Balfolk

Balfolk is a revival of traditional European folk dances and music, a vibrant fusion of centuries-old dance traditions and modern innovations; new ways of dancing old dances.
Repeating patterns encourage the participation in inclusive group dances, and basic structures become the basis for improvisation and individual creativity; an intriguing mix of tradition, freedom and innovation.
Balfolk includes partner and group dances, and places a strong emphasis on inclusivity and the dance experience itself. There is a profound intention for the dances to be accessible to as wide a range of people as possible.
Live music remains a centrepiece of Balfolk, with versatile musicians weaving together a range of traditional and contemporary instruments to form a unique soundscape that reflects the dance’s diverse influences and folk traditions.

Michael Parmenter and Kate Grace will lead two workshops at Lunasa, (Friday and Saturday), to introduce several of the dances, accompanied by Craig Denham on accordion. There will be opportunities to learn the basics of the dances, integrating the steps with the flow of the music, and to improve dance technique.

Michael and Kate will also lead a Bal (dance) at the main music stage on Sunday, accompanied by a live band led by Craig Denham along with several musicians playing at Lunasa; an invitation to put into practice what you have learnt in the workshops, and experience the dances flourish in the context of the festival dancefloor.

The Balfolk dances all have their own unique charm and rhythm; the elegance of valses, mazurkas, and bourrées intertwines with the calm or vibrant energy of ancient circles dances and the energetic foot stomping quality of some contredanses.
Balfolk events are typically very social, and you’ll have the opportunity to dance with various people.
One of the distinctive aspects of Balfolk is its fluidity in partner roles; Balfolk allows dancers to switch roles during the same dance or from one dance to another, offering individuals the freedom to explore their dance preferences irrespective of gender and within a supportive environment.

Everyone of all ages, experience and skill levels are welcome to come along!

You can find out more about Balfolk and various dances here (copy and paste the link into a new tab on your browser)

What is Balfolk?
youtube.com/watch?v=-HujHBRBbjU

Bourrée (introduction)
youtube.com/watch?v=dDAQ6OFr6Oc

Mazurka musicality – Balfolk tutorial with Michael Parmenter
youtube.com/watch?v=o81MWQgZ4rk

A Starter’s Guide to Balfolk: Do You Know Your Bourrée From Your An Dro? Part 1 & 2
folkinspiration.org/post/starters-guide-to-balfolk-part1
folkinspiration.org/post/a-starter-s-guide-to-balfolk-part-2