Balfolk is an umbrella term that brings together many dances from various countries and regions of Europe. First used as a term in the 70s, it has spread to many countries in Europe with the increasing interest in these dances and music. Balfolk includes dances from many different countries and regions, and naturally creates a platform for cultural interactions. The variety of dances, from simple to difficult, from couple to group, from slow to fast, allows everyone to find a place for themselves. Balfolk dances have been practised in Istanbul since September 2015. Various workshops, dance nights and festivals are held by the organisation of the Balfolkist group.

Dance is a reflection of the culture and the country and Balfolk mirrors these cultural differences between countries. One of these differences can be observed in Italy. Italy is one of the countries where Balfolk culture is most prevalent, and events are held in public squares and parks under the name Mazurka Klandestina. Klandestina means “meeting and gathering in secret” in Italian. The squares that do and should belong to the public are used by the people in the best possible way.

During the festival, we will perform Balfolk dances in the squares of different villages of Imvros and make our presence felt.

You will have the opportunity to learn group dances at the Balfolk Dance workshops.

The workshop will be held by
Esra Hızır and Simge Demiral.