From classic folk dance staples to hidden gems. Introducing recommended tracks!

Oslo Waltz

The Oslo Waltz

The “Oslo Waltz” is a piece from the UK and Norway, named after Oslo, the capital of Norway.

Overseas, it’s a popular tune often danced at the end of parties, with various styles such as dancing in a circle or stepping while you dance.

Its gentle tempo makes it suitable even for those who’ve never tried folk dance or for students, so it’s recommended as the final number after a few dances.

Instructions for the dance are included on the DVD “School Folk Dance: Junior High and High School Edition,” produced by the Japan Folk Dance Federation (Public Interest Incorporated Association), so please refer to that as well.

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kurichan

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YaburochikoRoshia min’yō

Jablochko

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.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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HinematovMoshe Jacobson

Hine Ma Tov

It’s a dance that originated in Israel, known for a modern dance-pop style track sung with the innocent yet beautiful voices of the Miami Boys Choir.

It’s also known for directly quoting a verse from the Book of Psalms in the Old Testament as its lyrics.

Bamboo Dance

Bamboo Dance of the Philippines (Tinikling) Bamboo Dance – Tinikling, Manila, Philippines.

This dance is a folk dance using bamboo found in countries like the Philippines and Thailand.

Dancers move to a triple-meter rhythm, skillfully stepping between two long bamboo poles as they open and close.

The bamboo strikes like percussion, adding excitement to the dance.

There is no song that must be played; any piece in triple meter will do.

In Japan, “Iruka wa Zambraco” has come to serve as the de facto theme song.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Rek Rek Ramit BarSasha Arugofu

Lech lech lamidbar

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.

wooden shoes

The craft of wooden clog makers, of whom there are only 20 in the world

Lithuania’s “Wooden Shoes,” as the title suggests, refers to the charming wooden shoes people in Lithuania would wear when they danced, enjoying the sound of the clogs as they moved.

While wooden shoes might be hard to come by, the tune makes you want to dance with a lively, rhythmic spring in your step.

The original melody comes from the Lithuanian folk song “Krumpakojis,” but to my ear it somewhat resembles the Japanese children’s song “Te o Tatakimashō” (“Let’s Clap Our Hands”).

It’s a melody that feels familiar and accessible to Japanese listeners.

Try searching for it together—it can serve as a helpful reference for the dance as well.

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Sagapo

Fun Folk Dance (Sagapo)

It’s a very fast-tempo dance performed in Israel.

The movements themselves aren’t particularly difficult, but because the tempo is quick, if you don’t have the dance fully down, you might fall behind.

However, once you’ve learned it, you’re sure to enjoy dancing along with the music.