Dance Around the World: Fun and Easy Cultural Folk Dances
An on-going class where students will learn fun, easy folk dances from different countries including India, Ireland, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Ukraine, the United States, and more!
Laura Arnold
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(17)
What's included
1 live meeting
40 mins in-class hours per weekClass Experience
US Grade 2 - 5
Beginner Level
Looking for dance lessons that aren't your typical ballet, tap, or jazz class? Then try international folk dancing! Join us in a multicultural experience as we learn dances from around the world. Each week in this ongoing class, we will explore a cultural dance style from a different country such as Chile, China, Ecuador, Guinea, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Portugal, Russia, Samoa, Scotland, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine, the United States, and more! We will identify the specific country on a map, view videos of professional/local dancers from that country, and learn a traditional dance or beginner-level choreography from that country. This class is suitable for both beginners and seasoned dancers alike--there is something for everyone! We strive to create a welcoming environment for learners to celebrate other cultures, receive exposure to unique dance styles, and make new friends. You are welcome to join any week that interests you or stay with us for several weeks as you discover an expanding appreciation for dance around the world. If the available section times do not work with your schedule, I recommend you check out my self-paced version of this same class! Below is a list of cultural dance styles that we will study for several weeks. The list will be continuously updated so you can know when we will be learning specific dances and choose classes that most interest you. Dances will eventually be repeated after a cycle of at least 15 weeks. Note: The dances listed below represent the cultural styles I am most familiar with. Requests for additional cultural dance styles are welcome--please message me about the types of dances you’d like to learn! Week of Jan 30-31: South African dance (Jerusalema) Week of Feb 6-7: Indian dance (Bollywood) Week of Feb 13-14: Russian dance (Korobushka) Week of Feb 20-21: Portuguese dance (Repasseado De Rio D'Onor) Week of Feb 27-28: Turkish dance (Damat Halayi) Week of March 6-7: Samoan dance (Sasa); no class for Friday section Week of March 13-14: Irish dance (Sweets of May); no class for Friday section Week of March 20-21: Ecuadorian dance (Cuenca) Week of March 27-28: Mexican dance (El Jarabe Tapatio) Week of April 3-4: Guinean/ West African dance (Sinte) Week of April 10-11: Korean dance (Ganggangsullae) Week of April 17-18: American dance (Charleston) Week of April 24-25: Italian dance (Tarantella) Week of May 1-2: Chilean dance (Cueca) Week of May 8-9: American dance (country line dance) Week of May 15-16: Chinese dance Week of May 22-23: Hawaiian dance (Hula) Week of May 29-30: Japanese dance (Tokyo Dontaku) Week of June 5-6: Spanish dance (Flamenco)
Learning Goals
Students will execute dance steps from different countries by applying principles of rhythm, timing, and movement.Students will identify cultural distinctions between countries including geography, cultural dress, and dance movements.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
In order to keep learners safe while dancing, parents should ensure that learners have access to an open space that is free of obstacles or other hazards. The learner's web camera should be positioned in such a way that the instructor can see the learner from head to toe to assess for safe movement and proper technique. Learners should wear comfortable, supportive clothing and shoes to avoid injury. A water bottle is also highly encouraged for proper hydration. While the dance steps in this class are not overly strenuous, parents should be aware of the risk of injury to learners that can occur if not properly supervised. Specific movements used in this class include but are not limited to balancing on one foot, running in place, and skipping in a circle. If a learner cannot utilize their full range of motion or otherwise requires adaptation to movements, parents should contact the instructor ahead of time to see if this class will be a good fit.
Supply List
Learners should be prepared with comfortable clothes and shoes that do not hinder their movement. Learners should also have enough space in which to safely move around (about the size of a blanket laid out on the ground) and a webcam setup that allows the instructor to see them from head to toe. A water bottle is encouraged.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Source material for this class comes primarily from my experience in the world-renowned BYU cultural dance program and the BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble, including dance and cultural training from expert professors and choreographers from around the world and my interactions with dancers and locals around the world during performance tours.
Additional source material includes: dance and cultural information found in "Recreational Folk Dance" by folk dance experts Susanne J. Davis and Colleen N. West; dance descriptions compiled by folk dance expert Edwin G. Austin; cultural dance information from ums.org (University of Michigan); dance descriptions from folk dance databases such as folkdancecamp.org, folkdancemusings.blogspot.com, and folkdancefootnotes.org; and YouTube videos of professional and/or local dancers or dance groups including P. Virsky Ukrainian National Folk Dance Ensemble, Riverdance, and Moiseyev Dance Company.
Joined August, 2023
4.9
17reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have always been passionate about dance, and I have a rich variety of dance experience. Growing up, I took Irish dance lessons for 10 years. I attended Brigham Young University where I received a minor in cultural dance and spent 4 years performing and touring with the BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble. During that time, I received dance training from master dancers and choreographers from around the world including India, Mexico, Serbia, China, Canada, and Hungary, just to name a few. I also taught beginner-level cultural dance classes at the university and a 4-week introduction to Irish dance class for kids ages 5-7.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in therapeutic recreation, and I’m a certified therapeutic recreation specialist and have experience as a certified adaptive dance instructor. With these credentials, I’m able to adapt dances to the physical and intellectual abilities of all learners and create an inclusive environment for everyone. Reviews
Live Group Class
$12
weekly1x per week
40 min
Completed by 29 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 8-12
2-6 learners per class
