I remember when my folk dance class attendance, which once was about 20, slowly diminished until we were down to four. I started losing money with the rental of our dance space.
I thought about ending the class, giving up the group. Then a strange thing happened: I got mad. Then a small rose voice within me saying “Never! I will never give up this class! Even if no one shows up and I’m teaching dancing all alone and dancing all alone, I won’t give it up. I’ll just spend the time choreographing new dances, and enjoy dancing the ones I know until someone shows up. If no one shows up, I’ll keep dancing alone. But I will never, never will I give up this beautiful class with the beautiful folk dancing that cures and elevates me and others.”
These thoughts gave me peace of mind. I continued the class. I also starting promoting our classes in Meetup.com, sent in press releases to local newspapers, put announcements on Facebook, and, most important, started telephoning our former dancers to both say hello, and see if they wanted to return to our class.
The results: Some evenings we continued having three or four dances showing up. One evening no one showed up. Another evening we had only two.
This “quiet period” lasted about two months. I kept up the promotions. But slowly, strangely, miraculously, one day a new person showed up. Another came a few weeks later. During the next few weeks and months a few former dancers returned. The group continued to grow. After a year we had 15-20 dancers!
Now the class is bouncing along with 20 or so, depending on the night.
So I learned that love, in this case, of folk dancing. often breeds courage, determination, and persistence. And with these four Beauties in place, almost anything will succeed.
BALKAN
SPLENDOR!
Folk Dancing, Folk Music, Art, History, Culture, Adventure !SERBIA, CROATIA, BOSNIA/HERZEGOVINA,
MONTENEGRO
Mostar, Kotor, Budva, Dubrovnik
October 15-29, 2017
Extension to Dubrovnik October 29-November 1
Led by Jim Gold and Lee Otterholt
★ Visit historic Balkan cities, capitals, and folkloric villages.
★ Meet Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, and Montenegrin folk dancers.
★ Plus international folk dancing with Lee Otterholt.
★ Our price includes round-trip airfare, city tours, transfers, hotels, two meals daily, and our own private bus.
and Richard Schmidt present:
Folk Dancing, Folk Music, Folk Art, History,
Culture, Folk Shopping, Adventure !August 7-20, 2017
Balmoral, Inverness,
Ben Nevis, Loch Ness,
Loch Lomond
★ Breathtaking scenery wih the heather in full bloom!
★ Price includes city tours, hotels, breakfasts,
four dinners, and a private deluxe motorcoach !ITINERARY
| 1 | Mon, Aug 7 | Fly to Glasgow on airline of your choice. |
| 2 | Tue, Aug 8 | |
| 3 | ||
| 4 | ||
| 5 |
of Scots and of course dancing on a Saturday night.
Overnight in Stirling.
Overnight in Fort William
Born in Scotland, Richard received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Polish government for his dedication in promoting Polish culture abroad. He is the Artistic Director and founder of the White Eagle Folk Dance Academy in his hometown of Montréal, Canada and Artistic Director for The Lechowia Polish Folk Dance Company of Toronto, the largest Polish ensemble in Canada. His instructional workshops and choreography have been complimented by decades of studies under several dance masters. He has worked with folk ensembles in Europe, Asia and North America since the age of seventeen and is well-known on the International Folk Scene as the Master of Polish Dance with standing invitations in the United States, Japan, Hong Kong and China. Richard leads a very popular folk tour of Poland presented by Jim Gold and is now expanding his horizons to include his homeland of Scotland. His experience, easy going temperament and joie-de-vivre always add to the comfort and complete satisfaction of all the guests on his tours! His sister, Carol, who resides in Stirling, is a certified Scottish dance instructor who will ensure that we learn the right stuff!
Travel insurance recommended. Total balance due April 1, 2017.
Address___________________________________________________
No. of people_____Phone(_____)________________Email__________________
Air Transportation: International air not included except as noted.
Rates: Tour rates are subject to change in the event of currency fluctuations or increase in costs. Inclusive tour rates are per person in double occupancy. In case of computer or human billing errors, we reserve the right to re-invoice clients with corrected billing.
Reservations: Deposits and Payments: Deposit of $200 per person is required at time of reservation. Balance is due 90 days prior to departure date.
Changes: Prices and program subject to change without notice
Baggage: One baggage per person and a carry on is allowed.
Cancellations: Cancellations 45 days prior to departure: Refund 50% of total price. Less than 30 days: No refund. Additionally, any cancellation fees imposed by the respective hotels, airlines, tour companies and cruise lines will be charged. Travel Insurance is non-refundable as are unused services.
