, too, to Sno-King International Folkdancers for paying the hall rental at Cedar Valley Grange, and to Allan Swensson for donating his time and use of his sound equipment for the event. It was a lot of fun! Here are a couple of photos: Birgit and Phil Ages dancing (photo by Gloria Barello), Skandia Kapell (photo by Kathy Bruni), and dancing to the music of Druzhba (photo by Kathy Bruni).
NFDI "Best of Stockton" Workshop (December 2007)
Thea Huijgen taught three workshop sessions based on dances presented at Stockton Dance Camp this past year. Despite the first snowfall of the season, a number of enthusiastic participants braved the weather and had an enjoyable day learning French and Scottish couple dances, and Turkish, Bulgarian, and Romanian dances. We even stayed on into the evening for the Sno-King dance and a review session.
NFDI Membership Discounts (October 2007)
NFDI members received a discount to the Richland festival in October. This new program sponsored by NFDI makes it easier than ever for NFDI members to attend events at member clubs while saving money.
Scholarship Winners (April 2007)
Congratulations to our NFDI scholarship winners for 2007: Kathy Sandstrom and Jerry Wade!
Elections (January 2007)
Congratulations to incoming board members for 2007: Bob Butler, Tali McGill, and Diane Vadnais. We look forward to your new ideas on the NFDI Board!
NFDI Fifty Festival
The NFDI festival on April 1-2, 2006 was a rousing success. We heard nothing but positive comments on our featured teachers, Cristian Florescu and Sonia Dion from Montreal teaching Romanian dances. Thea Huijgen, a wonderful local professional dance teacher, presented international folk dances. The internationally acclaimed Mary Sherhart drew fans to her Balkan singing workshops. It was a fabulous event, with not only dance and singing workshops, but also an entertaining dance concert, an evening participatory dance with three outstanding bands, a raffle, costume sales, and free cake. If you missed it, you really missed out!
If you weren't there, or even if you were, you can get an idea of what happened through photos from the event.
Scholarships
NFDI offers scholarships each year to encourage current or prospective teachers of world dance to attend dance camps or festivals and teach that material to NFDI clubs. More information is available on the form. Check it out!
