Folk Dancing is fun and easy!
Folk Dancing is fun and easy!
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While it is true that there are many dances with intricate, complex steps, a majority of the dances that we do are simple enough to be learned regardless of your skill level. We aim to provide a fun and inviting atmosphere at our dance community and are not striving for perfection, although a desire for personal improvement is always welcome. If you can read and understand the suggestions and points of etiquette below, we feel that you will be more comfortable when trying out folk dancing for the first time. Regardless of what you know or can do, remember the most important part: we're all there to have fun!
Before we start, it may be helpful to go over a few definitions of terms that will be used below, so that you will know immediately what we're referring to.
Before we start, it may be helpful to go over a few definitions of terms that will be used below, so that you will know immediately what we're referring to.
Closed circle: Refers to a type of dance where dancers hold hands in a complete circle.
Open circle: Like a closed circle, but with a separation between two of the participants, the "leader" (usually on the right side of the circle), and the dancer on the end. Sometimes this will be referred to as "the line".
Leader: The person who knows the dance well and will lead the line (usually on the right side). In a closed circle, it is not as evident who the leader is. Usually it is the dancer(s) who start dancing right away and seems confident in his or her steps (i.e. is not looking down at other peoples' feet). A closed circle can have multiple leaders.
Line of direction: This refers to the direction the dance is moving. This is almost always to the right (i.e. counter-clockwise), although a few dances will "lead" to the left. The leader at the front when looking in the line of direction in an open circle.
"W" hold: Refers to a handhold where each dancer is holding their arms upward such that the joining arms of two dancers form a W shape,
"V" hold: Refers to a handhold where each dancer is holding their arms downward, such that the joining arms of two dancers form a V shape.
Learning a new dance can seem intimidating, but there are a few simple suggestions that can help you feel more comfortable when you come try it out. It does not have to be a stressful situation as we are all there to have fun!
Learning a new dance can seem intimidating, but there are a few simple suggestions that can help you feel more comfortable when you come try it out. It does not have to be a stressful situation as we are all there to have fun!
Try dancing behind the circle on a dance that is new to you or you do not feel comfortable with. ​
Try dancing behind the circle on a dance that is new to you or you do not feel comfortable with. ​
This allows you to observe the feet directly in front of you without affecting the shape of the circle.
It helps to dance behind the leader or someone who appears to know the dance well.
Determine the complexity of the dance and choose to learn dances that are simple first.
Determine the complexity of the dance and choose to learn dances that are simple first.
Simple does not necessarily mean slow! Some slow dances are very complex, with multiple patterns and intricate steps.
Conversely, some fast dances are quite easy as they will contain a single short simple sequence of simple steps that repeats multiple times over.
If you're not sure of the complexity of the dance, simply ask an experienced dancer, or test it behind the line!
You don't have to let experienced dancers pressure you to dance in the line.
You don't have to let experienced dancers pressure you to dance in the line.
If you don't feel comfortable with the dance, simply say "no thanks" if someone tries to pull you in. We will not be offended!
On the other hand, also do not feel intimidated about joining in on the line. Even if you mess up, it is not a problem. We were all new dancers at one point, and we are not looking for perfection!
There is a certain amount of etiquette involved in joining a dance, but it is simple to learn. Following these few points will make all the dancers feel more comfortable and welcome!
There is a certain amount of etiquette involved in joining a dance, but it is simple to learn. Following these few points will make all the dancers feel more comfortable and welcome!
Be aware of your surroundings!
Be aware of your surroundings!
The most important aspect to being a polite dancer is to be aware of your surroundings.
Many new dancers will focus only on the steps, but that is often not the only aspect of a dance. There are many things involved including most importantly, direction of motion, but also arm, hands, hips, shoulders, and sometimes even head or eye motions!
Tip: When you are new, be aware of the subtle ways that experienced dancers will help you along through the dance. Usually when the dance is about to suddenly change direction, the dancer will first lead with his or her hands to indicate where the dance is going!
Determine who is the "leader" and join on the other end of the line.
Determine who is the "leader" and join on the other end of the line.
When there is an open circle, as stated before, the leader is almost always on the right side of the dance, so you would join the left side.
However, there are some exceptions where the dance will be "leading" to the left. There are several clues you can use to determine who is the leader, beyond which way the dance is moving: started dancing first, familiarity with the dance, confident posture, not looking down at feet, and is known to be an experienced dancer.
Handholds are (almost) always done with the right hand facing palm upward and the left hand with your palm downward.
Handholds are (almost) always done with the right hand facing palm upward and the left hand with your palm downward.
This applies both to the "W" and "V" holds.
There are some exceptions to this, but they are rare.
Also there are some holds where only the "pinkie" fingers are linked.
If you are not sure of the handhold, take some time to investigate what other people are doing before joining in.
Try to maintain the consistency of the circle and follow where the leader is going.
Try to maintain the consistency of the circle and follow where the leader is going.
Try not to push the circle forward or back and follow along with the flow of the circle. This applies to both closed and open circles.
Many newer dancers will "lean in" to get a look at the feet of the person in front or the leader. This causes the circle to "warp".
Tip: If you are unsure of your steps, try learning and memorizing the dance by following along behind the circle first to prevent line warping.
When dancing in a "W" hold, please hold your own arms up.
When dancing in a "W" hold, please hold your own arms up.
It is important not to allow the weight of your arms to pull down on the dancers on either side of you. That is not pleasant for the dancer beside you.
Some experienced dancers will simply let go and allow your arm to fall if you are doing this, which is a good clue that you are not holding your arms up.
Hold your arms up, but not in a stiff, unmoving manner. Relax your wrists and grip so that they will easily adjust to movements of the dancers beside you.
Tip: When dancing behind the line, especially when the dance is a "W" hold, practice holding your arms that way. If you can dance confidently with your arms up by yourself, you will have no problem dancing that way in the line!
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