About Us

The Norwegian Folkdance Society of New York (Det Norske Folkedanslaget) is a non-profit organization incoporated in 1938 with the intent to both preserve and to sustain interest in the traditional Norwegian folkdances for those in the New York City area. Its founders, who were Norwegian immigrants, were very proud of their Norwegian heritage as well as their traditional folkdances, and wished to continue practicing and performing their dances when coming to New York.

Folkdancing is an valuable part of Norwegian heritage, and it has been, for over 70 years, the Norwegian Folkdance Society of New York believes it is important to continue this valuable and rich dance tradition.

The group has a rich performance history. They performed for President Franklin Roosevelt in 1939 in Hyde Park, television performances in 1947, 1951 and 1953, at Carnegie Hall for the Norwegian King and Queen's visit to the United States for 150th anniversary of Norwegian immigration and in Bergen, Norway, for Nordleik, a large folkdance festival, which was the first time the group performed in Norway.

The Norwegian Folkdance Society of New York have consistently taken a part in the Syttende Mai parades each year in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. When marching, the group has worn colorful regional Norwegian costumes (or bunads.)