Dunedin

Dancing Together

After the winter break, regular dance classes resume in September.
Balfolk is a contemporary European way of social dancing: rooted in traditional forms but danced with a modern sensibility. It is neither school folk dancing nor a caller-led barn dance. The emphasis is on music, connection, rhythm, and the pleasure of dancing well with others.
The repertoire includes couple dances, turning waltzes, gentle mazurkas, lively shottishes and bourrées, as well as circles, chains, and other French regional group dances. Some dances can be enjoyed straightaway; others become richer through returning regularly, listening to the music, and developing confidence.
These dances come from long European traditions, but they are living forms: carried forward through contemporary music, new creations, and the energy of the people dancing them together.


Balfolk et Contredanses
A daytime class centred on English Country Dance and European contredanses, with a few well-chosen dances from the Balfolk repertoire.
The focus is on group and formation dances: circles, chains, sets, and other shared figures.
The class has an established, lively core of younger dancers and a repertoire developed over previous terms.
It is particularly suited to those who enjoy learning in a group, moving at a reasonably steady pace, and attending regularly enough to become familiar with the dances.

All are welcome. (Because the class continues with material developed in earlier terms, if you are new, please make contact before attending for the first time, so that the best way of joining can be arranged.)


Foundation session
A small foundation session may be offered before the Tuesday morning class for people who are new to this repertoire, returning after a break, or who would welcome additional time with basic steps, formations, rhythm, and dance vocabulary.
Pleae note that this class is only available by prior arrangement only
The session is intended to give participants the grounding needed to join the 10.30 am class with confidence.
It will run subject to sufficient interest and with limited numbers, so please make contact in advance to register interest.

Balfolk

A lively evening of music, movement, and connection through the rich world of Balfolk partner and group dances.
The repertoire includes various partner dances, bourrées, waltzes, shottishes, Breton circles and chains, and regional formation dances that bring the whole room together.
The evening begins with structured tuition, followed by a relaxed practice microbal: time to dance material learned during the sessions, revisit familiar dances, and gradually become more at ease with the repertoire.
Support is available when needed, while the second half is principally for enjoying the dances together in a convivial atmosphere.
Cake is included :)

Coming soon: dancing together across generations

A new pilot class is currently being developed for children (7yo+) / teenagers / young adults together with their preferred grown-up: parent, grandparent, family member, or another important adult.
The class will explore the pleasure of dancing together across generations: learning simple forms, developing connection and confidence, and sharing dance with a wider public.
It will be a space to discover what these dances can offer when younger and older people learn, move, and enjoy music and dance together.
Final day, time, and venue to be confirmed shortly. Expressions of interest are welcome, please email balfolkdunedin@gmail.com

2026 Minibals

A wonderful chance for you to come experience Balfolk Dance in a group!
Everyone is welcome, and attendance is free :)

Details

Location: Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, 31 Queens Garden.
Time: 2pm Sharp on the last Sunday of each month.

• Sunday 27th September
• Sunday 25th October
• Sunday 29th November

If you have any questions, feel free to email our team at Balfolk Dunedin!