History of Folk Dance

The history of folk dance dates back to medieval times, where people danced for celebratory purposes, rather than for style or technique as is found in many dance forms of today. Below is some basic information on folk dance history, as well as where you can learn more and start to appreciate this rare yet timeless tradition of movement.

Long before history was even documented, spontaneous choreography has played a significant role in many occasions, including rites of passages and sacred rituals. English Folk Dance in particular has been influential in the history of folk dance, starting in medieval times where people would create intricate dance formations, hold hands, and join in celebratory movement together.

Folk dance was also part of life in the court of royalty, while peasants had their own separate dances they equally enjoyed. Medieval “carolers” were perhaps the first official folk dancers, and these individuals were found all throughout England and other parts of Europe during medieval times. Today, these carolers still exist in variant forms, including those of square dancing, barn dances, and even the Hokey Pokey.

The true definition of folk dance is any of a large number of dances deriving from Europe that share four common denominators:

• the dance movements predate the 19th century
• the dance is performed by either peasants, royalty, or commonly both
• choreography comes out of tradition rather than mindful, premeditated movement
• there is no formal authority over dances, meaning there is no significantly qualified teacher for folk dancing

While folk dance has obviously evolved into various courses and studio classes over the centuries, it is still spontaneous and free of leadership in its purist form.

The history of folk dance also teaches us that these early dances were very influential on today’s modern disciplines. Many ballroom dances are derivatives of folk dance, and even hip hop takes a cue from its impromptu style. In fact, hip hop dance can be directly compared to folk dance history due to its penchant toward spontaneity and on the fly choreography. Hip hop is also rooted deeply in urban culture, just as folk dance is attached to the culture of days gone by.

Folk dance history holds a lineage of countless dances, many of which are all but obsolete in the present-day world of dance. However, a few continue to endure and are performed all over the world.

Similar to tap dancing, clogging involves double taps on both the heel and ball of the foot, allowing for a wide range of sound and movement. The clackity clack of the clogs often provide their own musical accompaniment, and modern day clogging is performed in various festivals and venues. It is popular both in the United States and Europe, and is especially traditional in Wales.

Often danced on May Day in various European nations such as Germany and Sweden, the Maypole dance is also sometimes taught in American elementary schools. The maypole itself is a tall pole with floral garlands, flags and streamers decorated all around it. Ribbons are then attached to the pole, or to a smaller one, and everyone grabs one as they begin to dance around. The dance is especially popular with children, and is a celebration of May Day, which is most commonly compared to our American Labor Day in September.

Folk dance history’s most up to date accomplishment is found in Irish step dancing, which was made popular in the mid 1990s by live performances such as Riverdance. While the choreography dates far back in time, dance enthusiasts go wild for its modern counterpart, and we often visualize children in traditional Irish dress, rhythmically stomping their feet whenever we think of recent folk dance.

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