What is the difference between folk and classical dance?
Many cultures have both folk and classical dance traditions. Ballet is an example of classical dance in western culture. Persian court dances, Indian temple dances, and Cambodian classical dances are a few examples from Asia. Classical dances are performed by professional or highly trained dancers who have studied their form (usually) for many years. Folk dances on the other hand are based on traditions where the people who did the dance were not “professional” dancers. In their native settings, most folkdances were learned by youngsters watching their elders dance at social gatherings and learning by doing. Mexican folklorico dance is an example of a folk dance.