Gratuities: Tipping to guides, drivers, transfer personnel and hotel staff is left to the discretion of the participants and is not included.
Insurance: Tour participants are strongly recommended to purchase insurance for trip cancellation, trip interruption, accident, sickness and/or loss of baggage and personal effects.
Dispute Resolution: The sole and exclusive method of resolving any dispute which might rise under this agreement and any agreement between Jim Gold International, Inc., and another party (ies), the brochure or website and deemed to arise in the United States of America, shall be by arbitration before the American Arbitration Association in New York City pursuant to the Association’s rules then in effect. Any such arbitration must take place in N.Y.C., N.Y. In any such arbitration, the substantive law of N.Y. will apply. In the event a tour participant should find a service or hotel unacceptable, it should be reported immediately to the local representative and to Jim Gold International, Inc. upon their immediate return. No claim shall be deemed legitimate if not reported to the local representative and if reported after the scheduled service or after departure from the hotel.
Responsibility: Jim Gold International, Inc. Of 497 Cumberland Avenue, Teaneck, NJ 07666 U.S.A acts solely in its capacity as marketing agent on behalf of its suppliers such as air carriers, ground operator, taxi suppliers, motor coach suppliers, excursion or tour companies and hotels identified on documents supplied in connection with purchase of the tours. Jim Gold International, Inc. shall not be held responsible for any wrongful or negligent acts or omissions by any supplier or other party not directly owned or exclusively controlled by Jim Gold International, Inc. or by the failure of any equipment operated by any such supplier or other party. Jim Gold International, Inc. shall not be liable for any loss, injury or damage to person, property or otherwise, in connection with any accommodations, transportation, or other services, resulting directly or indirectly from any acts of God, dangerous incident to the sea, fire, breakdown of machinery or equipment, acts of government or other authorities, wars whether or not declared, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, defaults, delays or cancellations of or changes to itineraries or schedules, or from any causes resulting from insufficient or improperly issued passports, visas, or other documents passports, visas, or other documents.
Neither Jim Gold International, Inc. nor any of its affiliates or subsidiaries shall be or become liable or responsible for any additional expenses or liability sustained or incurred by the tour member as a result of any of the aforementioned causes. Tour participant agrees that any claim against Jim Gold International, Inc. is subject only to the jurisdiction of the courts of the country in which the cause of action arose. The right is reserved to substitute hotels and to alter itineraries. The right is also reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure. If any tour is canceled prior to departure, Jim Gold International, Inc. will be responsible only up to the amount of monies Jim Gold International, Inc. received less any cancellation fee applied by a supplier as defined above. Travel Insurance is recommended.
Jim Gold International, Inc. is not responsible or liable for defaults of those not directly under the exclusive control of Jim Gold International, Inc.
All tickets and vouchers issued for transportation and services are subject to the terms and conditions under which such transportation and services are provided to the participant by the owners or contractors. The traveler assumes full responsibility for, and hereby releases Jim Gold International, Inc. from any duty of checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination or other entry requirements for each destination, and all safety and security conditions during the length of the proposed travel. Should any clause contained here in be determined void by any court of law, such a finding shall not affect the other clauses contained herein; each clause is a covenant which stand on its own. The receipt of your deposit and/or final payment will indicate that you have read these Terms and Conditions, and that you have agreed to them. Prices are subject to change.
Phone: (201) 836-0362 www.jimgold.com e-mail: jimgold@jimgold.com
and Richard Schmidt present:
July 21-August 5, 2017 http://bit.ly/2lGOLgALed by Richard Schmidt
Folk Art, History, Culture, Folk Shopping, Adventure !Kraków, Rzeszów, Zakopane, Częstochowa, Gdańsk,
Olsztyn, Żelazowa Wola, Warszawa
★ Castles, palaces, historic sites, and museums !
★ Meet with local folk dance groups !
★ Breathtaking scenery from mountains to sea !
★ Price includes city tours, hotels, breakfasts, four dinners, and a private deluxe motorcoach !
★ See video from our last tour:
ITINERARY
Day 1: July 21, Friday: Fly to Kraków on airline of your choice.
Check-in to our hotel in Kraków Dinner & folk dancing at our hotel. Overnight in Krakow.Day 3: July 23, Sunday: Walking tour with local English-speaking guide – Schindler’s Factory, Jewish neighborhood, Wawel Castle, Old Market, Town Square, St. Mary’s Church. Overnight in Krakow.
for souvenir shopping, sitting in café or lounging by pool. Overnight in Krakow.
Soak in the atmosphere of a festival city sitting in the town square and then attend the Closing Gala Concert before a night of Folk Dancing. Overnight in Rzeszów.
