A Strange And Peculiar Hobby”? Folk Dance Traditions In The Uk

Despite a recent revival in folk dance traditions in the UK, the views towards folk dance from the general public are often expressed in comments such as “I think it’s a strange and peculiar hobby … preserving a strange historic custom.” “The overall image is of twee old men, beer bellies, ye olde England,” offering us a glimpse into the complex attitudes towards traditions of folk dance that have existed for centuries in Britain. Even though the dance has a wide variety of forms that I go onto discuss, and growing interest from younger generations, British folk dance often remains the butt of jokes and derogatory remarks, as indicated. What creates this tension about traditional forms of dance? It is the amateur nature of practice? Or the British embarrassment about seeing men dressed up and dancing? Or the misunderstanding of the place of tradition and its importance socially, culturally and historically? Or even a conflict about national ideals and Britishness? This paper takes a brief look at the variety of different English folk dance traditions, and examines the more progressive place they have created in recent years, where inclusivity of gender, dance forms, music and themes have brought innovation and new energy into this field. It examines too concepts of Britishness, political aspects involved in folk dance and music and its place as part of English sub-culture.