02/24/2026
Greetings Norske Runddansere Dancers and Musicians!
Thanks to all of you who have been enjoying Monday night dancing with Norske Runddansere at Nordia House! For those who haven’t had the chance to join us for a while, you would be impressed with the increased attendance over the past several months. Long-time NR members might see this as reminiscent of the numbers experienced prior to the pandemic. Even for those remembering that period, the current environment seems higher energy with increased socializing on and off the floor. This is the foundation for strong, enjoyable community. As word of such a welcoming social dance setting gets around, it would not be surprising to see even more folks join us, especially with great live music weekly.
NR has long held the value of welcoming all who come to dance with us, accepting and helping even the most novice dancers. As a result, many beginners have stayed to develop into wonderful dancers. It is a new challenge for NR accommodating a number of skill levels simultaneously and ensuring all have a wonderful dance experience. But my belief is if they do, they will return and NR will continue enjoying the wonderful energetic atmosphere created over the last few months. I mentioned to one of our members that our American culture is accustomed to instant gratification and short-term results. Commercial construction in this country is reflective of this tendency: too much of it is based on a forty-year lifespan. The Scandinavian way, as exemplified by the wonderfully crafted building where we dance, is a thoughtful process that ensures sustainability over the long term.
For NR, following this course will require flexibility: a willingness to tweak, adjust and accommodate, not just over the course of a term, but also within a month, a night and maybe even a couple of times a night. We will intend to do that as smoothly and as simply as possible. A bit of sacrifice and willful accommodating on everyone’s part should ultimately lead to a meaningful, joyous dance experience for all. Please be patient, understanding, and at times, forgiving as we work to provide this experience.
The other thing NR is always working on is to have enough leadership and volunteers to provide the organizational support for dancing. Those who have belonged to other organizations likely realize the three pillars of successful ones are: vibrant membership, solid finances and dependable, dynamic leadership. Building on the work of previous boards, the current Board has done a great job solidifying the first two pillars. It has also made conducting business easier and it has laid out steps for continuing the efforts that have enhanced NR’s wonderful atmosphere. This should make it easier for those following behind to still do what they love to do: dance.
But the third pillar is always at risk unless enough members step forward once a year to keep it steady. As NR starts its new business year at the end of March (as opposed to the October – September membership year), several officer and board positions need filling to give long-serving NR members a well-deserved break. This will also allow new energy, perspectives and ideas to come forth. With the increased attendance and energy, this is an exciting and rewarding time to help lead NR. I was advised once while staffing the donation boxes at Northwest Folklife in Seattle to greet those entering with, “If you enjoy what you see, consider dropping some money in the box!” If you are enjoying dancing with NR on Monday nights and are a dues-paying members, consider some time as an officer or a Board Member – it is also a way to guarantee the good times continue.
Thanks,
Robert Sisk, Norske Runddansere President
