Welcome to Alexandria Folk Dancers

Looking for Fun? Exercise? Relaxation? Beautiful music? Learning about other cultures? Good company?
International folk dancing has it all!
We welcome first-timers, folk dance fanatics, and everyone in between, all ages. No dance experience necessary and no need to bring a partner. Join our friendly, diverse group on a beautiful dance floor every Thursday 7:30-9:30pm. We offer a mix of easy and advanced dances, instruction by experienced leaders, and requested dances.
Donation: $5/evening.
Time: 7:30-9:30pm every Thursday year-round (with a few exceptions)
Place: Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church, 1909 Windmill Lane, Alexandria, VA 22307 (a few miles south of Old Town, off Fort Hunt Road)
Questions? Contact Eileen Shropshire: eileenshropshire@gmail.com, (703) 772-9105
Info for First Timers:
New to Folk Dancing?
Folk dances are traditional dances from countries all over the world, sometimes from hundreds of years ago, sometimes more recent.
Folk dancing is a great way to get exercise, socialize, and move to music. No previous dance experience, partner, or costume are necessary. Many dances are danced in lines or circles; others are for pairs or individuals. In some dances, called mixers, the dancers change partners during the dance. Some of the dances (and music) are so beautiful they will take your breath away; others are exciting, exotic, fun, and on occasion goofy!
If you can walk, you can folk dance. Many folk dances are easily done, although some are quite vigorous or complex. If a particular dance seems to be too much, enjoy watching it the first time you see it. There’s no need to try to learn all the dances taught. Eventually patterns of steps become familiar. When more experienced dancers can’t remember a dance, they simply follow what a few others do.
Here at Alexandria Folk Dancers, we emphasize easy dances during the first part of the evening then go to a mix of easy and harder dances. There’s no need to commit to more than a single night of dancing at a time. Just show up in casual clothes and comfortable shoes.
We have dancers of all skill levels and all ages, so whether you’re a beginner or experienced, you’ll fit right in. Many dancers are in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, and first learned folk dancing in college or graduate school. Some dancers are students right now, learning for the first time. Others with young families bring their children, who join in or play while we dance.
We hope to see you soon!
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