Judi started dancing in 1993 with her husband, John, as an activity to share together. They had hit the Bar-mitzvah scene and looked on enviously at a select few at those functions who knew the correct steps. Time to learn! As the most recently trained teacher, Judi has been teaching since 1999.

Denise started dancing in 1989 when she joined some of her friends at an intermediate class. Within weeks she wanted to learn every dance she saw and had a year of dancing 3-4 times per week to build up her repertoire. With her appetitive quenched and wanting to be recognisable to her family she has been dancing twice a week since then! She has been teaching since 1997.

Ilana has been dancing since the late 1980's and teaching since 1992. Ilana started dancing at a beginners class and got "addicted" immediately. It didn't take long before the once a week dancing became 3 times a week. Ilana went overseas to the Carmiel dance festival and to a dance camp in London to enhance her experience.

Rita has been dancing since the 1980's and during that time she has travelled to New York to add to her Israeli dancing. She attended Hora Keff dance camp and went twice to Los Angeles, California to attend Finjan Dance camp. She has been on a 5 year sabbatical from dancing, however the pull of Israeli music and dance has enticed her back again.

Margaret began Israeli Folk Dancing at U3A in Glen Eira 1996 with a volunteer Nirkoda teacher, and immediately loved it. She joined Nirkoda and eventually undertook the Nirkoda teacher training course and has been a class teacher since 2001. Margaret now dances seven times a week. She assists with door entry and membership, has been on committee and teaches to a very dedicated Thursday morning class who adore her.

Rosie started dancing in 1991. She was at a barmitzvah when she saw a crowd of Israeli dancers doing the real thing. It immediately rekindled her love of it from back in the days of Habonim. Through the encouragement of her teachers, she was asked to become a teacher and quickly became involved in all aspects of the club, including teacher training.

Born and growing up in Israel, Ami began his dancing career well before his Bar-Mitzvah, and virtually has not stopped since. Nowadays when in Israel, he may often dance up to 10-12 nights/days in a fortnight. However, back in Australia he mainly dances twice weekly. Ami started to teach in the late 1980s, because with many years of dancing and, after a 6 months stay in Israel, he returned to Melbourne knowing many old and new dances. He had the music and wanted to share his knowledge and passion with others, who were keen to learn and enjoy Israeli folk dancing. Ami is a founding member of Nirkoda.

In 1988, an enthusiastic small group of 'devout folkies' started their own Israeli folk-dancing club and called it Nirkoda. Every waking hour was enjoyed in the formation of dancing classes and selection of music. As Nirkoda's first President, I have much pleasure in seeing the 'fruits of our labour' bring pleasure to the population at large. My greatest satisfaction has always come from partner dances as the rapport between partners lifts the enjoyment level to yet another level. To-date and for ever more, I will always let my soul be enthralled by the music and sway of Israeli Folk-dancing. May the addiction of folk-dancing remain your 'lift' to a happy and healthy lifestyle.