Most of what is referred to as International Folk Dancing, seems to be done to "ballads". The stories, when translated, can be sad, humourous, romantic. The simpler dances may be done by whole villages, often through the streets, with all ages involved. Less chance of a heart attack if you have been doing this all your life.

Where it is available, I have done IFD two or even three times a week. Very good exercise. I made sure the leaders knew that my goal is to die while dancing. Just push me a side and keep on dancing.

More than most music, I felt connected to those peoples who have been doing these dances for hundreds of years. At a Polish dance workshop in rural New York State, I looked at the back of the room where a woman stood with her bucket of mushrooms, in tears to be hearing the music of her country and to see people dancing the dances of her country. She had been collecting in the woods and was drawn to the music. What a thrill for her, and for the leaders, to meet each other and speak Polish.

Music can so unite people!