Welcome to the East European Folklife Center

The East European Folklife Center (EEFC) is a non-profit membership organization whose mission is to educate the general public about the folk music, folk dance, and folklore in the Balkans through promoting and sponsoring activities which honor and celebrate the richness of these cultures; and to foster understanding and respect of all peoples through shared experiences of Balkan cultures.

Balkan Music & Dance Workshops

West Coast — Mendocino, California — June 27-July 4, 2009

East Coast — Iroquois Springs, Rock Hill, New York — August 8-15, 2009

News

Finally! It's here! The 2007 Iroquois Springs photo album is now available for viewing!

The 2007 Mendocino photo album is now available for viewing!

Our Vision

We will remain connected to the authentic traditions of music and dance while also being attuned to ongoing and changing cultural trends.
We will be open and welcoming to all people of all backgrounds.
We will maintain the highest possible degree of scholarship and teaching.
We will have the financial and structural resources to meet the evolving needs of our community.

Strategic Plan

The current EEFC Board of Directors and the EEFC Development Committee has put together a strategic plan for the next 10 years. We invite everyone to provide constructive suggestions and comments as we continue to formulate our goals and to grow as an organization.

photo credit: Margaret Loomis

Folk music and dance of Albania, Bosnia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Kosova, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia & Turkey

Part-timers, evening party goers and beginners welcome!

Instruction on folk instruments
Ensemble coaching & jam sessions
Daily children's programs
Dancing to live music every evening
Singing workshops
Delicious ethnic food
Hiking & swimming

The Balkan Music & Dance Workshops offer a unique opportunity for you to join in a celebration of music, dance and traditions—an enjoyable learning experience in an informal and supportive atmosphere.

Beginners with no previous knowledge are welcome!

photo credit: Bill Lanphier

Our greatest asset is the extraordinary talent and experience gathered in one place. At each workshop, more than 25 of North America’s most qualified Balkan musicians, dance teachers and scholars provide expertise and encouragement to about 150 students. Many staff members grew up with traditional music and dance in Europe or North America, while others learned from ethnic performers here and abroad.

In addition to instruction in vocal, instrumental and dance techniques, we offer folklore presentations, staff and student concerts, jam sessions and incredible evening parties with live music. We emphasize traditional and contemporary folk music and dance from the Balkan countries, but material may also be included from neighboring regions of Central Europe and the Near East.

photo credit: Bill Lanphier

photo credit: Margaret Loomis