Dance Revolution
Year-long project will demonstrate the power of community dance for “By the People: Conversations Beyond 250”
The Virginia Folklife Program works to document, sustain, present, and support cultural traditions across the Commonwealth.
Folklife is the “art of everyday life,” the rituals, recipes, music and craft that make us who we are. Browse our map to discover local traditions near you.
News and Events
EventSwing Your Partner! The History of Square Dancing in Virginia
Join Encyclopedia Virginia managing editor Patti Miller, traditional dance historian Phil Jamison, and McEver Dugan of RVA Square Dance to learn how square dancing came to Virginia, why the Virginia …
NewsAnnouncing the 2026 Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Awards
The Virginia Folklife Program of Virginia Humanities has awarded seven teams of artists Folklife Apprenticeships for 2026–2027.
Sights & SoundsJosh Manning & Aslan “Ozzy” Freidline
Josh Manning is apprenticing Aslan “Ozzy” Freidline in how to source, harvest, process, and fire wild clay similar to that used by the first colonial potters.
Sights & SoundsThe Harmonious Lives of Brian Grim and Debbie Grim Yates
Music runs deep in the Grim family. Fiddler Brian Grim and banjoist Debbie Grim Yates, founding members of the influential old-time band The Konnarock Critters, learned from family and local music legends before passing those traditions on to the next generation.
News“Dance Revolution” Demonstrates the Power of Community Dance
Virginia Humanities, Virginia’s state humanities council, is partnering with five community dance groups for “Dance Revolution,” a year-long program resulting in a video podcast mini-series and culminating at the 2026 Richmond Folk Festival. By …
