Folk dance classics and popular songs
When you think of folk dancing, many schools probably include it as one of the events at their sports days or athletic festivals, right?
I’m sure many of you actually danced folk dances during your school days.
Folk dance, to begin with, refers to dances set to traditional songs from various countries, and there are a lot of pieces used for folk dancing.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of folk dance songs from around the world—from standard classics to lesser-known, niche tracks.
If you’re a school teacher, a member of a PE committee, or anyone looking to choose music for a folk dance, please use this as a reference.
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- [Camp Songs] Classic camping songs. Campfire songs you can play along with
- Songs that hype up the athlete entrance at school sports festivals
- [For Creative Dance] A Collection of Easy-to-Dance Japanese and Western Tracks
Folk Dance Masterpieces and Popular Songs (41–50)
Let’s dance, fun Polechke!
Often sung in Japanese as well, this song is originally based on the Polish folk tune “Polka.” A polka is a type of folk dance characterized by a fast tempo in 2/4 time, but in Japan this song is often performed as a waltz.
It has a charming feel, evoking the image of people dancing in traditional costumes.
Kiss, kiss, kiss.Osubaludofaresu
The title means “Perhaps, Perhaps, Perhaps.” These lyrics are written from a male perspective, expressing the melancholy of asking the woman he loves about her preferences and only ever getting “perhaps” in response.
In Japan, it is also known as one of Ai George’s signature songs.
Gavottegosekku
First of all, a gavotte is a general term referring to a folk dance from regions of France and the classical dance pieces derived from it.
It is characterized by being written in either 4/4 or 2/2 time.
In principle, many begin on the downbeat of the measure, and the famous gavotte in question is a typical example of this.
Cuckoo WaltzYohanemanueru Yonāson
It features a lively rhythm reminiscent of a cuckoo’s call.
Composed in an andante, waltz-like style, the piece includes melodies that imitate the cuckoo’s cry and trills on A that seem to mimic birdsong.
It’s also popular as a beginner piano étude.
Patty Cake Polka
This dance is a British American folk dance featuring enjoyable clapping and hand-play motions reminiscent of kneading cake.
The accompanying tunes differ between Britain and the United States: in Britain, traditional Mother Goose songs such as “This Old Man” are mainly used, while in the United States, country-style songs like “Buffalo Gals” and “Oh! Susanna” are more commonly used.
Let KissRauno Retinen
One of the classic folk dances in Japan, also affectionately known as Jenka.
It’s also famous for being covered by Kyu Sakamoto.
The title means “Let’s dance in a line.” As the title suggests, the people in back lightly hold the waist or shoulders of the person in front and dance in a line.
Airscuo Coro
This piece is a folk dance tune from the Republic of Serbia.
The basic form of the dance is a chain dance (kolo) where everyone links hands like a chain, moving clockwise or counterclockwise.
The tempo includes both fast and slow sections, but overall it’s simple and fun to dance to.
Watching it makes me want to join in.