For the past 70 years or so, folks of all ages have gathered in West Homestead once a month for the Vecherinka, a Balkan dance party.

"We have been holding the dances since we built our center in 1935," said Patricia French, president of the Bulgarian Macedonian National Education and Cultural Center.

"It is an old Bulgarian tradition. People gather to sing and dance. The organization here was founded the year I was born, so I have been going all of my life," Mrs. French said of the group, which began in 1930.

More than 100 families, totaling about 300 people, from all over Greater Pittsburgh belong to the organization, Mrs. French said. On the third Saturday night of each month, many of the members and others gather at the center to listen to a live orchestra, participate in East European dances, eat ethnic foods and enjoy each other's company. The gatherings draw 40 to 80 people attend each month.

Everyone is welcome and those who have never danced before need not worry, she said. "We have free dance classes before the dance starts so new people can join in."

At 7:30 p.m., dance lessons begin, often led by George Schexnayder, a board member of the organization.

"It is very easy because East European dancing is line dancing, so everyone holds hands and we dance in a line. It is very easy to walk everyone through it with me demonstrating," he said, "I also call out the steps to make it easier to learn."

Dance lessons last an hour before the orchestra starts at 8:30 p.m.

"In an hour, they can learn five, maybe six dances. We usually have about 25 to 30 tunes and dances a night, so that gives them some basics," Mr. Schexnayder said.

Mr. Schexnayder learned East European dancing when he moved to Pittsburgh 25 years ago.

"I was watching some people dancing and thought, 'this looks like fun,' " he recalled.

Participants in the dance lesson vary month to month, with usually 10 to 15 taking part, Mr. Schexnayder said.

"For example, last month, two students, one from Pitt and the other from CMU, attended to learn how do the dances," he said.

"Everyone helped them and had a good time doing it."

In addition to the dancing and music, ethnic foods are served.

Members cook foods such as Banitza, a cheese strudel; Kebapchi, a Bulgarian hamburger shaped like a sausage and made with lots of spices; and Bulgarian potato salad made with vinegar, dill and re onions, Mrs. French said.

She said she has seen a renewed interest in people learning about their heritage, at least in the Pittsburgh area.

"We struggled for a few years, particularly when the steel industry died. But now people want to learn about their heritage and have fun while doing it. Vecherinka is a wonderful tradition and perfect way to preserve our culture here in Pittsburgh."

The event is held every third Saturday evening at the Bulgarian Macedonian National Education and Cultural Center, 449 W. Eighth Ave., West Homestead. Admission is $7 per person. For more, call 412-461-6188.