Step-by-step instructions and diagrams for 11 traditional folk dances of the southern Appalachian mountain region appropriate for beginners are provided. The dances are grouped into five broad categories: (1) openers, which use a leader to pick up participants as the dance progresses; (2) mixers (Oh, Susannah, Texas Schottische, Gary Gordon's Mixer, Circle Waltz Mixer, and Irish Washerwoman Mixer) in which partners are acquired through exchange or progression; (3) contra dances (Stoke Golding Country Dance, Virginia Reel, and Comical Fellow) performed by couples face to face, line facing line; (4) quadrilles (Ninepins Quadrille) or square dance coming from the highly polished dances of the 18th and 19th century French court; and (5) big set, an adaptation of English, Irish, and Scottish square dances which can include any number of couples divisible by four. A brief history of American folk dancing, a glossary of terms used in the instruction, suggestions for appropriate music and the role of the caller, a 5-item bibliography of folk dance instruction books, and a list of 11 record sources are included. (NEC)