Cultural dance groups from all over the world are traveling to Utah this summer to share their traditions and heritage through the art of folk dance. Explore the wonders of the world in a single day in a vibrant celebration of diversity, unity and fun. Enjoy unique performances, traditional costumes, live music, global food trucks, photo-ops, kids activities, giveaways, and much more.
For 38 years, the World Folkfest has been a shining example of the unifying power of music and dance. Cultures from all around the world come together on One Stage to create One World. Hundreds of dancers and musicians travel from more than 45 countries to share their art, inspiring thousands of spectators. The festival's outdoor amphitheater, once humble, now stands as a beacon of hope and celebration, showcasing the beauty and diversity of folk traditions.
The Springville World Folkfest was brought to life in 1986 through the shared vision and dedication of a group of individuals. Among them was Mary Bee Jensen, the founder of Brigham Young University's International Folk Dance Ensemble. Her passion for folk dance and music led her to organize her own festival at BYU in 1975. Her unwavering commitment to promoting the beauty and diversity of folk culture inspired the creation of the Springville World Folkfest, which continues to enchant audiences today.
During a meeting, George Frandsen, a young lawyer from Salt Lake City, shared his vision of introducing the beauty of foreign dances to his community. He was joined by Karl Allred, a skilled bluegrass fiddler, his wife Rama Allred, and Kristeen Harrington, who also shared his passion for dance. Together, they discussed how they could make this dream a reality and bring the graceful court dances of Poland, the ballet-like features of Japanese folk dancing, and the sway of the vast banners of Belgium to the families of Utah. With their collective enthusiasm and skills, they were determined to create a cultural experience accessible to everyone in the community.
The dream set in motion at that meeting became a reality with determination and hard work. Despite the challenges of housing, feeding, and transporting hundreds of dancers who sometimes couldn't communicate in English, the team persevered. Their dedication and resolve made it possible to turn their dream into a remarkable achievement.
The inaugural Folkfest was genuinely exceptional, featuring a fantastic lineup of 12 performances and four folk parades with the participation of 460 dancers from 13 different countries. It was a remarkable achievement for the festival, making history by becoming the most significant folk festival in the United States. The festival's success was evident as it attracted a staggering number of around 43,000 patrons. On one particular evening, the festival's founders were filled with pride as they witnessed a packed audience of more than 5,000 people, a testament to their hard work and determination. Overall, the event was a resounding success and set a high standard for future Folkfests.
The project proposal was met with great success after the festival's first year, garnering the support of Springville's City Council. The tireless dedication of numerous volunteers who selflessly contributed their time and effort made the project possible. The community of Springville also played a crucial role in the project's success by welcoming the dancers as host families. To prepare for the Folkfest, a stage was built over home plate in a baseball field situated northwest of Springville High School, which was a remarkable feat. The first-ever World Folkfest was then presented in August 1986, which was a significant achievement for everyone involved.
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