Part of Oxford Folk Festival 2026

Doors open at 3:00pm, workshop 3:15 - 4:15.

This is a chance to learn some of the balfolk dances for the next dance and, in fact, are often danced at Balfolk Oxford’s events. Balfolk is all sorts of modern and traditional dances to the magical folk music of continental Europe – it’s big in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Italy and Portugal, and we’re really excited to have a growing Balfolk scene here in Oxford too.

Dancers from Balfolk Oxford will lead this session.  Non-gendered terms will be used.

Balfolk is folky and graceful and there’s loads of variety. Super soulful mazurkas are danced in couples and can be lovely and melty and slow; the waltz and schottische might be brighter and more lively; the bourrées are danced opposite your partner; and the chappelloise brings the whole room together. The steps are happily simple, meaning there’re lots of chances to riff off the basics and be as expressive as you feel. Often a balfolk event might begin or end with a hanter dro, where all the dancers link arms and move very softly – it’s meditative and almost trance-like.

Balfolk Oxford hold regular events at the Isis River Farmhouse near Iffley Lock. Find out more here: https://balfolkoxford.mmm.page/

This workshop is free, but we welcome donations when you book or at the event towards the costs of hiring the venue.

This workshop links with our next event: Balfolk dance with Bailey & Keely, 16:30 - 18:30
Tickets for this event are available from https://app.tickettailor.com/events/oxfolkceilidhs/1982167

How to Get There

Full address:  St Columba's Church, Alfred St, Oxford, OX1 4EH

Travel options:

This venue is on the edge of Oxford city centre.

By bus: Most of the major bus routes stop within 10 mins walk. The 300 Redbridge / Pear Tree Park & Ride bus stops on St Aldates about 2 mins walk away.

By train: Oxford station is 0.8 miles away.

By car: We recommend using the Park & Ride car parks, if possible.  The 300 bus for Redbridge and Pear Tree Park & Ride stops on St Aldates about 2 mins walk away.. The nearest car parks are at the Westgate shopping centre or next to the Icerink, both from Oxpens Road.  Detailed information on parking options is available from https://www.oxford.gov.uk/parking-oxford

Access Information

• A detailed access statement for St Columba's is availble here https://www.saintcolumbas.org/about-us/disabledaccess

• If you have a disability and need a personal assistant so that you can enjoy our events, we're happy to provide you with an extra ticket for them, free of charge. You can book a carer’s ticket when you book your own.

• There is level access into St Columba's Church, with a dropped kerb, from Alfred Street. An accessible toilet is available.

• Lighting is a combination of natural light and the standard lights in church. We do not use flashing lights.

• There is a quieter area in the lobby, which is next to but separate from the room used for dancing.

• If you have any questions or requests please contact us on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.