Workshops with Elena @ Balfolk Dansstage Enschede (NL)

The dansstage is a weekend filled with balfolk dancing in the Netherlands. There are workshops of every level, so anyone who likes to dance – from beginners to expert dancers – can enjoy this weekend.

Elena will teach the following workshops for advanced dancers (and one open level) :

Vrijdagavond 20:30-22:00
Maraîchine-variations – niv 3/4

First, we will practice Maraîchine with a change of dance partner. And then, we will keep our « same one » to propose an array of funny figures – some quite easy and some that demand a good level of guiding and following. Ideally, you already bring along a good grasp of collective dance dynamics and a maraîchine step.

Zaterdagochtend 10:00-13:00
Untangle all kinds of Bourrées – niv 3/4

This workshop is designed to help you clarify the concepts of Bourrée à 2 temps, Bourrée à 3 temps, Bourrée droite, Bourrée auvergnate, etc. – their common grounds, similarities and their (big) differences. What to dance when musicians make the mysterious announcement « Bourrée à 3 temps » ?!?
We will dive into the musicality, rhythm and style of these very diverse dances, and via listening exercises and lots of dance practice get a grasp for the « feel » of each of them.
The idea is that after this workshop you will know in your body when it is better to dance as a couple and when to place a choreography; when is the right time to dance a « bourrée à 6 » (if at all), « a bourrée en cercle », a « bourrée auvergnate », … and when not 🙂

As a follow-up, you may want to come to the workshop on only Bourrées droites or on Bourrée auvergnate choreographies.

Zaterdagmiddag 14:30-17:30
Bourrée droite – foundations – niv. 2b / 3

The bourrée is one of the most playful and varied dances, although it is not easy to understand at first. Different regions in France have their own variant, with its own character. In some regions, « bourrées à 2 temps » are predominant, while in others, « bourrée à 3 temps » are more common. (If you want to know more about the differences, welcome to the workshop dedicated to the subject).

In this workshop, we will thoroughly learn the basic step of the « bourrée à 2 temps », and also discover the musicality, dynamics and style of the region. We will look into posture to dance for a long time without getting tired.

Dancing in couples will allow us to emphasize communication between partners, specific figures and improvisation. Learn to be free in your dance and have fun, no matter who you dance with !

Then we will also have a glance at the choreography Brande d’Ardente for two couples, and its extension which is very popular in today’s ball.

Zaterdagavond 19:30-20:30
Mixers with a certain level – open level

Here we go again – let’s share some more fun mixers to get a break from the usual chappelloise or circassian circle ! They can be danced to the same music, so you can take them home to your dance circles.Note that these dances are a bit more difficult and you will need to bring a bit of experience, patience or quick-learning facilities.

Zondagochtend 10:30-12:30
Bourrée auvergnate choreographies – niv 4

Auvergne-style bourrées are characterized by fairly fast steps, a big variety of forms, and a great potential for improvisation and play. It is either danced in pairs or in groups of 3, 4 or 6 dancers.
After a short reminder of basics and style, we will discover – or re-dance – some of these choreographies with a specific attention to rhythm, placement in the space, and style. All of them can be danced at the ball on any straight Auvergne bourrée (we will also explain the attribute “straight” bourrée).

Elena will include one or two crouzades which are very typical Auvergne bourrées, are danced by four people and allowing quite some games between dancers.

Info & reservation : https://dansstage.nl/en/

Short history of workshops with Elena in Enschede

In 2017, we had a lot of fun in a workshop on, amongst others, Mixers:

In 2018, we ended with a not-too-serious workshop « From trad’ music to contemporary creation »

Here’s a medley of the fun things we did in 2020 (up to creating a full Tournijaire de Enschede)

And in 2023 we had so much fun doing Interior Dynamics, Breathing Circles, Irregular Rhythms all over, and other Bourrées, that nobody thought of filming 😉

On the programme in 2025, Elena was heart-broken to cancel for sickness… so she is very excited to be back in 2026 !