Balfolk (from French: Bal Folk, meaning a folk ball) is a dance event for folk dance and folk music in a number of European countries, mainly in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Poland. It is also known as folk bal.

History

Dancing to folk music has been gaining popularity since the 1970s. The traditional dances come primarily from the French tradition, with additions from all parts of Europe. There are numerous organizations that organize such dance events monthly and at many folk festivals there are both concerts and dances. In France some villages have their own annual folk festival. In Flanders, Boombal is the biggest organization of bal folk. Because of their role in the popularization of balfolk in Ghent, Boombal's city of origin, the term Boombal is more known than the term balfolk among the general population. Under regular balfolk dancers the term balfolk is widely accepted and used. There are plenty of other organisations beside Boombal in Belgium organising balls including in Ghent. Although there are similarities, the dances of bal folk are not the same as dances danced by traditional folk dance groups.

Parts of a Balfolk

Common dances

The types of dance which are commonly included during such a session:

Sources