Workshop
Come along and learn the basics of balfolk dancing! This is a style of social dance popular across Continental Europe, incorporating traditional dances from France and Belgium and some more recent dances. Dances are sometimes in long lines or circles, sometimes in small groups and sometimes in couples.
During a dance event (“Bal” on the continent) the dance would be led by the musicians rather than a dance caller, so this workshop will help you recognise the most common dances and learn enough steps to join in and enjoy yourself! We will focus on the basic versions of each dance so beginners can join in, but there is scope for lots of variation if you want.
We will cover some easy group dances from Brittany, various types of bourree from central France, and learn some of the great European couple dances like scottische, waltz and mazurka.
No need to bring a partner - some dances are for couples, but some for longer lines or circles around the room, and most people will dance with different people during the event. Flat and smooth shoes will make some of the dances easier.
Bal
Confluence will play a selection of traditional tunes and their own compositions for BalFolk dancing - a mix of dances popular around continental Europe, some in big circles or lines, some in couples and some individual.
The dances are easy to pick up but are not “called” like a ceilidh - if you want to learn some of the dances in a more relaxed environment, come to the workshop beforehand!
Confluence are an instrumental meeting of ‘cello and accordion based in the New Forest. They join traditional music from the UK with beautiful dance tunes from France, Belgium and the Nordic countries, as well as self-penned tunes inspired by those traditions. They love improvising around tunes and finding new ways to interpret them, whether for dancing or for listening.
Gill and Alasdair founded the Eurobal Wessex dance club in the New Forest and Dorset to enable groups to play for French/balfolk dancing, and play frequently at other similar clubs in London, Brighton, Oxford, Reading, Exeter and Bristol. They have played regularly at Chippenham festival and also at Bridport, Swanage, Priddy and Sidmouth, as well as folk clubs around the south coast.
Gill is a folk 'cellist with her roots in classical music. As well as being half of Confluence folk duo, she also plays with Jigfoot ceilidh band, and with Paul Hutchinson in 'The Maniacs'. Her rhythmic and inventive 'cello playing brings mellow harmonic lines to the Confluence sound. Gill has performed with Dave Townsend, the Mellstock band, Peeping Tom big band, Sarah Matthews and Goran Premberg, amongst others, sharing music from England, France, the Nordic countries and beyond. Her 'cello can be heard on a variety of albums including Geoff Lakeman and Bob and Gill Berry.
Alasdair has roots in classical piano but mostly plays accordion these days, after discovering folk music via Late Junction on the radio! As well as playing for French/Euro dancing as half of Confluence, he also features in the Southampton-based jazz swing quintet Bad Cat, and is often to be found at various Euro dance events or sessions around the south coast.
Event: Saturday 28 September,
Bar/Cafe Opens: 12 noon
Workshop: 1-2pm
Dance: 2-15 - 4.45pm
Coffee & Cake Break: 3.15 - 3.45pm (additional cost)
Dance: 3.45pm - 4.45pm
Out of Theatre: 5pm
Tickets: Dance Only £8
Workshop & Dance £12
*If you would like to take part in the Dance Session only click this link..
https://www.forest-arts.co.uk/event/confluence-euro-dance-dance-only
