From classic folk dance staples to hidden gems. Introducing recommended tracks!
Folk dancing, a familiar sight at school events and recreational activities.There are many nostalgic tunes that make your body start moving the moment the music begins!When it comes to folk dance songs, there’s an incredible variety—from timeless standards everyone has danced to at least once, to pieces that let you enjoy traditional rhythms from around the world.You might have suddenly wondered, “What was the name of that song again?”In this article, we’ll present a broad list of folk dance tracks.Whether you’re unsure what to pick for an event or searching for a song filled with memories, we hope you’ll find this helpful!
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From folk dance classics to hidden gems. Introducing recommended songs! (21–30)
Old Joe Clark
Let me introduce the traditional song “Old Joe Clark,” long beloved in the mountainous regions of the American South and known as a staple of bluegrass and old-time music.
Said to be modeled on a real, rough-and-tumble character from Kentucky, this piece pairs perfectly with lively fiddles and banjos, brimming with an earthy wildness and an irresistible drive that makes your body want to move.
An early recording on 78 rpm by Fiddlin’ Powers & Family around 1924 is well known, and the song has been loved across generations—for example, actor Gary Cooper hums it in the 1945 Western film “Along Came Jones.” It’s a spirited number guaranteed to liven up any occasion, whether as accompaniment for square dancing or as boisterous BGM for a festive gathering!
Bingo
This is a traditional song long beloved in English-speaking countries, in which the farmer’s beloved dog’s name is spelled out in the alphabet to a jaunty rhythm.
The rule of replacing each letter of the lyrics with a handclap one by one is simple yet profound, and it’s widely known as a play song that tests concentration and sense of rhythm.
Its history is old: a prototype title is confirmed in a score published in 1780, and it has been enjoyed across eras, even being used in parody in the animated series Camp Lazlo.
As the song progresses, the number of claps increases, and the thrill of silence intersecting with singing makes it perfect for livening up recreational settings.
Why not form a circle at a camp, enjoy the sense of togetherness, and laugh over each other’s mistakes?
Seven Steps
Set to a lively two-beat rhythm, you take seven steps forward and seven steps back.
This distinctive step has made it a beloved staple of folk dance.
Though it originated as a traditional tune from the German-speaking folk dance tradition, it was introduced to Japanese schools long ago and has been danced for generations.
Its inclusion in numerous works around the world shows how it continues to be loved across ages.
The simple, repeated movements and partner changes create a strong sense of unity, making it perfect for group icebreakers.
Why not form a circle and enjoy it together to a bright, cheerful melody?
Rek Rek Ramit BarSasha Arugofu
Its origins are said to lie with Nahal, the Israeli pioneer combat youth corps, who danced it; the title means “Let’s go to the desert.” The lyrics say, “Boys, let’s go to the desert and pioneer.” It features a distinctive opening choreography in which dancers join hands and walk in a circle facing sideways.
YaburochikoRoshia min’yō
It is a Russian folk song meaning “Little Apple,” also known as a folk dance tune.
Dancers place both hands on their hips and face their partners, taking turns performing solo dances, then step around each other and return to their original positions.
The choreography, created by Anatole Jukovsky from Ukraine, incorporates balletic elements.
Presca Patch Koro
“Preskavač Kolo,” perfect for folk dancing, is a song from Yugoslavia.
It is included in “Tanoshii Folk Dance Best,” released in May 2021, and “Natsukashi no Folk Dance Best,” released in May 2010.
This lively yet graceful tune is fun to dance to in a circle for everyone—from little children to grandparents.
Because it’s often featured on best-of albums for folk dance, it’s an easy track to find both audio and teaching materials for.
Troika
“Troyka” is a Russian folk song meaning “a three-horse-drawn carriage.” Its lively rhythm evokes a carriage dashing through Russia’s vast snowy landscapes with bells ringing.
In keeping with the “three-horse-drawn carriage,” it is danced in groups of three, rotating as they move.
The wistful melody is quintessentially Russian.