What is Balfolk?
We have some great news! At Pixie Spirit Fest, we will have a special Balfolk Stage!
But what exactly is Balfolk? This is a question we still hear quite regularly. That is why the Pixie team has delved into the history books especially for you.
What does Balfolk mean?
Let's first break down the word 'balfolk' into 'bal' and 'folk'.
A 'bal' is a formal dance party, and the word derives from the Latin 'ballare', which means to dance. (You probably know the word from the fairy tale in which Cinderella rushes home after the prince's ball, leaving behind her glass slipper.)
And the word 'folk' in this case refers to folk music.
So, when you put the two words back together, you essentially get: 'a dance party with folk music': Balfolk. (Or 'folk ball' in Dutch.)
French Dances:
At a Balfolk event, people often dance together in groups to live music. These group dances are based on traditional dances that originally stem from the French tradition, but they also incorporate many influences and additions from different parts of Europe. Some of the dances performed today date back to the Renaissance. This was the period that followed the Late Middle Ages, approximately during the 15th and 16th centuries.
The dances have their roots in the historical popular and regional cultures of France.
In the 1990s, Belgium in particular experienced a folk revival, and traditional folk music, often played on instruments such as the diatonic accordion, bagpipes and hurdy-gurdy, gradually began to attract attention again.
French Balfolk, incidentally, never disappeared completely. In France, it is still alive at events such as weddings and village festivals. Around 2000, however, it gradually regained popularity and developed, incorporating influences from across Europe, into the Balfolk we know today at fantasy and medieval festivals, for example. And soon, at Pixie Spirit Fest too!
Enjoyment and togetherness: Of course, dancing is an important part of Balfolk, but knowing the dance steps is less important than you might think. What really matters is having fun together. And the fantastic live music is, of course, a bonus.
Balfolk Workshop:
Are you excited and would you like to dance at Pixie Spirit Fest too? Then we have good news! On both days, we will organise a Balfolk workshop where the dance steps will be explained.
The great thing is that everyone can join in, and it is absolutely no problem if you come alone. In Balfolk, you do not need a regular dance partner, and there is always someone who would like to dance with you.
Which Balfolk bands are coming to Pixie Spirit Fest?
We are very proud to welcome no fewer than three different Balfolk bands to the first edition of Pixie Spirit Fest.
Curious about who will be performing? Here they are:
BmB:
The Dutch powerfolk band BmB consists of Luc Plompen (vocals and guitar), Wouter Kuyper (bagpipes, flutes and chalumeau) and Niek van Uden-Luteijn (accordion). On Saturday, 17 April 2027, the gentlemen will come and play their lively folk music at our Pixie Spirit Fest.
Curious about their music? Take a look here for a preview
Bert leemans Solo:
Belgian musician Bert Leemans has been playing the chromatic accordion since the age of seven and has expanded his repertoire by playing the hybrid bandoneon and the accordina.
Bert regularly performs with Balfolk groups such as Embrio, Tripl-X, b-boa and Embrun, but he also enjoys entertaining audiences on his own with a varied selection of calm and lively songs. At Pixie Spirit Fest, he will perform solo on both days.
Swinco:
The Brabant-based duo Swinco consists of Gregor Swinkels on guitar and David Cornelissen on mandolin and flutes. The two musicians share a strong love of Breton dance music, and this influence can clearly be heard in the beautiful and cheerful songs they will perform at our event on Sunday, 18 April.
In short, there will be dancing, laughter and singing.
We are already looking forward to it and hope you can hardly wait to come and dance at our wonderful event too!
Will we see you there?
