Part of Oxford Folk Festival 2025

Organised in partnership with Balfolk Oxford

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

Balfolk Oxford hold regular events at the Isis River Farmhouse near Iffley Lock. Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1919479878132041

This workshop is free, but we welcome donations at the event towards the costs of hiring the venue.

This workshop links with our next event: Balfolk dance with Confluence, 16:30 - 18:30 https://app.tickettailor.com/events/oxfolkceilidhs/1597498

If you have any questions please contact us on info@oxfolk.org.uk

If you have a disability and need a personal assistant so that you can enjoy this event, we’re happy to provide you with an extra ticket for them, free of charge. For detailed access information, see below.

All under 16s must be accompanied by parent, guardian or an adult acting in loco parentis.

We accept online payments here with PayPal. Please contact us directly for other options. Contact us for details of group discounts.

Doors 4:15pm, dancing from 4:30-6:30pm.

There is a licensed bar with real ale, cider, wine and soft drinks.

Access Information
- If you have a disability and need a personal assistant so that you can enjoy our events, we're happy to provide you with an extra ticket for them, free of charge. You can book a carer’s ticket when you book your own.