by Madam Shibar Mozuna aka Eloise Miller with assistance from Carl Miller
The mission for Folk Tours is two-fold: to offer an opportunity to study with some of the best instructors in the country and to create a place for many diverse cultures to come together and better understand each other. At camp, we were building a sense of “family” because no matter who the attendees are or what religion or politics they practice, we all shared a common bond - a love for really good music and dance!...Artemis and Tayyar chose their instructors carefully. These were not just brilliant teachers, these people love what they do in performance as well...Off in a corner, one of the musicians was playing. He was eventually joined by other musicians in an impromptu jam session. Dancers often joined these groups and there were informal pockets of music and dancing all weekend. Tayyar joined these circles periodically, like a hummingbird, lighting for a moment to play his baglama, his spoons, to sing or to dance. Everyone was welcome and it was intoxicating to hear and see and feel that we were a part of "The Real Thing.”... Each night, we had magnificent music...There were two bands, but most of the musicians played all evening even though they did not have to. In the Friday concert, the students performed. Their expertise ranged from beginner to professional levels. The diversity in dance styles and music was great. It was a priceless opportunity to perform with these world class musicians and the students all recognized this fact. It was reflected in their earnest and joyful dance...Tayyar and Artemis had succeeded in creating a sense of community and none of us wanted to leave. People had come from all over the United States to attend this camp and we made new friends with many of them. We had a fabulous time and can't wait for the next camps in May in Pennsylvania and in Turkey in August. OPA!