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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Folk Dance Masterpieces and Popular Songs (41–50)
Polyanka
Polyanka is a folk dance that represents Ukraine and is also presented as a Russian folk dance.
Compared with other Russian folk songs, the melody of this piece doesn’t feel particularly Russian; it appears to have been composed in the United States.
It features many sections for solo dancing, offering numerous opportunities to showcase individual skill.
Folk Dance Masterpieces and Popular Songs (51–60)
GavotteGossec
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.
Kohanochika
It is a Russian folk dance.
“Kokhanotchka” means “beloved.” This refined dance is performed with lively Russian polka steps, set to an up-tempo melody that creates a flowing, high-speed feel.
Ma-Na-buYosi Spivak
The lyrics are taken from Isaiah 57:7 in the Old Testament, and the dance is said to have originated from a distinctive step of Yemeni origin.
It features a gentle, relaxed rhythm.
Because the choreography is simple and matches the mood of the song, it’s often used for endings.
Kiss, kiss, kiss.Osbaldo Fares
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.
Lauterbach
The name varies by region, so it’s sometimes called Lauter and sometimes Luther.
The piece originated in Germany, and the dance is from southern Germany.
It features turning movements, danced in a circle, with the men circulating so that partners change little by little.
Ashleigh AishUri Shevach
This is a folk dance piece originating in Israel.
It is mainly danced in male–female pairs, characterized by a lively, bright, samba-like rhythmic tempo.
The theme depicts a man passionately approaching a fiery woman, declaring his desire to be her number one.