On our way to Zakopane, we stop to shop at the Costume Factory (buy on the spot or get made to measure with shipment home). Once we arrive in the mountains we partake in an evening of folklore with the mountaineers in a traditional “Góral” Restaurant with live entertainment. Overnight in Zakopane.
Rafting down the Dunajec River on the border with Slovakia with our Mountain guides followed by a tour of this beautiful region in the Tatra Mountains with stunning views, wildlife and abundance of storks. Overnight in Zakopane.
We visit the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum in Oświęcim in the morning and then continue north to the Jasna Góra Monastery where we will see Poland’s holiest of shrines “The Black Madonna” in Częstochowa. We will have an evening of folk dancing after such a day of reflection. Overnight in Częstochowa.
Sandy Beaches, Swimming, Water sports, A movie under the stars on the longest boardwalk on the Baltic Sea, Tea in the Grand Hotel in Sopot – Overnight in Gdańsk.
Tour of Gdańsk, Westerplatte, the shipyards and the Solidarity movement. An evening of pierogi making and eating, followed by Folk Dancing. Overnight in Gdańsk
Home of the Teutonic Knights – Malbork Castle plus a wonderful evening of Folk entertainment, horses and dancing around the campfire in the woods near Olsztyn. Overnight in Olsztyn.
After a quick look around Olsztyn, we visit the home and gardens of Fryderyk Chopin in Żelazowa Wola, before heading into the center of Poland’s capital city – Warszawa. Overnight in Warsaw.
City tour with a local English-speaking guide including stops in Łazienki Park, The Sejm (Poland’s Parliament), the Royal Castle, Old Town, The Jewish Ghetto and so much more. We will then visit the University Performing Group for some dancing and costume wearing. Overnight in Warsaw.Day 15: August 4, Friday:
A final day for some shopping with your złotys (no Euros needed), Sight-seeing and Museum hopping. After our Farewell Dinner you’ll have the chance recap all the folk dances we did on our tour and swap emails. Overnight in Warsaw.
About Richard Schmidt: About Richard Schmidt: In the year 2001, Richard Schmidt received the “Lifetime Achievement Award” from the Polish government for his dedication in promoting Polish culture abroad. To this day he is still going strong as the Artistic Director and founder of the White Eagle Folk Dance Academy in his hometown of Montréal, Canada and Artistic Director for The Lechowia Polish Folk Dance Company of Toronto, the largest Polish ensemble in Canada. His instructional workshops and choreography have been complimented by decades of studies under several of Poland’s masters. He has work with folk ensembles in Europe, Asia and North America since the age of seventeen and is also well-known on the International Folk Scene as the Master of Polish Dance with standing invitations in the United States, Japan, Hong Kong and China. Ten years ago Richard led the first folk tour of Poland presented by Jim Gold and has successfully led several others since. His experience, easy going temperament, knowledge of English, Polish and French, as well as, his understanding of Poland’s culture and his excitement and joie-de-vivre always add to the comfort and complete satisfaction of all the guests on his tours!
Land Only: $3495
Name____________________________________________________________________
Address__________________________________________________________________
No. of people_____Phone(_____)________________Email_______________________
Make checks payable to: Jim Gold International, Inc. 497 Cumberland Avenue, Teaneck, NJ 07666 (201) 836-0362 www.jimgold.com Email: jimgold@jimgold.com
Air Transportation: International air not included except as noted.
Rates: Tour rates are subject to change in the event of currency fluctuations or increase in costs. Inclusive tour rates are per person in double occupancy. In case of computer or human billing errors, we reserve the right to re-invoice clients with corrected billing.
Reservations: Deposits and Payments: Deposit of $200 per person is required at time of reservation. Balance is due 90 days prior to departure date.
Changes: Prices and program subject to change without notice
Baggage: One baggage per person and a carry on is allowed.
Cancellations: Cancellations 45 days prior to departure: Refund 50% of total price. Less than 30 days: No refund. Additionally, any cancellation fees imposed by the respective hotels, airlines, tour companies and cruise lines will be charged. Travel Insurance is non-refundable as are unused services.
Gratuities: Tipping to guides, drivers, transfer personnel and hotel staff is left to the discretion of the participants and is not included.
Insurance: Tour participants are strongly recommended to purchase insurance for trip cancellation, trip interruption, accident, sickness and/or loss of baggage and personal effects.
