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Lodge Activities - Folkdancing
Dancers at Heritage Days
Valhalla Junior Folkdancers
performing at Heritage Days 2004

Valhalla Junior Scandinavian Folkdancers

The Valhalla Jr. Scandinavian Folkdancers is a group of youth and children ages 4 to 18 who meet regularly to learn traditional dances from Scandinavia. The group began in 2002 with just six young dancers. 13-14 dancers now meet each Saturday morning at 11 a.m. for approximately one hour to learn and practice folkdances from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland.

Each session begins with dances suitable for everyone including the youngest children. The last half hour is used to practice more difficult dances aimed at older children. Many of the Scandinavian dances incorporate familiar dance steps: polka step, two-step, schottische step, waltz step, mazurka and so on. Even the youngest children quickly pick up some of the basic steps.

This is a great opportunity to learn to dance!
For more information email Stan or Louise Johnson at stanlou@shaw.ca
Valhalla Scandinavian Folkdancers

Valhalla Scandinavian Folkdancers were formed in 1984, with the purpose of learning dances from Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland, primarily for the enjoyment of the participating dancers. Performing at various times is encouraged. However, public performance by group members is strictly voluntary.
Valhalla Scandinavian Folkdancers
at Edmonton Heritage Days festival 2004

The Valhalla Scandinavian Folkdancers have performed at Muttart Conservatory, all Edmonton Heritage Festivals since 1985, the Scandinavian Showcase at Klondike Days in 2003, seniors' residences and at various Scandinavian groups' functions.

They have also taken part in the “Jaywalkers' Jamborees” in Camrose, and at other functions in Red Deer, Ponoka, Viking, Vermilion, Vasa Park and elsewhere in Alberta .

Adult folkdancing practices resume in January on Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 9:30 in the small gym at Parkview School.

The group has sponsored folkdance workshops for the instruction of dances from Norway and Finland, and attended others in Red Deer and Calgary to learn dances from Sweden and Denmark. A close liaison is kept with the Scandinavian dance groups in Red Deer and Calgary.

In recent years, the group has gathered in the small gymnasium of Parkview School in west Edmonton Thursday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., from mid-September until late April. Anyone interested in learning these dances and joining the group is encouraged to contact Heidi Anderson.

The Nordic Folkdance Society of Calgary also offers folkdance workshops and activities.
Please visit their website at http://nordicfolkdance.ca/ for more information.