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In September, a new series of balfolk dance classes will begin in Utrecht on Monday evenings with Sara Guia de Abreu and Paulo Oliveira.
We will kick off the season with a trial class on September 7th, open to everyone. Whether you have never danced Balfolk before or are looking to sharpen your dancing abilities, there is a group for you.
The enrolment form for both the classes and the trial class can be found here.
Please note that, as our teachers are from Portugal, all classes will be taught in English
The beginner group
The beginners’ course focuses on the foundations of balfolk. We start from the very beginning, so no prior experience is required. Everyone is welcome!
During the course, you will learn some of the most common balfolk dances, including hanterdro, andro, scottish, mazurka, cercle circassien, chapelloise, and bourrée 2 temps. We will also work on fundamental skills such as spatial awareness on the dance floor and communication with your dance partner.
The Intermediate group
This course is intended for dancers who already know the basics and would like to further develop their dancing. We will explore the dances we already know in greater depth while expanding our repertoire with dances from different regions. In addition, we will work on dance technique, including posture, partner communication, rhythmic variations, use of space, and musicality.
Fees & Registration
You can register for the course series via this form.
€10 for the trial class
€180 early-bird rate when registering before June 30th
€200 for one series of classes
€350 for both series of classes (for example, taking one course primarily as a leader and the other primarily as a follower)
Not yet sure about participating? Join the trial class on September 7th.
You can register through the form or simply pay at the door. This is a great opportunity to experience the classes and see whether they are right for you.
If you decide to enroll in one or both course series afterward, the cost of the trial class will be deducted from the course fee.
Practical Information
Language: English!!
Class times:
Beginners 19:15 – 20:30
Intermediate 20:35 – 21:50
Course dates: The classes run from September 7th through December 14th.
— September —
September 7th (trial class)
September 14th
September 21st
September 28th
— October —
October 5th
October 12th
(No class on October 19th due to the herfstvakantie and the CaDansa Balfolk Festival)
October 26th
— November —
November 2nd
November 9th
November 16th
November 23rd
November 30th
— December —
December 7th
December 14th
Photo by Arne de Laat
About the teachers
Sara Guia de Abreu and Paulo Oliveira are experienced balfolk dance teachers originally from Lisbon, Portugal, and based in Amsterdam for the past decade. Sara’s dance journey spans African tribal dance, forró, salsa, belly dance, lindy hop, and more, though balfolk has been her main passion since 2004. Paulo began dancing at the age of seven in a regional folklore group and discovered balfolk in 2010, which quickly became his primary focus.
Together, they founded a balfolk association in Lisbon, organising dance and music classes, practice sessions, balls, concerts, jam sessions, lectures, and the Festival à 3Temps in 2016. Since 2012, Sara and Paulo have been teaching together across Europe, developing their own dance pedagogy through workshops and intensive courses.
Having trained with renowned teachers including Koen Dhondt, Mercedes Prieto, Alexandre Matias, Rafael Prieto, Catarina Ascensão, Anton Schneider, Christian Pacher, and Isabelle Guerbiny, they are especially known for their work with couple dances and their exploration of human interaction, connection, and dialogue through movement. Their approach is rooted in the evolution of tradition and its relationship with moving bodies.
Please note that, as our teachers are from Portugal, all classes will be taught in English
Location
The classes and also the trial class will take place at the Moira, a nice venue hall in the center of Utrecht. The address is Wolvenstraat 10 (at the end of Plompetorengracht). Take the blue door on the right and go down the stairs into the hall.
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