The La Crosse Hmong Dancers started in 2000, led by Gina Ly Yang.  They promote and preserve Hmong cultural dance and enhance and enrich Hmong girls’ knowledge, interest and pride in their culture and heritage.  Come watch and learn a few basic moves during their performance Saturday, 12:00-12:45.

Sahara Desert Dancers --Directed by Barbara Albrechtson (Tzigane), this group was formed in 1992.  The group promotes Middle Eastern Dance (Belly Dance) as a form of art.  Belly Dance is a way of expressing yourself through music. The practice of Belly Dancing is shaped by each woman’s personality, her intuition and creativity. Barb can be reached at 608-785-1773 or tzigane2@hotmail.com.  Information about upcoming performances and classes can be seen at www.amandasacademy.com.  The dancers will perform and invite audience participation in basic movements, Saturday 12:45-1:45.

Stan Breitlow has been teaching Ballroom and Latin dance in La Crosse and Winona for 10 years. For the Great River Folk Festival he will be teaching Swing and Merengue to all interested comers on Saturday, 1:45 -2:45.

Sevwandi & Veranja Liyananarachchi will perform and include some history and audience participation in Indian Dance.  Some numbers will be more of the Bollywood style seen in Slum Dog Millionaire.  They will be accompanied by Greg Herriges -- catch them Saturday, 3:00-4:15.

Oktoberfest Polka with Robert & Silvana Richardson & The Oktoberfest Grenadiers

The Grenadiers escort the Oktoberfest Royal Family in parades and official appearances; they represent the spirit of Oktoberfest.  Robert and Silvana represent the polka-dancers in the corps. Experience a little gemütlichkeit on Saturday, 4:15-5:00.

Naga is a dynamic and improvisational music and dance ensemble that draws upon the influences of India, Pakistan, Rajasthan, Tunisia, Persia, Turkey, and the Middle East and American Belly Dance.  The ensemble is led by Violette Rose (dancer) with musicians Whitedeer, Judd Steinbeck and Bob Bezin. For lessons or performances contact Violette  at 608 782-3313.  Watch for them Sunday, 12:00-1:00.  

The Irish program at Amanda's Academy of Dance continues the legacy of honoring Irish heritage and tradition through the art of Irish dance.  They are committed to teaching boys and girls traditional yet innovative dance in a nurturing and productive environment. AAD also encourages the values of respect, self-discipline, self-confidence and teamwork. All interested individuals welcome; many levels of Irish dance offered for ages 8 through beginning adults. They will perform and then teach some simple steps on Sunday, 1:00-1:30  

ClogJam Cloggers features Appalachian-style clogging to live traditional music, also taking this folk dance into pop, country, and Irish music.  Together for over 5 years, this diverse group has performed at Riverfest, Irishfest, Catfish Days, Relay for Life, Steppin Out in Pink, Applefest, Logger Games, Mardi Gras, and Downtown Historic Days. Visit their website www.clogjam.com for free lessons, fall schedule of classes or to set up a performance. They'll be glad to teach you a few steps and have you join them in kicking up your heels on Sunday, 1:30-2:30. 

Aubrey Hollnagel/Hip Hop:  Aubrey Hollnagel will take you through the world of hip hop.  Is this the folk dance of the 21st century?  What is pop and lock? Krumping?  Break dancing? Slow? Street?  Join her for a view into the world of some of the steps that have been on the streets and in the studio under the classification of hip hop.  Don't miss it Sunday, 2:30-3:00.

Four Potatoes is dedicated to preserving and performing traditional music and dance by teaching it to young people. Founded & directed by Judson Steinback, its current members include Maia Noll (guitar, vocals, and folk percussion), Emilia Kenow (viola, mountain dulcimer, vocals), Colin Kenow (penny whistle, flute, vocals), Hannah Munger (step dance and vocals), Miriam Sellers (fiddle and vocals), and Jessica Rabbitt (guitar and vocals). All are Three Rivers Waldorf School graduates, however Four Potatoes is open to all interested students.  They will play for a family style dance Sunday 3:15-4:45.