Figure 1.--Scottish schools may place a greater emphasis on folk dancing than schools in many other countries.

Many private schools give dance lessons. The type of lessons vary widely. Virtually will offer lessons in social dance. Some might offer interpreative dance for younger children Girls are often offered ballet and other dance lessons. Usually these lessons are for girls, but soime boys also take them. Some provide folk dancing lessons. There are wide variations between schools. Individual schools within countries place substantial differences in the attention thy give to dance and the arts. These dances, of course vary from country to country.

America

American boys learn square dancing. The United States may be an exception here. Western square dancing was ften taught at American state schools, although this may be less truer today. Private schools in America may have looked down on square dancing and thus placed less emphasis on it.

England

Almost all English private schools give klessons in social dancing to their students. There is a changing emphasis with dance in state schools. Many have dropped any effort at having a dance program. Some private schools, especially those advertising an enrichment program in the arts, will bring in a dance teacher to offer programs like interpretive dance or classes on movement for the younger children. State schools use to have similar programs, but these have been ophased out in recent years. Commonly girls are offered classesses in ballet or other disciplines. Occassionally boys in the prep schools participate. Some schools have various folk dancing programs such as Western square dance or country dancing.

Scotland

Scottish boys, for example, are taught Highland dancing. Folk costume are often worn at formal events where these dances are performed. Scottish boys studying country dancing often wear their kilts even when they are just practicing. Very young boys are often interested in dancing, bit older boys are often less interested. In some cases boys are more willing tom participate in folk dancing than many other dance forms.

Other Countries

We know less about other countries, but presumably private schools in Greece, Germany, Mexico, and other countries provide lessons on their national folk dances.

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Created: July 17, 2001
Last updated: February 3, 2004