As far as black folks and folk music, there are many black friends of mine who enjoy folk music, country and blues. They just aren't that familiar with the term "folk music." Over the years when I've said that I play folk music, the first question invariably is "What's that?" And yet, many friends grew up listening to blues and country music (and yes, folk songs) in the South, without ever thinking of them as "folk Music." Joe and Frankie in my quartet love bluegrass and blues, and they like a lot of the folk and original material that I sing. They love going to workshops at festivals, and are familiar with people like Uncle Dave Macon. I can't believe that they are unique.

If folk music was looked upon as inclusive of black gospel and blues, and just "old songs" folks used to sing, I think that there'd be more people who had a curiosity about it. That's how I look at it...

And I'm with Azizi on the beat. I'm not aware of a lot of ballads from the black tradition. From the Lindy Hop to the big band era to the Twist to hip hop, music and dancing have been almost inseparable.
Even in "folk music" the old-time bands and duets were often dance music. The folk revival emphasized sit with a cup of coffee and listen, Damn it! music.

Even today, dancing in the aisle happens in many balck churches. Go to Africa if you want to see truly joyful dancing, and go to a church.
We've had people get out into the aisles and dance when we played and sang music at funerals.

And the beat goes on..

Jerry