Balfolk Dance in Minneapolis

Starting September 17 I 7-9 pm Dance

Every 3rd Thursday

Join Bob Walser and friends for an evening of French folk dancing with live music. Learn traditional dances from Brittany, the Auvergne, and beyond. No partner or experience needed, all dances are taught. Discover the joy of Balfolk through circle, line, and couple dances in a welcoming community.

Upcoming Dances

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Meet Bob Walser

Musician, scholar and educator Bob Walser’s musical career spans decades and continents. In the early 1980s he made his living as a shantyman (!) at Mystic Seaport, one of the largest maritime museums in the USA. Since then he has presented Folklore In Action folk music and dance programs as an artist-in-residence in schools across the USA, and performed as a singer, dance leader and dance musician from Maine to California and overseas.

As a scholar, Bob earned his Ph.D. in ethnomusicology at the University of London, School of Oriental and African Studies. His research in Folk Music and Music Education has been published in the Folk Song Journal (UK) and publications by World Music Press. Since 2002 he has worked with an international team of scholars on the James Madison Carpenter folksong collection in a project based at the Elphinstone Institute, University of Aberdeen, Scotland. In addition, he has three CDs on The Old and New Tradition label to his credit as well as guest appearances on another dozen recordings in the US, France and England.

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What folk dance fills 5 dance floors from 8:30pm until 3:00am for two weeks every summer at Le Grand Bal de l'Europe? Bal folk! Join Bob Walser and friends to celebrate dances from Brittany, the Auvergne and other regions of France - and beyond. No experience or partner needed for this enticing mix of circle, line and couple dances that range from hypnotic and groovy to exhilarating and even goofy. All dances will be taught and live music will invite you into the fun. Come groove with us!

  • Ordinary street clothes are fine

  • What should I expect?
    Glorious music will inspire you to move. Delightful dances that are easy to learn will connect you with friendly folks. But most of all, expect fun :-). 

  • If you have any accessibility needs you'd like addressed by Tapestry Folkdance Center, please let us know by emailing staff@tapestryfolkdance.org.