The Montana International Folk Dancers join together from communities around the state to share an appreciation of the music, dance, dress, and language of traditional world cultures. Since the 1960s, their activities have always included recreational dancing, but at times have expanded to exhibition dance and musical performance.
Dancers come from Kalispell, Butte, Missoula, Helena, Billings, Bozeman, and elsewhere in Montana. Several times a year, they hold statewide events to help retain old dance favorites and challenge them to learn new ones. Their dance knowledge and music collection are as varied as the people who attend their gatherings. Many of their dance leaders have traveled around the country and beyond for instruction. The Montana International Folk Dancers strive to continue the traditional dances as faithfully as they have been passed down. One of the greatest compliments they have received is when someone says: “I remember that dance from when I was a child, back in my village.”
At the Montana Folk Festival, Montana folk dancers will be offering brief dance lessons. These include simple circle and line dances that can be done without a partner as well as several couple dances. You are invited to dance in the community with them and enjoy this aspect of Montana’s rich immigrant heritage. For more information, visit Montanafolkdance.org.
The Bozeman Folklore Society
The Bozeman Folklore Society (BFS) is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to the appreciation of traditional music, dance, and arts. For over 30 years their goal has been to preserve and promote the folklife of their southwestern Montana community and beyond.
BFS has organized, sponsored, and collaborated on a wide range of folk and world culture events for all to enjoy, including the Wintergreen Contra Dance Weekend, Scottish fiddle and dance workshops, Celtic jams, and international folk dancing. Throughout all events, BFS has assisted area youth to develop their skills as musical performers, dancers, and callers.
BFS also partners with community radio stations to make traditional music available to the public and frequently features some of the great moments from their concert series. Their collaboration with the City of Bozeman produced a successful concert series at the historic Story Mansion, and they’ve had the privilege of co-sponsoring a presentation by Mongolia’s amazing throat singers.
The Bozeman Folklore Society is a nonprofit organization affiliated with the Country Dance and Song Society. As proud supporters of live music and participatory dance, they welcome everyone to our events in the south-central region of Montana. Visit Bozemanfolklore.org for more information.