Dancers coming to Utah for World Folkfest, looking for host families

SPRINGVILLE, Utah — Dancers from all over the world are coming to Utah, returning for this year’s World Folkfest in Springville.

Dancers will arrive Sunday, July 24 and leave the following Sunday, July 31. 

With over 250 dancers set to come to the Beehive State, Folkfest needs to find a host home for more than 100 dancers.

Many of the events will happen at Arts Park in Springville.

Last year, the Folkfest did not happen because of COVID-19. 

This year, dancers from Estonia, Romania, Poland, Indonesia, France and Hawaii are all in need of a host family for the week.

Chris Nielsen, who will be opening his home to some of the dancers, said over the years, he’s made lasting friendships with the dancers his family has hosted. 

He said all you need to do to host is space for the dancers to stay, fix some meals, and a way to get the dancers to their practices and performances throughout the week.

“It’s just like basically going on vacation but staying right here at home. You get to show your culture with different countries, and it’s just such a beautiful experience,” Nielsen said.

Nielsen said even though the events happen in Utah County, in the past, people across the state have opened their homes and helped get dancers where they need to go. 

Nielsen said the more host homes that pitch in to help, the better in being able to financially continue the World Folkfest for years to come.