Maclovia Quintana, Program Committee Chair

How did you first discover our Balkan Music & Dance Workshops (Balkan Camp), and what keeps you coming back?
I originally heard of camp from Corinne Sykes, back in 2010 or so. Corinne and I sang together in the Yale Women’s Slavic Chorus. She had gone to East Coast camp, and after she moved to California in 2010, she started encouraging Slavs to come to Mendocino. I attended my first camp in Mendocino in 2011, with two other Slavs, Anna Rose Gable and Nila Bala. We attended as “Package A” campers, leaving on Tuesday. We were totally amazed and overwhelmed. I came back in 2012, again for half the week, and felt so sad to have to leave on Tuesday. Since then, I’ve come every year for the full week.

What is one of your favorite memories of Balkan Camp?
I have so many favorite memories of camp, it’s hard to pick just a few. One of them was in 2012, having a fantastic jam session in our cabin on the far side of the meadow. We recorded the session, and you can hear the loud popping of the fire in the background. Each year, the various current and former members of the Slavic Chorus perform a Kafana set, and this past year we were (as always) hard pressed to find rehearsal space. Melinda Russial snapped this great picture of Corinne, Anna Rose, and I rehearsing in Corinne’s truck, which we had lovingly named the “Big Gay Truck.”

Have you volunteered with the EEFC before? If so, in what capacity?
I volunteered for the last year as a member of the programming committee. I’ve also volunteered as an auctioneer at West Coast camp for the past 3 or 4 years.

What inspired you to become a board member?
I was inspired to become a board member, because I care very deeply about the organization and about the magical space of Balkan Camp. I think we’re at a very critical moment for our organization and our community, and I wanted to be an active part of the conversation of how we move forward.

What Balkan projects/events/bands/groups do you participate in?
I’m currently singing with Kitka. My husband Adam and I also have a fledgling band based in San Francisco, called Macedoine, which is doing primarily Turkish psychedelic music.

What would you tell someone considering attending Balkan Camp for the first time?
To someone considering attending camp for the first time, I would say: absolutely do it! I think that you get something out of camp whether you come for one year or for 30 (though I do think the effect is compounding year after year). It is an amazing community of people, and the musical resources you have access to at camp are truly unparalleled.

 

Kristina Vaskys, Scholarship Committee

How did you first discover our Balkan Music & Dance Workshops (Balkan Camp), and what keeps you coming back?
My first Balkan Camp was in 2004, at Hi-Rock. As a college student, I was part of the Duquesne University Tamburitzans, which gave me my first introduction to Balkan music and dance. After mainly playing music with the group and wanting to learn more about dance, I sought out Michael Ginsburg’s dance class in New York, which became my entry point into this community. Those dancers were the ones who welcomed me in, helped me learn the dances, and introduced me to the joys of Golden Fest and Balkan Camp. Having financial need that year, I applied for and received a KEF Scholarship. I was hooked after the very first day of camp. Initially, I was enamored of the plethora of learning opportunities that were available, but as time progressed I began to make more connections within the community itself. Being able to bond with so many people across different generations is very meaningful to me, and seeing our community grow and develop over time is one of the many things that keeps me coming back.

What is one of your favorite memories of Balkan Camp?
One night in 2009, a group of us stayed up late enough at kafana that we saw the sun rise. As the sun rose, Georgi Petrov, Kalin Kirilov, and Matt Moran serenaded us outside with a joyous and masterful improvisation. It was one of those magical kafana moments that you can never anticipate but always remember the most.

Have you volunteered with the EEFC before? If so, in what capacity?
In the past, I have served on the scholarship committee and will do so again this year.

What inspired you to become a board member?
The EEFC seems to be at an interesting and crucial crossroads right now, both trying to honor the traditions of those who have gone before while simultaneously embracing innovation, change, and vitality. We’re figuring out what it means to be a traditional community within the context of our modern society, embrace the needs of multiple generations, and how to keep the organization going in the future. I was inspired by the many lunchtime meetings I attended at camp addressing these topics and felt that now is the time for me to step up and give back to the community that has already given so much to me.

What Balkan projects/events/bands/groups do you participate in?
I currently sing and play tambura with Niva, a Macedonian village ensemble made up of four women (Bridget Robbins, Corinna Snyder, Emily Geller, and myself).

