Folk dancers to celebrate Old Country heritage

“Israeli dancing is light and aerobic ... Scottish dancing is upbeat and light it's done in lines rather than circles.”

Rapp said her favorite kind of dancing is English country dancing, like the dances one would see in a film adaptation of a Jane Austen novel.

“In America sometimes we can come culturally myopic. We kind of lose touch with the rest of the world,” Rapp said.

Folk dancing is a way to find connection to people of all different backgrounds.

Many of the Old Country Weekend attendees are people who enjoy folk dancing Monday evenings at the Fellowship Hall of the First Unitarian Church, 600 NW 13.

The Monday dance events begin at 7 p.m. with beginner dances being taught.

Most people who attend do not come in couples, Rapp said, so the dances are a good way to meet new people and learn to dance, even if you don't have a regular partner.

The dancing continues until 10 p.m.

For new visitors, there is no charge; donations are requested thereafter.