If you can walk, you can folk dance. Many folk dances are easily done, although some are quite vigorous or complex. There's no need to try to learn all the dances being taught. When more experienced dancers can't remember a dance, they simply follow what a few others do.

Folk dances are traditional dances from countries all over the world, usually modified by modern choreographers so that they can be enjoyed as a form of recreational dance in the United States and elsewhere.

There is no need to try to learn all the dances being taught. Most dancers, when they can't remember a dance, follow what a few others are doing. Many dances are done in lines or circles, but there also are many that are for individuals, couples, or sets of couples. In some dances (called mixers) you change partners during the dance.

For nearly all groups, all ages are welcome. Groups have dancers of all skill levels, so whether you are a new dancer or an experienced one, you would be most welcome at any group.

Here are some tips:

• You cannot learn to dance sitting down. Stop watching from the sidelines and get in there and dance!
• In the beginning, don't worry about styling and grace. Nearly every dancer started out clumsy and three-footed. Concentrate on learning the steps first.
• Buy a pocket-sized notebook and keep a list of the dances your are learning. Identify each dance in some fashion: "fast, lots of turns," or "slow and waltzy."
• Bring a portable recording device with you to class and record the music. Listen to the recording during the week. It doesn't have to be high-fidelity: the idea is just to become familiar with the music.
• During the request dancing, ask for dances you know and like, or ones you want to learn.
• If you are not familiar with a line dance that's being done, don't get in the line unless you have a ‘guide' (a friend who knows the dance well). Otherwise, stand behind the line of dancers and follow the steps.
• In a line dance, if the person next to you is not your guide, do not try to follow that person. Instead, watch a dancer four or five dancers down the line, to the left or right. Don't try to copy anyone across the circle from you until you've gotten more practiced at it.
• Use your head while you dance. As you learn a dance, try to identify the steps and say them to yourself ("grapevine… right Yemenite… turn left…").
• In partner dances, it is best to dance with someone who is more familiar with the dance than you are. Next best would be to dance with someone who is equally familiar. Don't sit out just because you don't have a partner. Stand off to one side and copy your part. (Sometimes a friendly dancer will notice you and offer to be your partner.)
• Relax. Smile. Contrary to what you may think, all eyes are not focused on you. Everyone on the floor is rooting for you because they have all been where you are.
• Be Patient. Fred Astaire wasn't all that great his first week either!
• Welcome to the folk dance family!

To find where in your area a folk dance group is located, click HERE.
To see a couple of videos on Folk Dancing in America, click HERE.