We are a community international folk dance group in Arcata, California. All are welcome. We meet weekly for instruction and request dancing. Every month, we have a live music dance party.

Our Mission is to educate the general public in folk dancing and other folk art forms.

We meet Sundays from 4-6 p.m. at the Redwood Raks World Dance Studio, 824 L Street in Arcata. EXCEPTION: The Sunday following a First Friday live music party.

Out next event is the Balkan Camp Sendoff Party,   June 26 at Synapsis, 1675 Union Street in Eureka.

This is an extraordinary evening of wonderful traditional Balkan dance music performed by five bands. You don’t need a partner and many dances will be led for you to follow.

Please bring some snacks to share!

Currently scheduled are the Balkan Music Meetup, Chubritza, Bosporus, Steve Boyer, Dennis Godfrey and Friends, Mark Levy and Friends, with more performers to be announced.

Cost is $10-$5, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

This event celebrates Humboldt County history of a jumping-off point for many fine singers, musicians and dancers who participate in the Balkan Music and Dance Workshop held in Mendocino annually. This year the workshop runs from June 27 to July 4.

There will also be a memorial table for sharing our remembrances of folk dance legend John Filcich, who passed this year at the age of 101. June 26 would have been his 102nd birthday. Please bring photos, written stories, or any other memorabilia to honor him.

We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss to our dance community.
Lesa Coleman suffered an aneurysm and passed away February 10, 2026. Lesa was a healthy, fit, active dance lover. We are all still reeling from this sudden and devastating loss. Lesa also especially enjoyed walking in nature, so during the next few days, her friends and community members are taking group and individual walks in her memory in places she loved such as the Arcata marsh and the Hammond Trail.

The Humboldt Folk Dancers recognize that we are on unceded ancestral lands of the Wiyot people, and that the land is known as Goudi’ni in the Wiyot language. We also acknowledges the Wiyot community, past and present elders, and future generations.

This site is maintained by Craig Kurumada. If you have any questions about the Humboldt Folk Dancers, please email kurumada@humboldt.edu.