Workshop Balfolk - Sophie van Grinsven

As teachers for the workshop in Balfolk, we have Sophie van Grinsven!

About the workshop

Balfolk, maybe it sounds a bit dusty, but I promise it is one of the most fun and easy dancestyles! We dance in couples, rows and circles, we switch dance partner and sometimes even dance role! Balfolk consists of a collection Western European folkdances, which used to (and are still being) danced at village festivals and weddings. Because any one would join in these parties, the dances are very easy and accesible to anyone of any age or level. This dance style is, like salsa, a social dance style. In essence it's about being together and having fun.

In this workshops we'll learn (the basics) of a couple of very different dance in which we really get the feeling of dancing together, similar to how are balls are (our name for a dance evening). Everyone is welcome!

About the teacher

Sophie van Grinsven is a dance teacher, choreographer and dancer with expertise in classical ballet, modern and contemporary dance and dance improvisation. Telling a story with dance, translating the music to movement and taking the audience on a journey through emotion and expression are key elements for her and her work. Dance technique from ballet, modern dance and ballroom form a solid basis for her, and all these elements can be found in her teaching, classes and workshops. In her choreographies she combines elements of contemporary dance with world/folk/tribal dance, to create and tell an authentic story which people can easily relate to, regardless if they are dancers or not. Besides teaching and creating her own choreographies and productions, Sophie is also working as a dancer for several folk bands. This year she performed on stage at different festivals with The Trouble Notes, Project Baraguda, Cesair and Harmony Glen.