Training: Folk dance movements often come quite naturally to the human body, and most cultures around the world have their own folk dance traditions. Anyone willing and able can quickly join in and dance along with friends. Modern dance, however, evolved from classical dance and ballet and its movements are based on a deliberate rejection of the strict rules and techniques that govern classical ballet.
Technique: Folk dance, while simple, is often highly stylized. Each tradition or culture has its own rules and techniques that determine how certain steps and gestures should be carried out. Modern dance classes focus more heavily on technique as it aims to create a more polished and refined look in movement.
Expression: While folk dance is deeply rooted in the folklore of traditions and cultures, it remains true that there is often less room for individual expression in its movements. The dance steps and gestures are fixed, and the dancers have slightly limited opportunities for improvisation. Modern dance, on the other hand, is about individual expression. Dancers use movement and gesture to communicate stories about their culture or individual experiences.
Music: Folk dance tends to use musical instruments that are typical of the culture in question, like violins in Irish folk dancing or djembe drums in African folk dance. Modern dance music can be anything, from classical to electronic music. Dancers can interpret musical pieces in any way they choose.
Audience appeal: Folk dance is often performed for audiences as well as for the enjoyment of the dancers themselves. Some of the most popular folk dance performances include Irish step dancing, flamenco, and salsa. Modern dance is also performed for audiences, but it is also often used as a form of self-expression and artistic communication.