Changs International Folk Dancers Still Swinging after 64 years

By Jonathan Farrell

Where can you go to dance around the world? Right here in San Francisco, of course!

The members of Changs International Folk Dancers are celebrating their 64th anniversary this summer.

They meet at the Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church, located near Irving Street, and they dance just about every folk dance known throughout the world.

"We are the oldest international folk dancing club in the state, if not in the USA," said Sidney Messer, who is presently serving as president of the group.

An eclectic group of 35 members with various backgrounds, they eagerly welcome guests to every meeting. The only requirement for membership is a love of folk dance.

"Our rules are not strict," said long-time member Olivia Fisher.

The group's historian, Craig Blackstone, teaches various dances. Blackstone alternates the teaching sessions with Stela McCoy, a former ballet dancer. During weekly meetings the number of dances can be as many as 30 or more.

Within reach of the instuctors is a set of binders containing descriptions of more than 300 dances from around the world. This present repertoire is similar to a song list one would find at a late-night Karaoke bar. Frequently members go to the binders to find a dance they have in mind.

On a typical evening the group dances folk dances that span the globe, including Davy Nick Nack of Scotland and Chu Ku Wu of China/Taiwan. Whether it's a simple polka that was choreographed only a few years ago or the "Prince William" of England dating back to the 1700s, the group's interest is boundless.

"Some dances we have done and like to do again and again," said Messer's wife Laila. "And others come and go, falling in and out of favor. Over the years, our tastes have expanded, going beyond the familiar European dances to include ones from the Middle East and Asia."

"This is a great way to experience other cultures," Laila said. "I also like the way folk dancing encourages people to greet one another, make conversation and even flirt," she said laughing.

Each dance has its mannerisms and sense of courtesy. Thad Trela would certainly know because before each dance he asks the instuctor, "Is there a bow with this dance?"

Fisher has been teaching folk dances to the students of St. Monica's Elementary School for several years, and she has noticed "the importance of social graces needing to be taught in school." She said it "also helps students work together as a team."

The dancers perform with ease each week as they learn new steps. There is a sense that everyone is learning and enjoying the dance lessons.

"This is evident in the many ways members help each other as well as guests," Messer said.

Many people became acquainted with folk dancing through their ethnic heritage or through Physical Education class in school.

"At one time in public schools square dances were taught," Fisher said.

"We don't specialize in any one type of dance," Messer said. "Our focus is all folk dances from around the world and wanting to share the experience simply for its enjoyment."

In 1938 Song Chang founded the group after he and his wife returned from visiting Europe. At that time many folk dance clubs existed only among some ethnic groups. Chang wanted people to learn dances from all nations.

"His wife Harriet was Swedish and they began teaching in Chinatown," according to Cathy Jair, who knew Chang.

Enthusiasm for his efforts grew and in a few months a group was formed that performed at the World's Fair at Treasure Island in 1939. That event helped introduce the pleasures of folk dancing to many.

The group wanted to name the club after Chang but he wouldn't relent unless Changs was spelled without an apostrophe. It has been in continuous operation ever since.

"There are many of our members from those early years who, even though they are unable to attend, still pay dues. That shows how much they love folk dancing and this club," Laila said.

Doris Schofield, who is new to the area, finds the group to be "very social and non-competitive."

"I will definitely come again," Schofield said.

Changs International Folk Dancers meet every Friday night at the Seventh Avenue Presbyterian Church (between Irving and Judah streets). For more information, contact Sidney and Laila Messer at (415) 332-1020.