Dispute Resolution: The sole and exclusive method of resolving any dispute which might rise under this agreement and any agreement between Jim Gold International, Inc., and another party (ies), the brochure or website and deemed to arise in the United States of America, shall be by arbitration before the American Arbitration Association in New York City pursuant to the Association’s rules then in effect. Any such arbitration must take place in N.Y.C., N.Y. In any such arbitration, the substantive law of N.Y. will apply. In the event a tour participant should find a service or hotel unacceptable, it should be reported immediately to the local representative and to Jim Gold International, Inc. upon their immediate return. No claim shall be deemed legitimate if not reported to the local representative and if reported after the scheduled service or after departure from the hotel.
Responsibility: Jim Gold International, Inc. Of 497 Cumberland Avenue, Teaneck, NJ 07666 U.S.A acts solely in its capacity as marketing agent on behalf of its suppliers such as air carriers, ground operator, taxi suppliers, motor coach suppliers, excursion or tour companies and hotels identified on documents supplied in connection with purchase of the tours. Jim Gold International, Inc. shall not be held responsible for any wrongful or negligent acts or omissions by any supplier or other party not directly owned or exclusively controlled by Jim Gold International, Inc. or by the failure of any equipment operated by any such supplier or other party. Jim Gold International, Inc. shall not be liable for any loss, injury or damage to person, property or otherwise, in connection with any accommodations, transportation, or other services, resulting directly or indirectly from any acts of God, dangerous incident to the sea, fire, breakdown of machinery or equipment, acts of government or other authorities, wars whether or not declared, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, pilferage, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, defaults, delays or cancellations of or changes to itineraries or schedules, or from any causes resulting from insufficient or improperly issued passports, visas, or other documents passports, visas, or other documents.
Neither Jim Gold International, Inc. nor any of its affiliates or subsidiaries shall be or become liable or responsible for any additional expenses or liability sustained or incurred by the tour member as a result of any of the aforementioned causes. Tour participant agrees that any claim against Jim Gold International, Inc. is subject only to the jurisdiction of the courts of the country in which the cause of action arose. The right is reserved to substitute hotels and to alter itineraries. The right is also reserved to cancel the tour prior to departure. If any tour is canceled prior to departure, Jim Gold International, Inc. will be responsible only up to the amount of monies Jim Gold International, Inc. received less any cancellation fee applied by a supplier as defined above. Travel Insurance is recommended.
Jim Gold International, Inc. is not responsible or liable for defaults of those not directly under the exclusive control of Jim Gold International, Inc.
All tickets and vouchers issued for transportation and services are subject to the terms and conditions under which such transportation and services are provided to the participant by the owners or contractors. The traveler assumes full responsibility for, and hereby releases Jim Gold International, Inc. from any duty of checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination or other entry requirements for each destination, and all safety and security conditions during the length of the proposed travel. Should any clause contained here in be determined void by any court of law, such a finding shall not affect the other clauses contained herein; each clause is a covenant which stand on its own. The receipt of your deposit and/or final payment will indicate that you have read these Terms and Conditions, and that you have agreed to them. Prices are subject to change.
Phone: (201) 836-0362 www.jimgold.com e-mail: jimgold@jimgold.com
ROMANIA! August 5-17, 2017
Led by Jim Gold
- Folk Dancing
- Folk Festivals
- Folk Music, Folk Art
- History, Culture
- Folk Shopping, Adventure
Bucharest, Sibiu, Cluj, Sighetu Marmatiei, Piatra Neamt, Brasov
E A WHOLE RANGE OF ROMANIANS!★ Wallachia-Bucharest–old and new Romanians
★ Transylvania–Germans and Hungarians
★ Maramures–the old customs and unique dances
★ Moldova–14th century monasteries and old traditions
★ Meet with local folk dance groups !
★ Castles, palaces, historic sites, and museums !
★ Breathtaking scenery from mountains to sea !
★ Dance with traditional village groups!
★ Price includes round trip air, city tours, transfers, hotels, two meals daily, our own private air-conditioned tour bus, all entrance and performance fees.
OUR ITINERARY:
Day 1: August 5, Saturday: Depart from New York JFK airport to Bucharest.
Day 2: August 6: Sunday: Arrival in Bucharest. Transfer to our hotel. Traditional welcome dinner at traditional Carul cu Bere restaurant. Overnight in Minerva hotel.
Day 3: August, 7. Monday: Bucharest city tour. Romanian Athenaeum, the Old Royal Court and village museum showcasing traditional Romanian village life. Noble Court, Lipscani old street, and Hanul lui Manuc, Revolution Square, and Peasant’s Museum to see hand woven carpets, painted eggs, ceramics and wooden carvings. Evening meeting with Romanian folk dancers dressed in national costumes and learn dances from Wallachia region.
