Folk it Up! đ

Folk it Up! International Folk Dances for All is a series of fun and welcoming Balfolk-inspired events where both dance enthusiasts and complete beginners can move, play, and express themselves freely. Thereâs no pressure to get it ârightâ â in fact, we believe the magic and fun happen when youâre willing to mess it up a little! Come with curiosity and leave your self-doubt at the door.
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Whatâs Balfolk, Anyway?
 If youâve heard of Balfolk before, you probably already have the dancing bug â and we canât wait to see you at our events!
If you havenât, this is the perfect chance to catch it. Even if youâve never danced before, donât worry â we firmly believe that if you dance alone in your room, youâre a dancer. If you dance at a club, youâre a dancer. If you ever move your body to music â you are, indeed, a dancer. And this project has been created for you! đ«”
Balfolk is a style of social folk dancing rooted in various European traditions. These dances are inclusive, community-driven, and often organized by passionate amateurs rather than professionals. They emphasize connection, celebration, and togetherness.
At Folk it Up!, weâll learn simple group dances and partner dances inspired by these traditions. You donât need any experience â and if you come solo, weâll make sure everyone who wants to can dance with a partner.
We may also explore dance traditions from beyond Europe by inviting special guests to share dances from different cultural heritages.
All events will be held in English.
Welcome to the Party!
 This is a party â but itâs more than just a party.We dance with intention. We move to connect, to express, and to feel alive, counsciously exploring our embodied way of being ourselves, and of being with others, â without relying on alcohol or other intoxicating substances.
We celebrate our cultural backgrounds, keep traditions alive, and honor the diversity of our international community.
But we also donât take ourselves too seriously â weâre here to have fun!
 What Happens at Each Event?
 Every session includes:
Friendly introductions and ice-breaker activities
A short explanation of our Safer Space Principles â to ensure a welcoming environment free from discrimination based on gender, age, race, (dis)ability, sexuality, class, ethnicity, education, or religion.
Easy-to-follow folk dance workshops (including low-impact and accessible options).
A feedback circle to share your thoughts and ideas.
Time to relax, chat, and enjoy free vegan snacks and refreshments.
 How Can You Contribute?
Just be yourself! Your presence will make every event unique.
Share your ideas and wishes!
Would you like to see a specific dance style? Do you know a traditional dance from your region (in or outside Finland) and want to teach it?Do you play music or sing and would love others to dance to your rhythm?
Have a guest you'd love to invite?
Your input helps shape future sessions â this is a community-led project, and we welcome everybody contributions đ«¶
 Weâll have a team of volunteers and facilitators who are familiar with folk dances to various extents â but this is a bottom-up, collaborative project written and run by volunteers. Thereâs always space for you to join the crew.
Interested in helping behind the scenes, too?
If youâd like to become a long-term volunteer, email us at:đ§ volunteer@alli.fi
30/09 and beyond - Upcoming events:
September: 30th - more information and registration hereÂ
October: 7th and 21st
November: 4th and 25thÂ
December: 9thÂ
2026: To be announcedÂ
Keep an eye on our social media or website for updates on the location and possible changes in the program. Â