folk-dance
/ˈfəʊk dæns/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A traditional dance from a particular country, region, or community. People often learn it from local custom, not from formal dance training.
- They performed a folk dance at the festival.
- Her grandmother taught her a folk dance.
- The programme included folk dances from five states.
Adinary Nuance
A folk-dance is different from dance in general because it refers to a traditional style linked to a culture or region. It is also different from classical dance or ballroom dance, which are usually more formal and trained. Use folk-dance when the dance feels local, cultural, and passed down over time.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- múa dân gian
- Spanish
- danza folclórica
- Chinese
- 民间舞蹈
- Japanese
- 民俗舞踊
- Korean
- 민속춤
Etymology
Folk-dance combines folk, from Old English and Old Norse meaning “people,” and dance, from Old French danse. The term became common in English in the 19th century for traditional community dances.
Common phrases
folk-dance performancefolk-dance troupefolk-dance festivalfolk-dance competition
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is folk-dance the same as traditional dance?
- They are very close. Folk-dance usually means a traditional dance from ordinary community life.
- Is folk-dance formal or informal?
- It can be either, but the dance itself comes from local tradition, not formal stage training.
- Can I say folk dance without a hyphen?
- Yes. Both folk dance and folk-dance are used, but the hyphen is also common.
- Is folk-dance used in school and exam writing?
- Yes. It is a clear word for cultural and descriptive writing.