About Illowa Traditional Folk Dance
For multiple decades, Illowa Folk Dance has brought the experience of an old time barn dance to the greater Quad Cities (Illinois and Iowa). Missing the enjoyment of the dances in Michigan and New Jersey, where they had been active participants. For the past 15 years the dances have taken place at Singing Bird Center in Black Hawk State Historic Site, Rock Island, IL.
We do American Social Folk dancing mixed thoroughly with its Celtic-British roots – contras and squares and circle dances in the tradition of a community dance in a barn, grange hall, social hall or someone’s home where all gathered for good music, to dance and to enjoy each other’s company.
All who come to any dance are part of the group. There is no formal organization. Some participate in every dance over many years, some come once, most come back. We maintain a mailing list and e-mail list to share the information. Various people pitch in to help by inviting others to come, by welcoming new dancers, by bringing refreshments, Though Drew Nagle calls mosts of the dances, others are welcome to call when they choose.
No partners necessary (the dances are usually danced in couples, but we change partners frequently); children welcome with adult participation; come once, come often.
Live music is provided by various local musicians and bands performing on a variety of instruments including but not limited to; fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass, pennywhistle, bodhran, and banjo.
Free will donations are accepted to cover costs for musicians/bands, hall and publicity.