Folk dance is a term used to portray a large number of dances, typically of European origin, that tend to share the following attributes:
1.At first danced in about the 19th century or earlier
2.Performance is subjugated by an inherited ethnic rather than by innovation;
3.Danced by common people and not completely by aristocracy;
4.Developed impulsively and there is no governing body that has final say over what "the dance" is or who is endorsed to teach it. This also means that no one has the final say over the definition of folk dance or the least age for such dances.
The term "folk dance" is at times applied to definite dances of historical significance in European culture and history; usually instigated before 20th century. For other cultures the terms "ethnic dance" or "traditional dance"are at times used, though the latter terms may include ceremonial dances.
Kinds of folk dance comprise clogging, English country dance, international folk dance, Irish dance, Maypole dance, Morris dance, Nordic polska dance, Ball de bastons, square dance, and sword dance. A few choreographed dances such as contra dance, Israeli folk dance,Scottish country dance,and contemporary Western square dance, are known as folk dances, though this is not factual and true in the strictest sense.
Though folk dancing was historically done by the ordinary people of the local culture, international folk dance has received some fame on college campuses and community centers with in the United States and other countries.
