Nordic Dance in Minneapolis | Tapestry Folkdance Center

Discover Nordic Dance! A joyful monthly gathering celebrating the rich traditions of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland through music, movement, and community. No partner or experience needed. Just come ready to connect, learn, and share in the spirit of Scandinavian dance.

UPCOMING EXPERIENCES

Nordic Dance Second Sundays

Studio

SMALL STUDIO6:30-7pm Lesson | 7-9pm Dance

Cost: 

$15 General Admission $12 Tapestry Member $8 Young Adult (Ages 18-30) $4 Youth (Ages 10-17) Under 10 - Free

Pricing

Learn first steps to take when dancing nordic

Learn more about Nordic

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International Women’s Day : March 8th

We will highlight the women of Nordic music and dance.

  • Elise is deeply involved in the Nordic community teaching Swedish language and dance throughout the Midwest. She co-hosts Twin Cities Nordic Dancers and is a valuable teaching member of Nordic North Star Nordic Dancers. Her knowledge of Swedish polska dance is exceptional. Peters has been playing the nyckelharpa for over 20 years and is a member of the Twin Cities Nyckelharpalag. Join in and learn new moves or, polish the ones you have.


  • Renee Vaughan specializes in Swedish folk music and brings a deep for sharing Swedish music with audiences and dancers. Renee has received two American Scandinavian Fellowships to study dance rhythms with Cajsa Ekstav and other tradition bearers. She recently served as Musician-in-Residence at UW–Madison, and teaches Swedish folk music with Minnesota Public Radio and COMPAS, and frequently leads ensembles for programs throughout the upper midwest. 

    For International Women’s Day program, Renee curated an event at the American Swedish Institute to spotlight the creative contributions of Nordic immigrant women musicians and dancers. The music ensemble for that program and for the Tapestry dance includes Renee Vaughan (nyckelharpa), Laura MacKenzie (säckpipa, flute), Mattie Snyder (cello), Synneva Bratland (guitar), Sarah Pradt (hardingfele), Elise Peters (oktavharpa), and more.

    https://asimn.org/events-calendar/international-womens-day-celebration/


  • Kari Tauring, Carol Sersland, and Mary Klockeman love to sing for dancing. All are musicians and dancers with lifetimes of experience. Their traditional songs tell of women’s work both practical and magical. Selections include nature instruments, wonderful harmonies, and rhythms that compel us to dance!

  • Char is a fiddler extraordinaire of both Swedish and Norwegian traditions. Her tempos and rhythms for Swedish polskas are impeccable! Char has traveled around the country and Scandinavia, performing on programs and playing for dance workshops. She received an Award of Merit from the Swedish Council of America in recognition of outstanding contributions and her many years of promoting and preserving the Swedish heritage. 


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Join us for a monthly gathering that brings together the rich traditions of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Finland through dance, music, and community.

    Whether you have Nordic heritage or are simply curious to explore, all are welcome. No partner is needed, and dancers of all ages and skill levels will find a place to belong. Come, dance, and discover the joy of Nordic Dance!

    Musical Guests: ASI Spelmanslag and Lillalag, TC Nyckelharpalag, Hardingfelelag, Lauluaika, Skandibears, Button Boxers, Hutenanny, Renee Vaughan, Art Bjorngjeld, Kvinnekraft, Rachel Jensen Ulvin, and more.
    Dance Instructors: Carol Sersland, Elise Peters, Kari Tauring,  Martha Olsen, Jaana Tutilla.

  • Come as you are - just bring your curiosity and energy! Comfortable, casual clothing and smooth soled shoes are recommended - clean soles, please!

  • What should I expect?
    Feel the pulse of live music performed by local Nordic bands and musicians, creating an atmosphere of joy and connection.

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

Nordic First Steps

Four people enacting a social dance in a hall with wooden flooring, decorated with string lights and festive decorations.

UPCOMING SCHEDULE

  • International Women’s Day Celebration
    March 8, 2026

    Celebrate International Women’s Day with a powerful afternoon honoring the women of Nordic music and dance. This special Second Sunday features inspiring instruction by Elise Peters, an exceptional Swedish polska dancer and nyckelharpa player deeply rooted in the Midwest Nordic community. Whether you’re learning new moves or refining familiar steps, you’ll be guided with expertise and joy.

    Hour One features Renee Vaughan and the International Women’s Day Ensemble, showcasing outstanding women musicians including Laura MacKenzie, Mattie Snyder, Synneva Bratland, Sarah Pradt, Elise Peters, and more—bringing the rich sounds of nyckelharpa, säckpipa, hardingfele, cello, guitar, and voice to life. You’ll also experience KvinneKraft (WomanPower)—Kari Tauring, Carol Sersland, and Mary Klockeman—sharing traditional songs of women’s work, wisdom, and magic.

    Hour Two highlights acclaimed fiddler Char Bostrom, joined by guests Jaana Tuttila and Johanna Solem, offering masterful Swedish and Norwegian dance tunes with impeccable rhythm and energy.

    Join us for an unforgettable celebration of artistry, heritage, and the vibrant contributions of women in Nordic traditions.