National Folk Organization (NFO)
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The National Folk Organization (NFO) advances and preserves folk arts representing both national and local ethnic customs as they exist throughout the United States. They also promote and encourage the exchange of folk dance and dance-related folklore in the United States and abroad.
The NFO has an annual conference that happens in various parts of the country. They provide an informative newsletter, a member list-serve, an in-depth website that has a calendar of events and links to resources, and they offer grant assistance.
The organization supports recreational dancers, dance leaders, teachers, callers, educators, mentors, and historians. They are involved in teacher training, for instance, through an NFO-sponsored "Pourparler" (pronounced poor-pahr-lay, from the French "to speak"). They also are involved in festivals, camps, and workshops.
I invite you to visit their website ( nfo-usa.org ) and select Membership then Membership Form to become a member. You can promote your events and share your expertise. And, while you're at it, refer a friend or colleague!
You may contact the NFO by visiting their website or by writing to:
National Folk Organization
15221 N. CR 400 East
Eaton, IN 47338-8892
There is an insurance questionnaire form on the NFO site ( nfo-usa.org/NFOInsuranceQ.htm ) at which the folks from many dance clubs and organizations should take a look. It offers one million dollars in coverage for around $50.00 (plus NFO membership, of course). Print the questionnaire, fill it out, and send it in! If you don't need insurance, fill it out, write "DON'T NEED INSURANCE" at the bottom and still send it in! Thanks!
Here are some photos from the 2007 NFO Conference. The first is of a Hoop Dancer taken at the banquet. The others were taken at the dance at Brigham Young University and are of the orchestra (Živili) that played mighty fine music, the BYU International Folk Dancers, and just a few of the people at the dance.
Hoop Dancer |
Živili |
Romanian |
Appalachian |
Appalachian |
Clogging |
Irish |
Czech |
Czech |
Dancers |
Dancers |