People participate in an international folk dance class on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Photo by Carlos Alemany | The Independent Florida Alligator

Source: The Independent Florida Alligator 
By Carlos Alemany

On Aug. 7, as part of the Rosa B. Williams Center’s weekly recurring events, visitors gathered and immersed themselves in the vibrant rhythm and infectious energy of international folk dancing, where diverse cultures and traditions blend into a joyful tapestry of movement and community.

From 7 to 10 p.m., attendees can expect to experience a diverse array of dances hailing from countries such as Romania, Russia, Japan, Quebec, Israel, Mexico, Ghana and Albania.

International folk dance is a celebration of traditional dances from around the world, encompassing a wide variety of lively styles and movement. These dances often tell stories, preserve cultural heritage and bring communities together through shared movement and music.

Joyce Story, a longtime Gainesville resident, is a prominent figure in the local folk dance community. Story's passion for dance began early in life, and her love for international folk dance has only grown over the years.

Story has been an integral part of Gainesville's folk dance scene, now serving as one of the leaders of the Gainesville International Folk Dance Group.

"At least 30 years I had been dancing with this group, when I was in town,” she said. “I come every week.”

For Story, international folk dance offers a unique cultural experience.

"The music is different, it's captivating…and the dances are very neat,” she said. “You don't have to have a partner, so that was a big plus for me…You are not tied to one culture."

Story's involvement in the folk dance community is driven by more than just a love for dance — it's about preserving cultural heritage and fostering understanding.

"You're forced to consider how things are done elsewhere,” she said. “It forces you to see the diversity in the world, which I, personally, think is a good thing.”

Story highlights the rich variety of dances her group performs from different regions, particularly the Balkans.

"We tend to do predominantly Balkan dances because…they are the most interesting and beautiful," she said.

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