Many people around the U.S. enjoy the enchanting movement and music of the traditional folk dances of the Scandinavian countries (Denmark, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, & the Faroe Islands).  Although these dances originated in specific geographic areas populated by specific ethnic groups, today they are enjoyed by people of diverse ethnic groups, and there is no expectation that one's ancestors came from Scandinavia.  All that is required is an appreciation of the beautiful and moving music and dance from this part of the world. 

What is Scandinavian Folk Dance?

In the Sacramento area, we are an enthusiastic group who enjoy doing old favorite dances and learning new ones.  Our group is the El Dorado Scandinavian Dancers (EDSD). Often dancers come to the group from other recreational or social dance forms, such as International Folk Dance, Contradance, or Scottish Country Dance.  Any dance, music, or athletic background helps a person to pick up Scandinavian folk dance.

Some of us own and wear traditional folk costumes from parts of Scandinavia to special events, but no costume is necessary, and everyday clothes are worn for regular dances.  The only garment that is important is a pair of dance shoes.  Styles vary with the country.  A Danish, Norwegian or Swedish shoe is typically sturdy, with a low heel and a smooth leather sole.  The heel is leather or rubber.  A Finnish shoe is made in lightweight leather. 

Dancing Opportunities in our Area

Monday dance class with request dancing

Six-week classes are offered Mondays from 7:00-9:30 pm with time for dance requests from 9:00-9:30.  Classes are offered during the school year at different halls around the Sacramento area.  See the class page for further information.  An irregular schedule of Monday social dances is often held during the summer. 

Weekend workshops and parties

EDSD sponsors Saturday or Sunday afternoon dance workshops followed by evening parties with live music, usually held at the Wolterbeek dance barn in Shingle Springs.  Guest teachers and musicians from throughout California, and occasionally from out of state, are often invited to participate in these events.  There is often a workshop or teaching time, followed by a party.  The next dance workshop and party is Saturday, April 26, 1008.  Carpooling from Sacramento can be arranged.  

Twice-yearly Folkedans Stevne at Alta

A folk dance weekend is held in the spring and fall at Camp Norge, northeast of Sacramento near I-80.  Usually features instructors brought over from Scandinavia.  Sponsored by the Nordahl Grieg Leikarring og Spelemannslag.  See the Leikarring's fliers for details on past and current weekends. 

Dance Basics Class

Scandinavian folk dance can be learned by jumping in and trying it, like other folk dances.  However, the easiest way to learn the fundamentals and good technique is through a class.  We offer a class in the basics in Sacramento during the school year.  See class.

Performance Group

We perform at venues around the Sacramento area, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada and the Central Valley.  Information and photos of the performance group are here.

Music for Dancing

Descriptions and photos of dance music and instruments and of local musicians who play for dances.  We enjoy dancing to live musicians at parties and workshops.  For classes, recordings of traditional tunes are used.  There is a wealth of music available today, and many younger recording artists are creating new tunes in traditional forms or combining modern arrangements with traditional melodies. 

Other Resources

Other resources on Scandinavian dance, costume, culture, and related subjects are found here.

More photos of EDSD

For general inquiries, contact: John Hingtgen, 916-651-9106.

Site created by John Hingtgen.  

18 Mar 2008 © EDSD. 

All photos © El Dorado Scandinavian Dancers unless attributed to another source.