Keywords: Community, Festivals, Participatory dance

This chapter discusses the relationship between local dance groups at festivals and sustaining local dancing in the community. Festivals in south east Europe traditionally include food, drink, music and dancing, and in Timișoara this format is used for many events from the village Saint’s day to the large international folk dance festival. It is also typical to include a staged performance of local folk dances. A trend towards NGOs and “Arts” managed festivals is breaking away from this traditional festival concept so reducing the involvement of local folk ensembles in community events. I propose that presentation of local dances and folk dance festivals that involve the community play a role in supporting the local dancing practices beyond an artistic entertainment.