Over the centuries, Terschelling sailors came into contact with the local dance and music culture in foreign harbor bars. They brought that home. Because they did not remember everything, an island repertoire developed from the preserved fragments, performed in a style all of their own. A style characterized by spontaneity and a unique rhythm, very different from the old dances on the mainland. Terschellings like to stamp and a brisk pace, although the player is of course the determining factor in the latter. The repertoire includes 32 dances, including very old ones. Five of these dances were performed on West alone. The oldest is undoubtedly 'het Wilhelmus', this is a real Terschelling dance, dating from the 17th century. The traditional dances were passed on without the intervention of dance teachers. There was no question of uniformity, nor of precision. This sometimes gives a somewhat messy impression, but spontaneity, fluency and fleur make up for a lot. Just after the Second World War, modern dances began to supplant the traditional ones. Yet people on the island continued to long for the old dances with the pleasant harmonica music. When a few people from Hoorn took the initiative in 1947 to set up an association, the interest turned out to be so great that the Midsland department was formed within a month. It all didn't fit in one room anymore. Three years later, the West division was added. The first two departments are still active and give joint demonstrations in traditional costume during the summer season. The performances give visitors an idea of the dance culture, the traditional costumes and some customs of Terschelling. Demonstrations Terschellinger Folk Dancing From 12 July to 23 August every Tuesday, at the riding school of the Terschellinger Ruiters, on the Duinweg in Formerum Noord. Start: 8 p.m. Entrance: adults €4.00 child up to 12 yrs. €2.00. To be paid on arrival, can also be paid with your mobile using a QR code.