International Folk Dance Association   of University City
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Q.	What the heck is international folk dancing?
A.	It's also called ethnic dancing, world dancing, and probably some other things.  It's what happens when a bunch of people get together to do dances from lots of different ethnic groups, nationalities, and countries.

Q.	Does "do" mean perform?
A.	No -- it means just plain "do," as in "do a job" or "do lunch" or "do the Twist".  You aren't wearing a costume, and there's no audience.  Many of the dances (such as the Armenian bar, Bulgarian pravo, and Greek hasapiko), are the ones done by "everybody" at weddings and other ethnic social gatherings.

Q.	Is this just a St. Louis hobby?
A.	Not at all!  There are international folk dance clubs all over North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, and elsewhere.

Q.	Why would anybody want to learn and do other people's dances?
A.	Why should those people have all that fun to themselves?  There is an incredible range of traditional and pop music from all over the world that fairly shouts out, "Dance to me! Dance to me!" in a variety of melodies, rhythms, and languages.

Q.	Are these things hard to learn?
A.	Many of them you can learn by just doing them alongside people who already know them.  Then again, there are a few that take hours of teaching and practice.  Most dances are somewhere between these extremes.

Q.	What's the fastest way to learn a lot of dances so that I won't be spending a lot of time just standing around and watching?
A.	Check our web site (and others) for classes and workshops.  Go to the seasonal Loop dancing where all of the dances are simple.  Come often on Saturday nights at the beginning (7:30 p.m.) when easier dances are done.  You can ask other dancers for help, preferably if they aren't already in the middle of dancing themselves.

Q.	How do I get started?
A.	Check the Schedule for beginner classes and workshops.  Or just jump right in at a regular Saturday night or Friday Loop dance.

Q.	What's it like on Saturday night for newcomers who don't know anybody?
A.	Tell the person at the door that you're new.  They'll take some info and chat with you about what you're seeing and hearing and how to hook up.

Q.	What do you mean, "hook up"?
A.	Most of the dances are done in lines or circles, so everybody's hands or arms are linked in some way.  If you tap the junction of two people in the line or circle, they'll open up and let you in.  Unless somebody says beginners should join right in, it's a good idea to dance behind the line for a few moments first so you'll at least be going in the same direction as everybody else.

Q.	Are there any dances that beginners should stay out of?
A.	Yes.  After about 9:00, don't enter an unknown dance unless you follow behind the line for a while first.  Some of the fast advanced dances could be safety hazards unless all the people in the line know what they're doing.

Q.	Where can I learn those fast, hazardous dances?
A.	An intermediate dance is taught around 8:30 most Saturdays.  Advanced dances also get taught at workshops and at special weeknight winter series called "DanceShare" (see Schedule for announcements of these).

Q.

What's the social scene like at International Folk Dancing?

A.

You'll probably never meet a group of more interesting people.  Most of them come to do whatever dances they know.  This means conversations are often interrupted by, "Oops, gotta do this dance -- talk to you later."  Some people do almost every dance and don't have much time to chat.  Others at the opposite extreme come mainly to hang out and chat, and might do only a couple of dances all evening.  Hanging out is perfectly acceptable, but we still ask for your $2.00 (except from kids) even if you don't dance at all.

Q.	So children can come too?
A.	Yes, and they can come for free, but parents have to make sure their children stay in the play area and off the dance floor.  With a few exceptions, the dances are designed for grownups, sometimes moving at high speeds.  Big safety risks arise when children suddenly appear among the flying feet.

Q.	What do people wear?
A.	Overheating is the biggest concern, so light and loose are good.  If you must choose between comfort and appearance, choose comfort.  Same for shoes.  Soles should be neither too slick nor too sticky (if you're not sure, you could bring a couple of pairs and see which works best).  And of course, observe the same personal hygiene as you would for any other social event.

Q.	Are newcomers formally introduced to the group?
A.	No, there is no formal introduction session.  But usually you will find several people introducing themselves to you in the course of the evening.

Q.	Are there any couple dances?
A.	Yes, but only 3 or 4 per night.  Some couple dances are pretty involved, but some of the others are easy enough so that if you stand around and act interested you just might get invited to dance with somebody who can help you through the dance.  You don't have to bring a partner.

For more information contact Denis Murphy at 314-725-6221 or dmurphy139@aol.com.