The National Folk Organization was formed in 1986 to preserve, promote and
provide opportunities in the folk arts. The NFO was founded by Vytautas F.
Beliajus, Mary Bee Jensen, George Frandsen, and L. DeWayne Young.
The NFO was organized to unite individuals and organizations that support
folk arts in the United States. Membership includes members of recreational
folk dance and music groups, performing ensembles, researchers, choreographers,
managers, teachers, foundations, institutions, camps, community ethnic festivals,
and international festivals that host folk ensembles from abroad.
The National Folk Organization holds annual national conferences to network
and promote activities of those involved in the folk arts of the USA. Workshops
are provided throughout the USA on a regular basis for teachers and dancers.
The organization newsletter, "NFO News," links the NFO membership as well
as associated organizations. The international folk festival organizations
of CIOFF (Conseil International des Organisations de Festivals de Folklore
et d'Arts Traditionnels) and the International Organization of Folk Art (IOV)
have strong affiliations with the National Folk Organization of the USA.
Past Presidents of NFO
Mary
Bee Jensen 1986
Alexander P Durtka 1987-88
George Frandsen 1989-90
Rolf Kaufman 1991-92
Virginia Topitzes 1993-94
Edwin G. Austin 1995-96
Elizabeth Hanley 1997-98
Charles West 1998-2000
Vonnie Brown 2000-2004
Greg Lund 2004-2007
