What is Folk Dance?
Folk dance is a collective term that is used to identify a wide range of dances that have to do with dances and traditional dancing performed by the common people within a given culture. Unlike some forms of dance where there are stringent rules about how the dance must be conducted in order to be considered authentic, a folk dance tends to emerge spontaneously among the general populace. It becomes widely popular and identified with the prevailing values of the majority of citizens regardless of their social standing or economic status. At its best, folk dance embodies elements that are unique or at least indicative of a particular culture while still sharing some broad characteristics with dances developed in other cultures.
It is important to note that folk dancing is associated with celebratory and other social events that focus on the secular rather than the religious. While there are many indigenous faiths where dancing plays a major role in the worship experience, dancing as a rite is normally highly stylized and allows little to no room for individual interpretation. In addition, the privilege of performing a ritual dance may be limited to only a select few. This is not in keeping with the spirit of the folk dance, where one and all are welcome to participate.
There are four basic qualities that just about any folk dance will share with other expressions of this art form. The first is that the dance normally has its origins in a time period that predates the explosion of mechanized industry in the 19th century and thus is not subject to trademarking or copyrighting. In addition, while there is some room for general interpretation and innovation, the basics of the dance have remained intact through several generations.
The dance will be open to anyone who wishes to participate and is not considered the exclusive property of one sector of the population. Finally, the dance is not controlled or regulated by any type of central authority; it remains a unique dance form due to popular consent rather than a mandate from a privileged few that judge what is or is not a pure form of the dance.
Many nations around the world enjoy their own forms of folk dancing. Thanks to widespread immigration and colonization in centuries past, people of many nations have the chance to become familiar with at least one folk dance. Many people in both the Old World and the New often easily recognize German folk dancing. While very different in style and scope, a Philippine folk dance and a Hungarian folk dance will offer some insights into the culture and history of each country. Traditional folk dance is considered an integral part of the cultural heritage and sometimes finds its way into celebrations such as birthdays, wedding receptions, anniversary parties, and other public events.
Just about anyone can learn to folk dance. Many dance studios offer classes in the basics of folk dances that are popular within the area. Many cultural associations and dance clubs also offer the opportunity to learn various folk dance traditions and experience the fun of more than one national folk dance style and technique. Often, the movement inherent in this form of dancing is simplistic and easy to master, making it accessible to most people regardless of age or gender.
Written by Malcolm Tatum
