A group of people holding hands and dancing together in a room with wooden floors.

International Folk Dance in Minneapolis | Tapestry Folkdance Center

Step into International Folk Dance! A joyful and welcoming dance experience that brings traditions from around the world to life. From lively circle dances to graceful partner dances, it’s all about rhythm, culture, and dancing together.

International Folk Dance : EVERY FRIDAY

Group of elderly people sitting in a row, clapping during an indoor event.

Studio

LARGE STUDIO
7:30-8:30pm Lesson
8:30-10:30pm Request Dance - recorded music

A group of people standing in a circle holding hands in a dance or prayer circle in a decorated indoor space with string lights and a carpeted wall hanging.

$12 General Admission
$9 Tapestry Member
$8 Young Adult (Ages 18-30)
$4 Youth (Ages 10-17)
Under 10 - Free

Pricing

A group of six elderly people holding hands in a circle, dancing in a decorated indoor space with colorful string lights and a quilt on the wall.

First seven days of every month (1st through the 7th) - Newcomers and beginners especially welcome!

Pay What You Choose

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A lively weekly gathering where you can explore a rich tapestry of global dance traditions. Each evening begins with a 60-minute lesson, introducing 4–6 dances from regions like the Balkans, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. No partner is needed; most dances are done in a semi-circular line that moves counterclockwise, guided by a leader. The complexity comes in the variety of rhythms and patterns.

  • Dancers can request dances taught recently or old favorites - so what gets programmed is a mix of old and new. There are dances from every continent, and the most-requested dances are from eastern European countries like Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Greece. We also do Israeli dances, and couple dances from (western) Europe and the Americas - but you don't need to bring a partner.

  • Comfortable, lightweight clothing and soft-soled shoes are recommended; non-marking soles are required.  Whether you're brand new or a seasoned dancer, you're warmly welcome—just bring your curiosity, your energy, and your dancing feet!

  • After the lesson, stay for a lively request session, where dancers can request favorite dances from that night or past nights. New participants are always welcome to take time watching, practicing, and learning “behind the line” - it’s sometimes the easier way to catch on! Whether you catch on quickly or take time to practice and observe, you’ll find a welcoming community ready to share in the joy of movement and music from around the world. The first Friday of the month is especially newcomer-friendly!

  • If you have any accessibility needs you'd like addressed by Tapestry Folkdance Center, please let us know by emailing staff@tapestryfolkdance.org.

People dancing in a circle in a dance studio with wood floors, mirror, and colorful quilt on the wall.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

  • Emily Jarrett Hughes Teaching International Mix; Caren Grantz Keljik facilitating request dancing

  • Caren Grantz-Keljik Teaching International Mix; Dan Garvin facilitating request dancing

  • Caren Grantz-Keljik Teaching International Mix; Jim Kiehne facilitating request dancing

  • Caren Grantz-Keljik Teaching International Mix; Julie Rasmussen facilitating request dancing

  • No teacher

    All Request - facilitated by Jim Kiehne

  • Ed Stern Teaching International Mix; Jan Morse facilitating request dancing

  • Ed Stern Teaching International Mix; Dan Garvin facilitating request dancing

Introduction to International Folk Dance

Video tutorials for new dancers

Dance 1: Lesnoto, Macedonia

Dance 4: Miserlou, Greek American

Dance 7: Istanbul Bar, American

Dance 2: Dağmat Halayi, Turkey

Dance 5: Pata Pata, South Africa

Dance 8: An Dro Retourné, Brittany

Dance 3: Savila Se Bela Loza, Serbia

Dance 6: Chilili, Boliva