Living Cultural Heritage
Folk Dance Culture
In contrast to standardized social dances of courtly and aristocratic origin, folk dances are considered an expression of rural and peasant culture. Written sources document folk dancing among the Sorbs and Wends from the first half of the 18th century.
In ritual or social form, accompanied by live music, they have been passed down through generations. Since then, folk dances have fulfilled important community-building functions in everyday life as well as in customs and festivals throughout the year. Since the end of the 19th century, they have been considered common property. However, popular folk dancing has increasingly declined.
So-called dance masters, as well as folk dance and traditional costume groups, began to preserve well-known folk dances from oblivion, consciously cultivate them, and pass them on.
Since the mid-20th century, a professionalized dance folklore has developed in parallel, adapting and choreographing folk dances for stage. In 21st century, inspired by the Hungarian dance house movement, free, social dancing under instruction, sometimes accompanied by live music, became established.
Folk dances remain an important part of various customs, especially the “Zapust” carnival parade organized by the youth in many places in Lower Lusatia. Folk dances can also be found today at festivals and celebrations, as well as on stages and festivals.
