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

Elizabeth Quadrille

Fun Folk Dance (Elizabeth Quadrille)

Here is a piece used for a somewhat advanced folk dance where eight people face inward in a square to dance.

This dance, called the quadrille, is said to have originated in France, and it originally involved not person-to-person dancing but four pairs of people and horses forming various figures via reins.

The music is in triple meter, giving it a more elegant feel.

The choreography was created in the 1950s by the couple Marian and Ned Gault.

It’s interesting that we can clearly identify who devised the choreography.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Ace of Diamond

Ace of Diamond ~From School Folk Dance: Elementary School Edition DVD~ (Japan Folk Dance Federation)

This dance originated as a Danish farmers’ dance.

Because Denmark has severe cold weather and few opportunities to exercise outdoors, indoor folk dances became popular.

The music is an old folk song called “Ritchi Ratchi.” It has been danced in Japan since before the war, and the song also has Japanese lyrics; it was included in music textbooks, so many people may be familiar with it.

As for the choreography, holding hands is common, but linking arms and turning is a refreshing twist.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Grand Square

Grand square Seniors dancing

It’s an American old-time square dance.

Eight people each trace a small square, and together they form a large square called a “grand square.” It’s an interesting dance with that movement, but it’s the kind of dance where you might end up wandering around, unsure of where you’re supposed to go next.

Mexican Hat Dance

Jarabe Tapatío

The Mexican Hat Dance is a traditional Mexican dance song, originally based on the piece Jarabe Tapatío.

It’s danced by a man and a woman, with the woman fluttering a beautiful skirt from traditional Mexican attire.

The music is beautiful, lively, and quintessentially Mexican—perfect for fun events.

A gentle folk dance is nice too, but thanks to its bright tone and guitar timbre, this energetic song is also recommended for anyone looking to liven things up.

It could be fun to think about costumes as well!

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kurichan

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ZorbaMiosu Deokiratosu

Dancing Zorbas in street –

It’s the dance that became famous because the protagonist, Zorba, danced it in the final scene of the renowned Greek film Zorba the Greek.

After the film’s release, it was also staged as a musical, and in the Japanese version, Makoto Fujita played the lead role.

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.

Ten Pretty Girls

Ten Pretty Girls Folk Dance (USA) SCOV Dancers

It’s an American folk dance.

Several people line up side by side and dance with their arms linked behind each other.

Since the arms stay linked, the dance focuses mainly on footwork.

Even first-timers can probably jump right into the line and dance together.

The music has a bright feel with an easy-to-follow tempo.