Bal Folk – Mitmachtanz

A variety of live bands—see our website

Everyone joins in the dancing! In pairs, in a circle, in lines, in groups of several people, or alone. Live music, fun, the joy of movement, and camaraderie in a special atmosphere. That doesn’t sound like a stuffy, rigid dance event—and it isn’t. It’s BAL FOLK!

In Germany, BAL FOLK is one of the forms of participatory dance evenings that are becoming increasingly popular here. At BAL FOLK, dances from the regions of France are typically performed to live music, with the specific mix of dances depending on what the band is playing. It’s not about perfection, but about the joy of dancing—the dance of the day is practiced with everyone at the beginning. Dancing offers a great balance to the daily routine of school, college, or work.

The dances are suitable for everyone, whether you have dance experience or not, and there’s absolutely no competitive pressure or pressure to perform, unlike what we’re used to in sports, for example. During the dances, partners are swapped playfully throughout the evening, so no one needs a set dance partner. 
People of different ages and from diverse social, geographic, and cultural backgrounds come together in a relaxed atmosphere to dance—with no dress code whatsoever. Everyone is invited to join in!

Instruction: For some dances, there will be a tutorial between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. No prior experience is required. 

Potluck buffet—everyone is warmly invited to bring some simple finger food to share. As at every event, drinks will be sold by the Lutherkirche team. 

A project by Südstadtleben e. V. in collaboration with BalFolk Köln