What would you tell someone considering attending Balkan Camp for the first time?
If you can make it happen, go! You won’t be disappointed. While you’re there, don’t forget to pace yourself, and take time out to recharge and clear your head (napping, reading, swimming, etc.). And finally, try something new and revel in the unexpected. Some of the best experiences you’ll have are the ones you couldn’t have possibly planned.

 

 

Dear friends,

In 2017, the board of directors began working on a new strategic plan that will carry the East European Folklife Center into a robust future. This year we have focused on listening to our community through our thought-provoking community forums and now through the following survey. Maybe you weren’t able to attend camp, or maybe you just have more to say? We want to hear from you! The board will begin finalizing the strategic plan this Spring, and we are eager to consider your thoughts and ideas.

Please use this survey to dream big! We may not be able to check off your entire wish list due to the forces of budget and physics – but we want to hear your vision for camp as if the possibilities were limitless, and the board will work backward from there. If you would like to learn more about our timeline and process, click here.

The survey is 50 questions long with an opportunity for free-form feedback, and it should take you about 20 minutes to complete. And to add a little extra inspiration, by participating in our survey, you are automatically entered into a raffle to win a free 2019 camp tee! Ready to go? We’re all ears!

Take the survey here.

Sincerely,

The EEFC Board of Directors

 

 

Dear Community,

As I mentioned in last month’s newsletter (if you aren’t on our mailing list, you can sign up here), we’re reworking our timeline for the strategic plan. On this year’s workshops on both coasts, I spent almost every waking hour in deep conversation with community members. When I got home in August, I looked at my notes from these one-on-one exchanges and attempted to compile them with my notes from our community forums. Immediately, I knew that we needed to take a step back and slow down our planning process. The thoughts, ideas, and concerns were too many and too precious to gloss over in the name of hitting a deadline. Our new timeline is as follows:

From Friday, December 28th – Monday, January 28th, we will open a final survey to the entire community. This will be your last opportunity to give input before the board begins handpicking a selection of our favorite ideas. We have selected a task force, consisting of Corinne Sykes, Hannah Blair, and Ross Smith, which will then get down into the weeds and perform in-depth research into the board’s selections in 2019. Their inquiry is designed to nail down the specifics of how we might implement these proposed plans, allowing the board to focus on the bigger picture of our community mission and values. Noel Kropf and Barbara Uhlemann have volunteered to oversee their efforts to ensure timely completion of their research.

In early spring, the task force will present the results of their investigation with details into each proposed idea, and the board will come to consensus on how to move forward. From there, we will begin drafting the final plan for publication in early June 2019. At our workshops, this year’s community forums will focus on presenting the plan and answering your questions, so that we can move into 2020 with a clear picture of our next steps forward.

We know this plan has been a long time coming, and we appreciate your patience while we handle this project with the gravitas it deserves. We look forward to reading your surveys and encourage you to stay engaged in the coming months. It’s an exciting time to be a part of this community as we position ourselves for a resilient future. Below is a summary of our work in 2018, which includes our financial report. We had a wonderful year, and look forward to doing it again in 2019!

Sincerely,

Melinda Russial, President

and the EEFC Board of Directors

 

2018 Year End Report

As the year comes to a close, the Board would like to recognize and thank the following individuals for their outstanding service and dedication to our community:

• Corinna Snyder: Corinna’s presidency marked a period of big vision for our community. Her unerring belief in our organization’s mission meant that she held us to high standards and wouldn’t let us rest on our laurels. Corinna embraced change and tried out many fresh ideas during her seven years of service. Corinna shepherded in many of our community’s most promising new leaders (including our current president). She had a special eye for recognizing that unique medley of enthusiasm, assiduousness, and passion in new and young campers, and she guided their first steps into leadership so that we could all enjoy their fresh perspectives and excitement. Encouraging these individuals has ensured a bright future for the EEFC, and as we benefit from their work, we are continually grateful for her contributions and leadership.
• Demetri Tashie: During his decade-long service on the board, Demetri has provided indispensable continuity to our organization. He showed remarkable resiliency and commitment to our community’s future as he supported the EEFC through tough periods of change. The gift of institutional wisdom cannot be underestimated, and Demetri has allowed the board to mine his first-hand experience innumerable times so that we could take well-informed steps forward. As his service comes to a close, we thank him for his constancy and wisdom, and look forward to enjoying his thoughtful and studied nature as he continues to contribute through the Program Committee.
• Ann Norton, Michelle Benoit, Denys Carrillo, Emily Cohen, and Erika Gerson: We celebrate these dedicated women who have served on the Scholarship Committee with devotion for years. Selecting scholarship recipients is an emotional roller coaster. There are lows, when you have to turn people away, and highs, as you watch awardees soar. It takes a strong heart to repeat this process year after year, and these women certainly have strength in spades. While they are being recognized today for their service to the Scholarship Committee, between them, they also represent years of board membership, generous giving, and community building.

