Folk dance in West Virginia comes from the traditions of early European and African settlers. Square dancing is the most well-known, rooted in a mix of European dance styles. Play-party dancing, a circle dance with singing instead of a caller, was once popular in areas where dancing was seen as sinful.

Other traditional dances like clogging, flatfooting, and buck dancing are still performed today at festivals and folk clubs. While clogging is often taught in groups, flatfooting is usually done solo.

Events like the West Virginia State Folk Festival and the Vandalia Gathering help preserve these dances. The 1960s folk revival also boosted interest, and some rural communities still host regular dances to keep the tradition alive.