Bal Folk is the name for a traditional French dance gathering, often with live music. The first time I met Joelle and Daniel was at a Bal Folk while I was still in Paris. My then host, Dale, was brave and came with me though I’m not sure if he realized that we’d be whisked into a dance within the first ten minutes of arriving.
Joelle and Daniel are great teachers and I’ve already learned many traditional dances done in sets, circles and as a couple. The dances come from all over France and tunes come from all over Europe.
My favorite so far is the Mazurka! It’s done with a partner to 3/4 time, but rather than dancing the waltz step (1,2,3) the pattern is: 1-2 lift, 1-2-3, 1-2 lift (which is now on the opposite foot from the last time you did a 1-2 lift), 1-2-3. It’s brain-stretcher that’s for sure. I’ll try to get you a video of it soon, but for now here is Lou Strings playing a Mazurka.
Typical instruments found playing traditional French music include the fiddle, hurdy gurdy, accordion, recorder and even fife and tabor. However, Joelle and Daniel’s group, Lou Strings, is made up of guitar, banjo-guitar, hurdy gurdy and a drummer. Joelle also adds her own flare by wearing Moroccan raddles on her ankles and tapping a tambourine with her foot while she plays. In the following clip they let me play too!
Traditional music and dance are a big part of Joelle and Daniel’s lives (making us a perfect match!). They are very disciplined about practicing regularly at home. They are the president and secretary of their dance association and can often be found playing, dancing or organizing dance gatherings for both adults and children.
To hear more by Lou Strings check out their myspace page.
More on Bal Folk coming soon…