After a very enjoyable but too short summer, Katrilli is once again meeting for practice Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the lovely Swedish Cultural Center.  After our annual meeting held in the very beautiful community center at Winnie and Yura Sihon's home, we are eager to learn some new dances and review dances that we have not done for awhile.  Our big challenge is to learn the Finnish Hoe Down that was taught to us from Nordlys, the Nordic performing group from Portland.  They do this dance so well but it is going to take awhile before we are able to perform it with any finesse.  We began our fall season with a performance for the Scandinavian Heritage Festival/Octoberfest held in Puyallup.  It is always enjoyable to see all the crafts and shops featuring Nordic articles and, of course, all the good food that tempts you from your diet.  After the Scandinavian festival, we always go to the energetic  German celebration.   We danced way too much that evening and many of us enjoyed sore muscles and feet the next day.  We all agreed, however, celebrating Nordic and German culture at this festival is worth any "Owies" that you may experience the following day!

     Katrilli came out in force to attend an old-fashioned Finn Hall sponsored by the Finlandia Foundation and held at the Swedish Cultural Center.  The full evening began with a really entertaining and interesting lecture by Professor Arnold Alanen, Fulbright Fellow.  I, for one, was dubious that a lecture prior to a dance would go over very well.  Professor Alanen kept the audience wanting more.  I had wished that I had had such an entertaining and engaging professor when I was in graduate school.  Following the lecture, Finn Hall, the musical group from Minneapolis gave a short informative concert which also left the audience wanting more.   After the concert, the dance began and Katrilli taught several fun mixers which kept the dance floor full of happy moving feet.  With the lively music and great Finnish food, it was a very fine evening.  

     The next day, Katrilli once again went to the Sihon's for a party honoring the Finn Hall musicians.  The Sihon's recently moved to a complex that has a  residents 'community center located right on the banks of Lake Washington.  The outside terrace has a heating lamp and a built in bar.  In one direction, the expansive windows feature the shimmering lake and in the other direction  a large pond complete with fountains, ducks and geese vie for your attention..  It is a great place for parties and gatherings.  Along with the enjoyable music of Finn Hall, Folk Voice added an international touch to the festivities.  Again, how can the combination of good food, lively music, dancing and fun people not be a success?

     Katrilli wants to welcome their two newest members:  Luann and Phil Williams.  The Williams are very experienced dancers and have been in Danish, Norwegian and Finnish performing groups.  Watch for the Williams and Katrilli at:  Finnish Bazaar held at the Nordic Heritage Museum, Saturday, November 6 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Yulefest, Saturday, November 20, 2:10 p.m. also at the museum and the Ethnic Heritage Council's Winterfest held at the Seattle Center, Saturday, November 27 at     .  During Yulefest and Winterfest, we also present a Lucia processional, distribute traditional paper Finnish Christmas birds and have the always popular children and family participatory dancing.  The young girls all dressed in white and sparkling tinsel wreaths and the usually energetic star boys are always fun to watch.

     Katrilli wants to congratulate, Birgit Ages, for winning a very special award from the Finnish Folk Music Association for all her years of promoting folk music from Finland.   She is the only person in the United States to be awarded the silver medal from the Music Association in Helsinki.  Katrilli is most fortunate to have Birgit and Folk Voice musicians play for our performances.  So, here is a great opportunity for you--instead of sitting on your "you know what," and watching "Dancing with the Stars," you can come to Katrilli and dance with Birgit, a real star!

For more info call JoAnne Rudo (206) 329-1443