Folk Dancing

Florida offers its own version of international folk dancing, with several performing groups and available classes. For example, Orlando's International Folk Dance Club covers Balkan, French, German and Scottish dances and others. The club attracts people of all ages and backgrounds. It's a very social thing. Because several of the dance styles are line dances, no one is left out for lack of a partner.

Folk

"Folk" primarily refers to people in general, a specific group of people sharing a common cultural value, such as music. It describes the traditions and arts that originate among the common people, and are preserved for future generations.

Classifying a dance as "folk" inherently implies the existence of other categories, such as court dances, classical performance art, or theatrical ballet. Folk dance defines a wide category in which other dances are classified under. Folk dances originate from the "common folk" and evolve out of collective beliefs and desires of a community. There is no official number of folk dances because there are too many traditional folk dances in the world.

Every country has its own unique folk dances. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30 States recognize the square dance to be their official "State Dance," with the majority of them being classified under "folk dance." Regardless of geography, folk represents the identity of a culture, including it's traditions, and the history of a specific region or country. Folk dances are used to establish and celebrate an overall regional identity.

Origins

Originally conceived in 17th Century England, folk dancing has changed since European settlers first moved to the American frontiers. However, the label itself was largely coined in the 19th Century by scholars to differentiate former regional traditions from the formalized dance styles of the upper classes. Although there are numerous opinions as to the official list of influences and dates, indigenous influences undoubtedly contributed to square dance adaptations during the period of English colonialism in North America. Later influences came from France, Spain, Germany and Italy, as well as Ireland and African American social dances also contributed.

Interpretations

Folk dance is a genre of dance that pertains to various traditions around the world. When folk dance traditions are compared from one culture to another, there might be similarities, but they often contrast due to the deep-rooted beliefs, attitudes, and cultural practices that are unique to individual countries (and also the specific regional areas of those countries).

Contrasts don't just include movement and style, but cultural identities and storytelling that create the legacies. While specific regional styles can vary drastically, they broadly fall into categories of celebration, unity, rituals, and maturity.

The Span of Folk Dancing

Many societies today recognize specific classifications of dance by a specific name. For example, the Jarabe Tapatío is a Mexican folk dance and is often called the national dance of Mexico (better known internationally as the Mexican hat dance). Folk dances in connection with early Chinese folk dances were essentially ritual enactments of superstitious beliefs performed in the hope of a good harvest, and in the case of the earliest Chinese folk dances, in the hope of a good hunt.

Folk Traditions

Folk dancing is deep-rooted in certain traditions around the world, and even today there are specific styles of folk dancing that are regulary practiced as part of celebratory and religious activities. European countries have dances that are used to identity certain traits of their culture, such as the German/Austrian slap dance (Schuhplattler), and the Jota of Spain. In Portugal, folk dances are usually celebrated in accordance to traditional Catholic influences. Many Portuguese styles of dances correspond to different areas of Portugal, and each with a unique background. Some types of dance include the Vira, Chula, Corridinho, Malhão and Fandango.

Events

Because folk dances reflect the authentic environment and unique history of the people, you will not generally see dance competitions featuring folk dances. Nor will you see folk dancing at Saturday night parties, nightclubs, or on "Dancing With The Stars." Folk dancing is more of a traditional, celebratory event held at festivals, family gatherings, formal ballrooms, public squares, weddings and other authentic purposes.

A few examples of genuine folk dance include:

• Irish Dance: Famous for its rapid, precise footwork while the torso and arms remain largely still. It features both group dances (céilí) and solo step dance.
• The Schuhplattler: A traditional, physical dance featuring a rhythmic clapping and slapping of the shoes, coming from the Alpine regions of Germany and Austria.
• Flamenco: Originating in Spain, this passionate dance incorporates rhythmic foot stomping, snapping, clapping, and guitar playing.
• The Czardas: Characterized by variations in tempo, starting slowly and building into a vibrant, fast-paced rhythm. Popular to Hungarian folk dance.

Folk Expressions

Regardless of country or region, folk dances are commonly used as a way of expressing national pride, religious beliefs, superstitions, and stories based on myth and legend. Folk dance is commonly used by performers to convey a message that is intended to be "open-ended" and left to the interpretation of the observer. Many U.S. States recognize a particular dance style as their designated "State Dance," so depending on the State you're in, folk dancing can be characterize by a particular dance that is not intended to be the official definition of folk dance.

A few states identify more than just one type of dance that is popular within their State's traditions and history. The following states recognize a "popular" style as their official state dance, with another style to be their official "folk" style..

• California designated west coast swing as its official state dance in 1988. Additionally, the state also recognizes square dancing as its official state folk dance.
• North Carolina designated the Carolina shag as its official popular dance in 2005. The state also designated clogging as its official folk dance that same year.
• South Carolina officially designated the shag as its state popular dance in 1984. The state also designated the square dance as its official state folk dance in 1994.

State Dance of Florida

As of 1986, the United Square Dancers of America, Inc (USDA) claimed that Florida had designated the square dance as its official folk dance. Florida was the sixth State to designate "square dance" as their official folk Dance.

Folk Lessons & Events

In Florida, there are several good choices of locations where you can attend dance events or sign up for folk dance lessons. More info can be found at Friends of Florida Folk»

Places to Dance Directory

The FFDC "Places to Dance Directory" has the information of many dance groups listed in their database. There's no obligation to be a member of the Florida Folk Dance Council, and if you would like to be listed, contact them through their website here»