Folk dancing takes many forms, but there are a few constants.

1) It is done for the fun of the group; it doesn't show off an individual.

2) The dancers stand in a specific arrangement (circle, square, lines, etc).

3) There are 3-6 figures done in a specific order that get repeated with the music (ie, walk to the left, walk to the right, go to the center, back to place and REPEAT as long as the music plays)

4) Dancers start with a partner but dance with at least 1 other person as well.

5) If you can count to eight, walk forwards, backwards, left and right, you can do a folk dance!

The Virginia Reel