The last year has been quite a tumultuous ride for me. Lots of lows, followed but a bunch of highs, but all contributing to a general air of uncertainty. Things are finally settling down, and my life is assuming some level of predictability. What this means is that I've begun the hunt for a venue for a 2019 dance camp, reaching out to several local places. Other Israeli dance projects, such as an October 2018 workshop, are also cooking. Anyway, I just wanted to give you a hint of things to come, and hope you'll get excited about lots of great Nirkoda-ness coming your way!

Sadly, we were forced to cancel Camp Nirkoda Ba'Kerem 2017 due to the terrible wildfires in Northern California. However, because many were unable to change their plane flights, I decided to move the Oct. 21 party to Oct. 28.so they could join us. Yaron Malihi will be there! He's the fantastically talented choreographer of favorites like Bocha Be'seter, Hayom Haba, Derech Ha'shalom, and Orot Ve'ashan. Halloween theme, so wear a costume!

As it turns out, the original date for the September 2017 Nirkoda! party (9/16) is Slichot, which is part of the High Holiday observances. Etz Chayim asked us to move one week earlier, so we will be having out party on September 9 instead.

We have new dates through the end of 2017. Mark your calendars!

• July 22, 2017
• August 19, 2017—Oldies Party
• September 16, 2017
• October 21, 2017—5th Year Anniversary
• November 18, 2017
• December 16, 2017

Show off your Nirkoda! Israeli dance pride with one of our new t-shirts, only $5! Available at Nirkoda! Israeli dance parties while supplies last.

Don't miss the premiere Nirkoda Ba'Kerem—an Israeli Dance Camp and Wine Tasting Adventure! We have a great staff lined up (Yaron Malihi, Mitch Ginsburgh, DJ Shirley Smith) and a whole bunch of fun, including an on-site, curated wine tasting. Head on over to this page for all the details and registration info.

Shirley Smith ran the Thursday night session in Palo Alto for 9 years, and I'm happy to announce she'll be coming up for a reunion party at Nirkoda! on March 18, 2017. Join us for a great night featuring your favorite dances, new and old!

March 18, 2017
*All the details the same as the usual Nirkoda! parties*
8:30 PM - Midnight
$10 general, students free
Congregation Etz Chayim, 4161 Alma St., Palo Alto

It's been a while since we've had a theme at Nirkoda!, so this month, we're celebrating the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Wear something appropriate. For example...

• A shirt with the Olympic rings
• Something with a map of Brazil or Rio
• The colors of one of the countries you're rooting for (e.g., USA or Israel)
• A jersey or other uniform from your favorite sport (please, no speedos!)

Add these to your calendar for Nirkoda! fun in the next 11 months...

• August 20, 2016
• September 24, 2016 - Special All-Day Event! See Nirkoda Mi'Nona for details.
• October 29, 2016
• November 19, 2016
• December 17, 2016
• January 21, 2017
• February 25, 2017
• March 18, 2017
• April 29, 2017
• May 20, 2017
• June 24, 2017

Etz Chayim had to cancel on us due to floor maintenance. For July 16, 2016 only, we're going back to Stanford Hillel (yes, that's where Nirkoda! used to be until 2012). Details:

I will be teaching Israeli dance at Limmud Bay Area, so Latishya will be running the June 25, 2016, Nirkoda! session. Aside from being an accomplished dancers, which you all know, she performed, taught, and DJed in Boston before coming to the Bay Area. She's going to run a wonderful session, so make sure to be there!