Each of these individuals embody the spirit of volunteerism that has enabled the EEFC to thrive over the years, and it’s an honor to recognize them here. Let’s give thanks to Corinna, Demetri, Ann, Denys, Michelle, Emily, and Erika, who have touched so many lives! Our organization and community is better for their hard work and dedication.

Notes from the EEFC Spring Board Meeting: May 12-13, 2018, in Oakland, CA

Abridged from meeting minutes.

Present: Barbara Uhlemann, Craig Kurumada, Melinda Russial, Noel Kropf, Rachel MacFarlane

By Phone: Alex Markovic, Demetri Tashie

Absent: Corinna Snyder

SATURDAY 10am-5pm PDT

The board is in Phase 1 of a two-step process to develop and publish a strategic plan. Last year, we did the prerequisite work of gathering general information about our community’s values and aspirations. This year, our first phase will focus on deepening our understanding around points of contention within our community.

Melinda began the meeting by reexamining our organization’s vision. We considered the ways in which our vision is inherently complex and how our vision connects to our organization’s use of the terms “East European” vs. “Balkan.” We noted that our workshops are labeled “Balkan” and discussed how that reflects our camp’s programming and function. We then collaborated on a whiteboard ideation exercise that explored our community’s “Controversies of Purpose” and “Controversies of Practice.” Throughout this process, we were encouraged to ground our thoughts in past camp evaluations, in addition to our vision and mission statements. From this brainstorm, we identified top strategic issues which the EEFC may face over the next three, five, and ten years.

Summary Controversies of Purpose

• Who is our target audience?
  • How do we serve youth?
  • How do we serve someone across their lifetime?
  • How do we serve someone joining our community at a particular point in their lifetime?
  • How do we serve campers ranging from beginners to longtime professional musicians at all ages?
  • How do we serve longtime campers vs. new campers?
  • How do we serve our aging population?
• What is the scope of programming at our workshops?
  • Do we primarily focus on traditional arts?
  • How do we hold space for contemporary practice?
  • How are class levels working?
• How do we balance the “party in the woods” with a meaningful educational experience? How do we keep the fun and deliver deep resources for learning?
• Is EEFC primarily a nonprofit business or a community?
• How do we embed our community’s culture within the broader cultural context of the Balkans?
• What does “authenticity” mean to our organization and community?

Summary Controversies of Practice

• How do we balance strategies of budgeting within our means and raise funds as needed to achieve our current vision?
• What is our Development model? Are we missing out on grant opportunities?
• Should we focus all our resources on just our workshops or should we extend our focus (e.g. college credit, satellite programs)?
• How can we remain a viable nonprofit and continue investing in our sustainability?
• How are our finances perceived? Where do we need to adjust misconceptions?
• How should we divvy up the labor? What can and should be done by staff, board members, committees, and volunteers?
• How can we become more transparent for the community? Where can we improve or expand communications?

After lunch, we took a deeper dive into the programming issues raised by our previous discussion of “Controversies of Practice.” We focused on articulating the needs of different interest groups within our community (Amateur/Professional, Returnee/New Camper, Musician/Dancer/Singer, Student/Teacher).

