"There are just about as many definitions of international folk dance as there are participants!" quips the California Folk Dance Federation. And it's true! These are the informal dances that breathe life into festivals, weddings, and parties in all parts of the world. Most are easy to learn, and fun to dance with groups of friends large or small. Here are a few of our favorites.
- Ma Navu. An Israeli dance to gentle and lyrical setting of the Biblical text Isaiah 52:7, How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, and who bring good tidings. Written and choreographed in 1956 by Jossi and Raaya Spivak. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30cb08-Ii1Q
- Lerikos. For this modern Greek dance, we use an up-beat number recorded by Rena Dalia in about 1955 under the title Eva Sto’ Amaxi ("Get in the car, babe"). https://youtu.be/cq4TvhMf1Yg
- Jerusalema. The wild, new folk dance sensation that swept the globe, igniting internet competition among groups of every sort imaginable. The 2019 tune was created by South African vocalist Nomcebo Zikode. https://youtu.be/-Y5DgpNlRm0
- Wolfshäger Hexenbrut Dance. Recently choreographed by a German dance troupe as part of a fun community celebration of the Walpurgis holiday (April 30). The tune is Schuttle Deinen Speck ("Shake Your Bacon"). https://youtu.be/BjUV-byB8ls