Patty Gehring writes:
I started folk dancing 35 years ago, joining my first recreational group (MVFD) and taking a college class (WSU). I followed that with several years of dance performance in three local ethnic groups. All of this in the Dayton, Ohio area. Over the years, I picked up a small amount of dumbek instruction and about a decade of Eastern European, a Capella, performance singing in a small group (8-12 people).
I have produced a free Introduction to International Folk Dancing for the novice video series and put it up on YouTube. It is my hope that this basic course can […]
People dance when they are happy but, as dance psychologist Peter Lovatt reveals, dancing results in a potent cocktail of feel-good brain chemicals, greater social bonding and enhanced creativity, all of which will keep you dancing for joy.
The joy of dancing is that it gives us a natural high, and moving in synchrony with others raises our pain threshold and makes us feel more positive towards the people we are dancing with. Dancing also changes the way we think and solve problems, all of which can help us to forget […]
Surrey International Folk Dancers is pleased to welcome folk dance instructor Sam Wu-Shan Chiang for a special workshop on November 7. Sam will be teaching “Naluwan Palafang” (Welcome Honored Guests), a dance he choreographed based on the traditional steps of Taiwan’s indigenous Amis people.
“Naluwan Palafang” was created by Sam in September 2020, incorporating both basic Amis tribal steps and common movements from various Taiwanese indigenous tribes. The title combines two Amis words: “Naluwan” (meaning “greetings” or “welcome”) and “Palafang” (meaning “honored guests”). See description here.
Sam Chiang brings over 50 years of international folk dancing […]
On June 29, 2024, the Surrey Folk Dancers had the privilege of performing at the Korean festival held in North Vancouver. With only five minutes to showcase our diverse repertoire, we shared a medley of folk dances. We began our performance with the Eastbourne Rover, a traditional English folk dance known for its lively steps and spirited music. Next, we transported the audience to Israel with the energetic dance, Tzadik Katamar. Our third dance was Jo ‘n Jo Tango, a captivating blend of Argentine tango and American influences. We then moved to […]
Find classes in international folk dance, painting, cooking and more
Published in nextavenue by Patricia Corrigan | December 5, 2023| Living
Read entire article here.
Excerpt: Learn something new. Enjoy low-impact exercise. Meet people. Those are three reasons to take up international folk dancing, says Emily Stoper, a past president of Berkeley Folk Dancers. “Folk dancing brings great joy,” Stoper said.
Dancing, rowing and even finger tapping in unison unleash powerful forces in the brain that drive good feelings.
Read entire article here.
Published OCTOBER 1, 2020 BY MARTA ZARASKA
Scientific American Magazine
Excerpt: Many group activities boost our sense of belonging, but research shows that doing things synchronously can build even stronger social ties and create a greater sense of well-being.
Surrey Folk Dancers Celebrate the Old and the New at October Retreat
By Marie Bremner in February 2023 on Arts Council of Surrey‘s Spotlight Magazine
See it in the Spotlight Magazine here.
Excerpt: It was an evening of magic, with music and dance transporting Surrey Folk Dancers and visitors to a European village square. After a day of workshops at Camp Alexandra in Crescent Beach, Retreat 2022 participants welcomed the folk bands Balkanski Melos and Savoir Faire, to return to the roots of folk dance with a partnership of musicians […]
Do humans dance just for fun, or did it help our ancestors survive thousands of years ago?
By Thea Singer on July 1, 2017 on Scientific American
Excerpt: Why should dancing be such a common human trait, and why are we so good at it? In recent years scientists have begun to identify features of the brain and body that underpin our exceptional ability. Some of these features are linked to language and upright locomotion, two traits that have contributed significantly to the success of the human lineage. Perhaps, then, dance is a happy […]
Dancing, rowing and even finger tapping in unison unleash powerful forces in the brain that drive good feelings
See complete article here published October 2020
Excerpt: Many group activities boost our sense of belonging, but research shows that doing things synchronously can build even stronger social ties and create a greater sense of well-being. Crew rowing, line dancing, choir singing or simply tapping fingers in sync increases generosity, trust and tolerance toward others, often beyond effects seen in more disorderly doings. It can even increase people’s […]