The day closed in Executive Session (agenda topics only, details redacted):

• Executive Session: Staffing
• Executive Session: Board and Committee Term Limits
• Executive Session: Staff Performance Review

SUNDAY 9am-2pm PDT

We began the day with reports and proposals from our various committees, starting with the Program Committee. Because she was unable to attend, Corinna submitted a written report for the Board’s review. The Board reflected on the following issues:

• Continuing to incorporate more teachers from the Balkans
  • Can we secure longer-term commitments?
  • How are we handling the inherent difficulty and uncertainty with visas while building well-rounded programming?
• Improving our relationships with faculty
  • How are we honoring our faculty’s service and maintaining morale through uncertain times?
  • Demetri requested that the EEFC continue with its plan to increase teachers’ salaries.
• Program expansion
  • Should we serve Balkan communities in our programming? If so, what does that look like?  
  • What kinds of collaborations are available to us?
  • Should we revisit satellite programs?
  • Do our workshops meet the rigors necessary to be taken in exchange for college credit?
  • If we chose to expand, what’s a feasible timeline?

We then examined how programming can support the retention of first-time campers. Topics included:

• Identifying where first-time campers fit within our community upon their return
• Articulating their unique needs as second-year campers
• Discussing what innovations can be made to secure their return (teaching apprenticeships, advanced offerings, etc.)
  • Are we serving some levels better than others?
• How can we make their second camp as impactful as their first? How can we manage their expectations as they merge into the broader community?

The Scholarship Committee reported on the this year’s number of applicants, our ability to meet their financial needs, and the effectiveness of the new application forms. We also discussed a new leadership strategy for 2019.

The Administrative Committee reported that it had identified several potential board candidates. Moving forward, the committee is committed to compiling new training documents for board members, committee chairs, and committee members, as well as developing a new document outlining committee policies. We then addressed the issue of term limits for board members and achieved consensus on the following:

• The EEFC board of directors recommits to five-year terms for board members. We believe that rotation of committee members is beneficial. We reaffirm that Article VII Section 2 of the EEFC bylaws grant the President – with Board approval – authority to appoint or dissolve committees and modify the membership of committees.
• Upon special request of the Administrative Committee, a board member may be asked to continue serving for one additional year.

The Development and Finance Committees reported that income is similar to previous years, thus far. However, there is still room for growth. For the immediate future, the committee is dedicated to the following action items:

• Auction
  • Reopening the idea of Silent Auctions at Mendocino
  • Finding creative ways to improve attendance
  • Better articulating what the General Fund is and how it serves our members and campers
• Running a fall pledge drive to solicit membership from regular campers who were unable to attend camp this year, and therefore, missed renewing their membership
• Seeking program-specific sponsors with the caveat that it doesn’t introduce bias into our programming
• Reminding supporters about opportunities to support camp via Amazon Smile and car/boat/securities donations
• Supporting community fundraisers (parties, workshops, performances) that provide scholarships to local would-be campers
• Creating a short annual report/pamphlet for potential donors that is also included with our annual appeal letter
• Developing projects that support young people and young families

Melinda requested that the committee and board attend to both short- and long-term development in our strategic plan. She feels that potential donors may be discouraged by concerns about the future and reiterated that publishing our strategic plan will enable us to pursue larger donations and planned giving. The Committee reaffirmed this sentiment and recommitted to the ultimate goal of lowering the cost of camp by sourcing external funds, and thereby, shrinking tuition.  

We then addressed Sarah Ferholt’s proposal to organize a trip to Serbia and Macedonia for the kids’ band in 2019. Melinda, Barbara, and Noel have been working on this as a self-appointed “committee.” After assessing our options, the Boarded decided that the EEFC should serve as fiscal sponsor/(401(c)(3) pass-through for grants and qualified charitable donations with the following standard conditions:

• The EEFC takes a small percentage of donations for administrative overhead
• A formal contract between Sarah and EEFC is established
• The trip’s organizers obtain appropriate liability insurance

From there, our focus shifted to the impending workshop season. We decided that we would forgo our usual “Lunch with the Board” and “NextGen” meetings in lieu of a series of topic-specific community forums. These targeted discussion forums will help us cut through more superficial topics and get down to root issues. Our hope is that this will provide more meaningful engagement with areas directly relevant to our strategic planning process.  

Melinda led us in a final reflection before we adjourned. We committed to the following:

• Guiding our community toward a solution-oriented mindset that will help us examine components of the strategic plan thoughtfully and efficiently
• Determining the components we’d like to include in our annual report
• Maintaining an open mind as we explore new funding models and staffing strategies
• Continuing to support and grow youth engagement

We closed with the acknowledgement that all strategic decisions are contingent on our financial standing at the end of this fiscal year. We will define our path forward by mid-October.

