This is a chance to learn some of the balfolk dances for the next dance and, in fact, are often danced at Balfolk Oxford’s events. Balfolk is all sorts of modern and traditional dances to the magical folk music of continental Europe – it’s big in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy and Portugal, and we’re really excited to have a growing Balfolk scene here in Oxford too.

Robin Gallardo-Parsons and Jack Evans will teach the dances. Non-gendered terms will be used.

Balfolk is folky and graceful and there’s loads of variety. Super soulful mazurkas are danced in couples and can be lovely and melty and slow; the waltz and schottische might be brighter and more lively; the bourrées are danced opposite your partner; and the chappelloise brings the whole room together. The steps are happily simple, meaning there’re lots of chances to riff off the basics and be as expressive as you feel. Often a balfolk event might begin or end with a hanter dro, where all the dancers link arms and move very softly – it’s meditative and almost trance-like