The Future of Folk Dance in Europe

Across Europe, folk dance is experiencing both new opportunities and significant challenges. While social dance traditions continue to bring people together in communities, festivals, and cultural gatherings, the development of folk dance as a professional performing art varies greatly from country to country. In some places, stage productions and contemporary artistic approaches are flourishing. In others, traditions struggle with visibility, resources, and opportunities for professional development.

This seminar takes stock of the current state of folk dance in Europe, exploring the relationship between participatory dance traditions and the growing field of staged folk dance performance. How can these two spheres support and strengthen one another? What can presenters, festivals, cultural institutions, and artists do to ensure a vibrant future for folk dance in all its forms?

Bringing together dance artists, organisers, and cultural professionals from across Europe, the conversation will examine current trends, challenges, and opportunities.

The seminar serves as a starting point for a subsequent workshop, where participants will work together to identify concrete strategies for strengthening both social and staged folk dance, building stronger networks, audience engagement, and sustainable artistic ecosystems.

At a time when communities are searching for meaningful ways to connect with heritage, creativity, and participation, folk dance offers a unique meeting point between tradition and innovation, local identity and international exchange.

Moderator: TBA

Panel: TBA