I won’t lie, getting to Balkan Camp can be a financial challenge. My own decades-long journey with camp is a testament to that. I’ve paid full-ride, been rejected for scholarships, received scholarships, and done hours of work exchange. There have been years when I could pay the whole fee upfront, and years when payment plans were a godsend. But no matter what, Balkan Camp is a nonnegotiable fixture on my calendar, and it can be for you, too.

No matter which way you look at it, these workshops are an excellent investment of your time and energy. You’re always going to learn something new, connect with someone you wouldn’t otherwise know, and leave better than you started (albeit a little sleep deprived). If I’m going to take a whole week off of work, I want to go somewhere that fills me with warm fuzzies and forces me to stretch and evolve in ways I didn’t know were possible. Camp does that. Every time, I get major return on my investment.

Here’s the truth: Where there’s a will, there’s a way. I’ve seen campers who make peanuts attend consistently for years without complaint, and I’ve seen well-off campers come and go, because they “can’t afford it.” Rather than focusing on the challenges of saving for camp, let’s focus on strategies you can implement TODAY to start making your camp dreams come true.

1. Try the Emily Cohen Method. Emily has been known to give out coffee cans for folks to stow away money throughout the year as their camp fund. Personally, I used an old mason jar, but the effect was the same. I threw in my tips from gigs, tucked the jar away somewhere I wouldn’t see it all the time, and slowly but surely, money began to add up. This is one of the most popular and successful means of saving for camp.
2. Apply for a scholarship. Scholarship information will be updated in early 2019, so go ahead and put a reminder in your calendar now to check back at our website then. I had to apply more than once to get my first scholarship, so don’t be discouraged if you didn’t receive one before. Be sure to read through ALL the details and the rubric. If you struggle with writing, maybe ask a friend to help you with editing in exchange for coffee or a foot rub. Take your time, dot your i’s and cross your t’s, and see what happens.
3. Request a work exchange position. After registration opens, you can request a work exchange position by emailing the site managers. If you plan to join us on the West Coast, you need to contact the site manager by May 1st. East Coasters have until May 31st. Having “something to do” at camp can can be a huge relief and will help you meet new people (I’m talking to you, introverts). Also, if you do the job well, you’re more likely to get it again. I was able to maintain my work exchange position for a couple of years while I was finishing college, which was enormously helpful.
4. Try a money saving app. There are numerous apps available to help you strategically and painlessly squirrel away money. My favorite is Digit, which analyzes my spending and sneaks money into savings. I don’t have to think about or put any effort into it, but the result is the same.
5. Draw up a budget. I know that doesn’t sound terribly exciting, but I’ll tell you what helps—dangling a really delicious carrot at the end of a stick to spur you on. Let camp be that delicious carrot! Put on some of your favorite Balkan tunes, set out some olives and feta for snacks, and get to work. Websites like Mint and YNAB can be very helpful for structuring your approach. You get bonus points for this one, because it’s helpful for life in general!

For many of us struggling artist types, there’s also the reality of lost income while we’re at camp. Depending on your trade, you might consider tailoring you camp stay to accommodate weekend or weeknight gigs. Don’t let FOMO prevent you from being flexible with your stay. But if you MUST work remotely during camp, I’d recommend driving off site (you’ll need to at Mendocino) for better Wi-Fi and cell service. It’ll also help you break away mentally, so you’ll work more efficiently with a clearer head and fewer interruptions. Many campers end up enjoying these breaks from the hubbub of camp, and sometimes journey offsite even when they don’t have work to do just to relax in a different environment.

Remember, there’s no wrong way to make your camp dreams come true. While I wouldn’t recommend robbing a bank (our community is hardcore, but not that hardcore), find the way that works for you, hustle hard, and then, cherish every moment of camp all the more, because you made it happen!

By Jenna Shear

Musical Mix in a Different Way

In the town of Arcata, California, population 17,000, we have extraordinary good fortune in the availability of live music for our dance community. Yes, we have jazz bands, salsa, Afro-Cuban, bluegrass and Celtic bands playing at coffee shops, dance venues and festivals. But, I’m talking about Balkan music.

