Here are links to social dances, performing dance groups, and dance instruction, as well as some background information about Scandinavian dancing generally.
Couples' dances and mixers
~waltz, schottische, polska, hambo, tango, polka, mazurka, humppa, springar~
Everyone is welcome, singles or couples, beginner or experienced. No partner necessary.
2nd Sunday Dance
Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Avenue, Minneapolis
(map)
6 to 9 p.m.
$9 regular, $7 members
Lesson from 6 to 7 p.m. Social dance from 7 to 9 p.m.
March 14
Elise Peters teaching polkett variations, with music by Char Bostrom.
Social Dance: Music by Char Bostrom and friends.
April 11
Mary Hegge teaching basic polska, with music by Paul Dahlin.
Social Dance: Music by Paul Dahlin and friends.
May 9
Carol Sersland teaching Røros Pols, with music by Char Bostrom.
Social Dance: Music by The Twin Cities Hardingfelelag.
4th Sunday Dance
Note: this dance is on hiatus.
Occasional Friday Dance
Kramarczuk's Deli and Sausage Co., 215 East Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis (map)
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
$2 cover charge
Kramarczuk's is Finn Hall's "Nordeast home." Bring the children; this is a family-friendly place.
Great food, beer and wine available, and of course dance space! Contact Ralph Tuttila (raulit [at] msn [dot] com) for more info.
Danish
Dannebrog Folk Dancers
Second and fourth Fridays from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Danish American Center, 3030 W. River Parkway S., Minneapolis
(map)
Finnish
Kisarit Finnish American Folk Dancers
Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m.
International Institute, 1694 Como Avenue, St. Paul
(map)
Contact Gaelyn (952) 835-0529, or Coleen (651) 407-0588.
Norwegian
Det Norske Folkedanslaget
First and third Mondays from 7 to 9 p.m.
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis
(map)
Fjell og Fjord Youth Dance Group (kids' group)
Thursdays
Fuller Community Center, 4800 Grand Avenue S., Minneapolis
(map)
Contact Carol (612) 822-7416 or sersla [at] aol [dot] com.
Swedish
Twin Cities Swedish Folk Dancers
Second and fourth Mondays from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis
(map)
Contact Joyce (612) 729-2047 or joyce [dot] hanson [at] hotmail [dot] com.
Vasa Jr. Folk Dancers (kids' group)
Saturdays
Contact Janice (612) 729-0334, or JoAnn (612) 722-6783.
Pan-Scandinavian
Tapestry 2nd Sunday Dance
Carol Sersland, Mary Hegge, Elise Peters, Zak Holman and Lara Sands
American Swedish Institute
Elise Peters
Festivals
Dance instruction by local and visiting teachers is offered at Folklore Village and Nisswa-stämman.