Zita Angelo

Zita Angelo has been teaching International Folk Dance (IFD) / World Dance since 1980. She was introduced to IFD in 1975 when, encouraged by her Hungarian mother, Zita, her sister, and one of her brothers, attended the International Folk Dance Club at Millersville University. Instantly hooked by the combination of fun exercise, social interaction, and tremendously varied music, IFD would become an integral part of her life.

In the years since discovering her passion, Zita has attended innumerable workshops given by dance instructors who often were featured performers or directors of groups in their native countries. These include:

• Gagik Karapetian- principal dancer/soloist and later the director of the State Dance Ensemble of Armenia
• Ahmet Luleci- Artistic Director of Collage Dance Ensemble, Director of Dances for Hoy-Tur (Turkish ensemble)
• Yves Moreau- Balkan Specialist from Montreal, Board of Directors of EEFC- East European Folklife Center
• Zeljko Jergan- Artistic Director of the Kraljica Jelena Folklore Ensemble and of the Croatian Village Folklore Ensemble, lead performer of the Croatian National Folklore Ensemble “LADO”, and performer with the Zagreb National Ballet
• Andor Czompo- Dancer/Choreographer of the Kovach-Rabovsky Hungarian Ballet “Bihari”, Board of Trustees-National Folk Organization
• Mihai and Alexandru David- lead dancers of the Romanian State Folk Ballet “Ciocorlia”.

Established by her sister, Lilikette Eckenrode, the performing group “Interfolk”, was directed and choreographed by Zita for 20 years. The group appeared in many local festivals, as well as in schools and nursing homes.

Zita has dedicated herself to presenting World Dance to as many people as possible, in a relaxed and accessible atmosphere. She enjoys sharing her love of IFD in the belief that it promotes social interaction in a wholesome way, provides intellectual stimulation as well as appreciation of many cultures and styles of music, and is such an enjoyable way to exercise that one looks forward to participating.

No previous dance experience is needed to learn IFD, just willingness to learn. Cool comfortable clothing, and sneakers are suggested. As with any subject to be mastered, repeat attendance will make the material become second nature. The repertoire is endless, so boredom is not likely. IFD groups meet in many locations, so one can participate almost anywhere!


Ugorjunk a Tancba! (Hungarian for “Let’s jump into the dance!”)