Currently, we have a choice of six groups, playing mostly Balkan dance music. This isn’t a new event. In the twenty-five years, I’ve lived here, I can count a dozen groups, from duos to bands of five or six, that have played live Balkan music. One of the main reasons, I believe, is the existence of a community, open-door band: a band nursery, if you will.

It does require a few dedicated leaders. Folks who can be good coaches and organizers. Experienced musicians who can guide a group of mixed-level singers and instrumentalists. But the door is really open. There are no auditions or qualifications. If you want to sing or learn to play an instrument, you are welcome. Sometimes the results can be lopsided. What happens when you get three drummers, a recorder and a ukulele? Also, the mix isn’t just instruments. There are experienced singers and musicians, but not experienced in Balkan music or style. There are folks who have been dancing to Balkan music and know how it sounds but haven’t ever held a folk instrument.

The last two years, Linnea Mandell and yours truly have continued this little outreach. We call it our Balkan Meetup. The formula is a time slot set for 90-minutes. The first thirty minutes is a cappella singing. This includes songs with three or four parts such as choir pieces from Croatia, Serbia and, of course, Bulgarian choir songs made famous by the Les Mystere des Voix Bulgares recordings. But, there is also room for songs with a single melody and drone, which echo a more village-y feel. We’ve been fortunate to have a good mix of voices, so that all parts are covered. A nice by-product of this process is that people who have voices straddling more prescribed ranges of soprano, alto, tenor and bass can experiment and stretch themselves.

The second half-hour is combining instrumental accompaniment to singing. We have a mix of Balkan instruments like gaida, gudulka, kaval and tupan as well as flutes, fiddles, guitars and cellos. Most of these songs are dance music, but not exclusively.

The last 30 minutes is just devoted to instrumental music. The folks who only wish to sing are free to go while the group works on dance music.

The end result is also a mix. There will always be folks who just come to make music with no long-term plans. But, there are also folks who, after getting their taste of Balkan music, want to continue. These folks tend to seek out like-minded colleagues and start play together on a regular basis and build a repertoire. Ta-dah! The beginning of a band or vocal group.

As with any learning group, it can be a longer process and requires patience. But, it really can pay off.

I encourage you to make the investment.

By Craig Kurumada

Many of you know Camille Holmes, but for those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of making her acquaintance, we’re excited to introduce this friendliest of west coast campers. Camille began her career with the EEFC in 2013 as an intern. She literally wrote the book on volunteering by helping us develop and organize our volunteer manual. Since 2015, she’s served on the Program Committee, and we are so grateful for her spirit and years of dedication!

How did you first discover our Balkan Music & Dance Workshops (Balkan Camp), and what keeps you coming back?

I first came to camp when I was 5 years old. Dragged by my dad the first time, it was the only camp that I ever had to be convinced of going to. Since then I’ve only missed 3 years and look forward to it each year. I keep coming back for the music, the dance, and most of all the community. I love being in nature for a week with such awesome folks, incredible music and dance, learning, and great food!!!

What is one of your favorite memories of Balkan Camp?

One of my favorite memories of camp is that moment when I was a teenager that I realized I could actually figure out some of these dances. That in sync moment when your hands swing in the correct direction with the rest of the group, rather than against the grain. Otherwise, the best memories are with friends and late night music. Drinking endless tea, dancing all night, and the smell of the redwoods.

What inspired you to start volunteering?

I was inspired to start volunteering, because I knew I cared for the EEFC and what they are doing. Camp has given me so much joy over many years, so I fully support the growth of the organization. I want to make sure that others can feel the overpowering joy that camp brings. It feels like a great way to give back and stay involved throughout the year.

What has been your proudest moment with the programming committee?

My proudest moment was going to camp after being on the committee for a year. To experience what we as the committee had put together collectively was awesome. After the hours of calls, emails, and discussions, to attend a camp that was hugely successful made me feel proud that we made good choices with the schedules and staff.

What would you tell someone considering attending Balkan Camp for the first time? 

Try new things out of your comfort zone, and keep your toothbrush in your bag. That way you can always brush your teeth on your way home at 4am, rather than needing to stop at your cabin/tent first.

