Folk Dances have been a fun & popular activity over the years we have enjoyed as a large group. Teaching folk dances to younger students, Form 1 and Form 2, can sometimes be more challenging. By choosing dances with simpler moves (e.g., line or circle dances, dances where you don’t change partners, or if changing it’s straightforward) you can slowly build on developing skills making it possible to enjoy this part of the feast with younger children. Some of the dances that have worked for our group are: Virginia Reel (esp. if omitting the head couple swinging partners down the line for Form 1), Heel Toe Polka, Black Nag, Big Mountain Circle, Troika, Oh Susanna, and Carolina Promenade.
Folk Dance Tutorials
- CMR Favorites
- Index of Dances Taught by Old Dominion Dance
- Index of Dances Taught by Jeanette Geslison
- Index by Regency Dances
- Historical Dance YouTube Channel
- Cotton Eye Joe Line Dance
Misc. Folk Dance Resources
- Spotify Playlist of Tunes
- Apple Playlist of Tunes
- Charlotte Mason Poetry Article, “Musical Drill Practices”
- A Delectable Education Podcast, Ep. 172 Folk Dancing, an interview with Sandra Sosa
- The Country Dance Book volumes 6-8 by Cecil Sharp
- Country Dance Tunes sheet music accompaniments for the above book.
- Peasant Dances and Songs of Many Lands
Charlotte Mason Redding 