Start with your public library
Libraries are often the best first stop. Many publish an events calendar online and in print, and community groups sometimes use library meeting rooms for music sessions, dance practices and heritage events. Librarians can also point you to local clubs, community bulletin boards and history or heritage collections that mention traditional music in your area.
- Search your library's events calendar for "folk," "polka," "dance," "accordion" and "jam."
- Ask at the reference or information desk whether the library keeps a directory of community organizations.
- Check the library's community bulletin board, where many small groups still post flyers.
Parks and recreation program guides
City and county parks and recreation departments publish program guides, usually each season. These often list dance classes for adults, community bands and senior center activities, which in many places include polka and folk dancing. Some departments also rent halls to dance clubs and can tell you which groups meet there.
State arts agencies and folk arts programs
Every US state and territory has a public arts agency, and many run a folk and traditional arts program, often led by a state folklorist. These programs document local traditions and support traditional musicians and dancers, and some publish directories of tradition bearers, community groups and apprenticeship programs. Search for your state's arts agency or arts council and look for "folk arts" or "traditional arts" pages. Staff can often suggest groups in your area.
Some states also have regional folklife centers or university folklore programs that keep listings. Ask your state arts agency which ones serve your area.
National sources
- The American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress holds field recordings and research guides and lists folklife organizations around the country.
- The National Endowment for the Arts publishes information about its folk and traditional arts grants and its national heritage fellowships, which can lead you to traditions active in your state.
- National dance organizations, such as the Country Dance and Song Society for contra, English country and related dances, keep listings of local community dances. Check the current listing, since schedules change.
Heritage and cultural societies
Many polka and folk dance traditions are kept alive by cultural societies, fraternal organizations and parish groups tied to a particular heritage. Your library, your city's official community calendar or your local tourism office often lists them. Most welcome visitors at dances and festivals, even if you have no family connection to the tradition.
Classes and colleges
Community colleges, adult education programs and senior centers sometimes offer folk dance or instrument classes. Some university folk dance clubs are open to the public. Check the continuing education catalog or the club's page on the college website.
Questions to ask before you go
| Question | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Is it open to beginners? | Some sessions are for experienced players or dancers only. |
| Is there a lesson, and when? | Arriving for the lesson makes the evening easier. |
| Do I need a partner? | Many groups change partners or dance in circles. |
| Is there a fee or membership? | Many charge a small entry fee to cover the hall. |
| Is the meeting place accessible? | Ask about steps, parking and seating. |
| Is the listing current? | Volunteer groups change times and places often. |
For musicians
If you play, look for "sessions" or "jams," where players meet to play tunes together. Many have a slow session for learners. Ask before joining in, start by listening, and play quietly until you know the tunes. A group that plays for dancers may also welcome new players once you can keep a steady beat. The guides to the accordion, fiddle and brass have tips for getting started, and the page on your first community dance covers dance etiquette.