Symptoms include dry mouth caused by strained vocal chords and slivo shots, increased appetite for garlic-infused anything, and palpitations in ⅞ time. If left untreated, withdrawal symptoms may only last 3-5 days. While not life-threatening, treatment is recommended. Availability of natural remedies may vary depending on your location. The following is how one patient is currently living a fulfilling life with PBCD.

In August of 2013, I spent a week completely focused on intense learning and non-digital socializing, almost completely disconnected from outside work and family responsibilities. I didn’t even know what was going on in the daily news. It was refreshing but also jarring. That week at camp I played violin (which I already played before, but hadn’t touched in a couple of years), had a crash course at playing the santouri, and on my last day at camp fell in love with the tapan. I danced Bulgarian, Greek, Romanian, Serbian, and some form of free-movement bird-like improvisation in the wee hours of the night at the Kafana. The Monday after camp I was back at my desk job, slouching over my computer on an ergonomic chair. Friends asked where I was for a week, and I found it difficult to describe. They seemed genuinely excited and envious of my courage to try something new and step out of my comfort zone. They said they would have loved to do something like that if only they didn’t have to worry about blah, blah, blah. The conversation would veer back to complaints about not ever having enough time to do everything, dreaming of exotic places to travel to, and which bar or restaurant to try out next week. That’s when the symptoms started to sink in.

Step 1: Ask for help. If camp-life is a drug, Emily Cohen is my doctor and my dealer. She encouraged me to attend my first camp, so it was only natural to ask her how else I could stay involved. She had a wealth of knowledge about existing folk dance groups (like Folk Dance Fridays or Central Park dancers), other camps (like World Camp), and community resources. She even let me borrow a great book, Balkan Fascination, which I admit I still have not returned. I also asked my friends at the Greek American Folklore Society for help connecting to local musicians, opportunities to catch more music and dance, and began attending dance sessions more often. I had almost forgotten how important it was for me to have music and dance be a consistent part of my life. Anastasia Tsantes and Vaia Allagianis continue to be my Greek dance mentors and always help me stay involved with the Greek community. You are reading this blog right now because someone introduced you to this community. Who are they and how can they help you stay involved?

Step 2: Choose one treatment at a time. After meeting with my camp doctor, I found that with too many options I was more likely not to do anything. I had to pick one thing to focus. At camp, I had already made a plan to continue taking skype lessons with Beth Bahia Cohen, so I continued with that. While I really enjoyed playing the violin again, I missed the tapan. I decided to make that my focus began attending tapan classes with the Young Bulgarian Voices of New York’s 101 Kaba Gaidi i Tupani. During my first year, my lessons with Ivailo Kuchev inspired me to even buy a drum that he made. It was an investment, but one that solidified my commitment to this new instrument. Even though I do not speak Bulgarian, I found the community very welcoming, and that communication in art transcends words. The drum classes are now taught by the infamous Mersid “Semka” Mustafov and our drum circle feels like a second home. Which instrument, art medium, or community ignited a fire you didn’t know existed? Even if it’s a completely new style, try focusing on that one first.

Step 3: Hair of the dog. I’m so glad that I live in New York City, so that I can easily attend GoldenFest each January. I was able to volunteer in the kitchen my first year in order to offset the cost of the ticket. In following years, I performed with YBVNY and use my guest ticket to introduce my friends and family to this crazy Balkan scene. I recommend you select your signature event at approximately the 6-month mark to tide you over from one camp to the next. If you’re on the west coast, you might want to join Edessa and friends at Ashkenaz for New Year’s Eve. Meanwhile, save up for the next Balkan Camp.  Strategies include stuffing money in a jar every month (I use an old Tsipouro canister), using apps like Digit that stealthily squirrel away money without your noticing, or ask family and friends to “donate” to your camp fund in lieu of physical gifts at holidays and birthdays. How will you get your mid-year fix?

Need an emergency dose of fun? Join me at one of these events.

• Tsipourovradia – Greek Dinner, Live Music and Dancing all night
  Saturday, February 17 at 7:30pm
• Vlada Tomova & YBVNY – Fundraiser for Bulgarian Kids Education
  Sunday, March 4 at 4:00pm

I hope my writing has not offended those dealing with illness. My involvement in the Balkan community has improved my own wellness, both mentally and physically. This article is light-hearted, but I hope it has touched your heart in some way.

 

Written by Michelle Tsigaridas Weller 

Photo by Alevrontas