“The South Whidbey International Folkdancers begin the new year with the folk dances of the Balkans, featuring master teacher Neal Sandler on Friday, Jan. 7 from 7:45 to 10 p.m. at Bayview Hall.Sandler’s passion for ethnic Balkan dance began in 1964. Outside his engineering profession, Sandler had studied modern dance, and both classical and folk ballet. But after attending a dance workshop by Macedonian teacher Atanas Kolarovski, from Skopje, Yugoslavia, he began a daily pursuit of dancing at international coffee houses and community centers, attending workshops, folkdance camps and festivals, and taking in every available opportunity to learn and to participate in the Balkan dance community. Macedonian dances are described as passionate and soulful; Bulgarian steps are vigorous and driving; and those of Serbia and Croatia are lively, bright and bouncy. Balkan music and kolos (line dances) so inspired Sandler that teaching them became his second career.He started the performing group Westwind International Folk Ensemble and founded the Mandala Folk Dance center, which became a popular San Francisco night spot for international dancing. He has been teaching the dances for 35 years, and says that in addition to sharing his knowledge, he wants to help preserve a fragile art form: The music and dance of the Balkans, like many other folk traditions, are threatened with extinction as the trend of modern global culture accelerates worldwide.Sandler’s teaching will satisfy advanced dancers as well as those new to Balkan rhythms. His class is the first in a series of six offered on Friday evenings. Second Fridays include contra dancing.Other instructors in the series will be Rich and Sue Thomas, International folk dance, on Jan. 21; Thea Huigjen, International dance, Jan. 28; Sonny Newman, Greek dance night, Feb. 18; and Jerry Wade and live music by Folkvoice on Feb. 25. Favorite request night is Feb. 4.Sign up in advance for the complete series at $30 or drop in at $6 per session. Call South Whidbey Parks and Recreation at 221-5484, Gail at 221-2944, or Inge at 730-1605 for more information. Everyone is welcome, and no partner is necessary.”