Day 4: August 8, Tuesday: Bucharest — Curtea de Arges —Sibiu
Drive to Transylvania. Stop in Curtea de Arges, former capital of Wallachia. See Noble Church, and 14th century Curtea de Arges monastery. Lunch on beautiful Vidraru Lake — Valea cu Pesti. See Cozla monastery. Arrive in Sibiu. Overnight Imparatul Romanilor hotel.
Day 5: August 9. Wednesday: Sibiu — Sibiel — Sibiu
Sightseeing of medieval Sibiu. Main Square Town Hall’s Tower, Maria Kirche Teutsch Tower. Drive to village of Sibiel for a traditional lunch cooked by local families and served to their homes. Sibiel Glass Icons Museum. Meet Transylvanian folk group in traditional costumes. Folk dance performance in Transylvania/ German dances. Overnight Imparatul Romanilor.
Day 6: August 10, Thursday: Sibiu—Alba lulla Iulia—Cluj
Drive to Cluj. Stop in Alba lulla Iulia to visit the Roman-Catholic Cathedral “St. Michell”. On to Cluj. Tour university of Cluj. In rural area enjoy the local traditions: horse cart ride, traditional Transylvanian dinner cooked on an open wood fire with plum brandy and folk music. Visit Turda Salt Mine, important renovated salt mines in Transylvania. Overnight Capitolina hotel.
Day 7: August 11, Friday: C1uj- leud- Rozavlea- Botiza Sapanta – Sighetu Marmatlei
Drive to Maramures, land of wooden churches, unique folk costumes and timeless traditions, Merry Cemetery in Sapanta Village. Dinner with local violin players and local dancers. Learn Maramures folk dances. Overnight in Sighetu Marmatiei Gradina Morii Hotel.
Day 8: August 12, Saturday: Sighetu Marmatiel—Moldovita—Sucevita—Arbore monastery —Gura Humorului
Drive through Bargau Pass to Moldavia. Visit painted monasteries of Moldovita, Sucevita and Arbore. Lunch in local restaurant. Overnight Best Western Bucovina hotel, Gura Humorului.
Day 9: August 13, Sunday: Gura Humorului—Voronet—Humor Monastery—Dragomirna monastery—Gura Humorului
Explore Bucovina monasteries of Voronet, Humor and Dragomlrna. Visit markets, meet farmers of Humor Village. Tour Wooden Spoons Museum. Dinner with entertainment by local folk dancers dressed in national costumes. Overnight hotel Gura Humorulul.
Day 10: August 14, Monday: Gura Humorului—Agapia—Varatec— atra Neamt
Drive to Piatra Neamt. Visit monasteries of Agapia and Varatec. Lunch inside the monastery prepared by the nuns. Evening arrival in city of Piatra Neamt. Overnight in Ceahlaul hotel.
Day 11: August 15, Tuesday: Matra Piatra Neamt—Bran—Brasov
Visit mediaeval Transylvanian town of Brasov. Walking tour. See Bran castle with Dracula legend. Dinner in an traditional mountain hut. Overnight Sport hotel Polana Brasov.
Day 12: August 16, Wednesday: Brasov—Bucharest
Drive to Bucharest. Stop at Peles castle. Lunch at a local restaurant in Sinaia. Arrive in Bucharest. Farewell dinner. Overnight in Minerva Hotel in Bucharest.
Day 13, August 17, Thursday:
Breakfast at hotel, then departure to the airport for the flight back home.
Land Only: $3395 Land and Air: $4495
Address_____________________________________
No. of people_______Phone_(_____)
Can there be beauty?
A Palm Tree Rises in Beauty
Can there be beauty in ugly, messy and painful?
Maybe.
After all, that is how the process works.
And, while you mull over this idea, to help understand this process, enjoy the exciting, fun dance: Toicevo Kolo: Just click on this link: http://bit.ly/2lHfLML
Torry O’Dor
Dear Posty,
Torry O’Dor from Galway, Ireland just choreographed this Toreador Dance using music from the French Au Pere A Karmen by Djeordge Bizhay. Surely, a toreador blast from (perhaps) Pamplona. See the bulls running through the streets right now!
See the bull dance in person!
Check out Torry’s Toreador dance, re-choreographed and re-danced Jim’s Spanish namesake, Jimenez del Oro.
Click on this Toreador link for higher satisfaction: http://bit.ly/2lJEXCt
Travel Worm Turns Green
Why travel?
1. Good to get out of the house.
2. For adventure
3 For profit.
4. For prophet
5. Four Carnage
6. Phor Ccornucopia
7. Other
Guitar Meeting 
Can slow-and-beautiful playing
And fast-and-sloppy playing
Ever meet?
If yes, what new level would that be?