Workshops

Of course, we have plenty of options to dance in the evenings at CaDansa, but we also offer you some workshops on Friday and Saturday. There are workshops for musicians and for dancers. We’ve got many unique and different workshops to choose from. The workshops have different levels of experience, for those of you who are new to balfolk or for those who’ve been with us every edition of CaDansa. If you’re not sure about your level, take a look at the descriptions of the workshop levels.

The registrations for the workshops will open later, we’ll keep you posted.

Friday 16 October

Dance

Dutch dances
Teachers: Anita van Brunschot
11:00 to 13:00
Aula (RSG Tromp Meesters, Stationsstraat 40) (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: no
Level: for everyone
No registration needed

In this workshop, Anita will teach a number of Dutch dances.
These dances could potentially play a role in balfolk. You do not need any specific dance experience for this workshop.

Micromoves
Teachers: Jolanda en Janniek
11:00 to 13:00
Theatre (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: yes
Level: semi-advanced
No registration needed

Dancing is feeling, breathing, moving, with your whole body. Even the tiniest movements can bring a dance to life. But for that, you need to be able to listen. You’ll be amazed at the possibilities of moving within the dance. How long can you dance without taking a step? Where is the line between movement and dance? In this workshop we’re going to find out how many pieces of your body you can move separately and how we can add those to your dancing.

Branle béarnais
Teachers: Koen Dhondt
11:00 to 13:00
Open stage (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: no
Level: semi-advanced & advanced
No registration needed

Yes, indeed, that’s the chain dance that looks so easy, but when you join in, you realise it’s not quite so simple after all. Branle béarnais (also known as the branle de la Vallée d’Ossau) is a lovely challenge for (semi-)advanced dancers!
Koen will simultaneously teach the basic step and the variations, so that both beginners and people who already discovered the dance are constantly presented with challenges suited to their level. Alongside the explanation of the basic step, he will introduce rhythmic and other variations for experienced dancers, starting with easy ones and progressing to increasingly difficult ones: counter-rhythms in various combinations, padam, other movements, stylistic variations, …
About the branle béarnais (text: Corbefin Marsac)
The Branle Béarnais, which is related to the branles of the Renaissance, was danced in an open chain formation in the Ossau Valley (in the Béarn region of the Pyrenees) until the end of the 19th century. The cadence that sets the tempo of the dance allows the movement to develop into a suspended, almost floating effect.

Mazurka – finetuning
Teachers: Louise Marius
11:00 to 13:00
Ballet room (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: no
Level: intermediate
No registration needed

The mazurka, a wonderful dance once you’ve mastered it. And until then, for many people, it is occasionally a struggle. What are we actually doing? How do you dance together comfortably? How do you hear where the mazurka begins in the music? In this workshop, Louise will look at the basic structure with you, so that you won’t really have to think about it anymore. And after that, there will be increasingly more room for dance posture and connection, the music, and the space. Body awareness, connection, and comfort are keywords for me when it comes to dancing together comfortably.
Expected prior knowledge: Louise assumes that the basics of the mazurka are not entirely new to you, and even if you can already dance a fairly steady mazurka, there is plenty to fine-tune.

Obscure French Dances
Teachers: Saskia Sportel & Arthur Abeille
11:00 to 13:00
Gym hall (RSG Tromp Meesters, Stationsstraat 40) (not wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: no
Level: semi-advanced
No registration needed

What are those people doing over there in the corner? It looks like a game, it looks like a dance, it looks fun! And listen, this music sounds like it could have a special step to it! … Every village has their own version of certain dances, more and somewhat less traditional, some more or less crazy, but all very fun. Some of these have been almost forgotten, can only be danced to that one specific tune or you won’t see them unless you are in thàt area with thòse people. Until now…
We’d love to dance as many hilarious dances with you in the time space of the workshop. So we thought of something that could help with these obscure dances we have planned: You’re comfortable with the steps of bourree in 3 times/ auvergne bourree and with rondeau en chaine. P.S. bring a (water) bottle that can stand by itself.
Please note: in this location no outside shoes are allowed!

Maraîchine and lots of variations
Teachers: Elena Leibbrand
14:00 to 16:00
Gym hall (RSG Tromp Meesters, Stationsstraat 40) (not wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: no
Level: advanced
No registration needed

First, we will practice Maraîchine basics with a change of dance partner. And then, we will keep our “same one” to propose an array of funny figures – some quite easy and some that demand a good level of guiding and following.
Ideally, you already bring along a good grasp of collective dance dynamics and a maraîchine step.
Please note: in this location no outside shoes are allowed!

The dance only begins after the steps: Bourrée, central France
Teachers: Ineke Janssen Steenberg, Marion en Gertjan Jorissen
14:00 to 16:00
Aula (RSG Tromp Meesters, Stationsstraat 40) (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: yes
Level: advanced
No registration needed

We are delving into the Bourrée, the dance that defines the “Bal Populair” of the regions in central France. Dancing the Bourrée well in the authentic style is not easy. Applying the specific dynamics and rhythm of the music to the dance is more than just applying dance steps. You really have to want to learn to listen to the Bourrée in order to allow yourself, as a dancer, to be carried along by its cadence.
Last year we applied this to the Bourrée from the Berry. This year we are also going to the other Bourrées of central France: the Auvergne, the Limousin, the Morvan. Different styles, the same steps, but with a different energy and movement. But all with the soul of the Bourrée, expressed by the musician and transformed into the restrained movement of the dancers.
For few other dances is it true as much as for the Bourrée: the dance only begins after the steps!

Smooth turning in waltz
Teachers: Koen Dhondt
14:00 to 16:00
Open stage (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: no
Level: intermediate
No registration needed

We will mainly focus on the challenging constant turning movement that is characteristic of the waltz. Through various exercises, alone and with a partner, we work on smooth, relaxed progress on the dance floor. In addition, we will learn some waltz variations of varying degrees of difficulty, most of which can also be danced to polka music!

Solid and balanced dance frame in Scottish and Mazurka
Teachers: Rian de Jong
14:00 to 16:00
Theatre (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: no
Level: semi-advanced
No registration needed

A solid and equal dance framework in Scottish and Mazurka. Inspired by tango exercises focusing on posture, balance, intention, and rhythm.
In this tango-inspired workshop, we will work on a solid and equal dance framework within the Scottish and Mazurka. We will increase body awareness with exercises on posture, balance, and rhythm, and explore how you, as a dancer, maintain your own stability while remaining open to connection. Through playful rhythmic variations, clear consent exercises, and various dance postures, we will investigate how you can create a natural, comfortable, and equal dance together.

Music

Diatonic accordeon
Teachers: Filippo Gambetta
11:00 to 13:00
Classroom 5C (RSG Tromp Meesters, Stationsstraat 40) (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: yes
Level: advanced
Maximum participants: 12
Registration required

Filippo offers a workshop on music dedicated to balfolk and taken from his own repertoire. The material is for a two-row, eight-bass accordeon. Photocopies of the sheet music and tablature will be provided, but musicians with limited reading skills will be welcome, too. The book and album Otto Baffi by Filippo will be a guideline of the workshop.

Advanced hurdy-gurdy
Teachers: Stephan Groth (Zirp)
11:00 to 13:00
Classroom 5A (RSG Tromp Meesters, Stationsstraat 40) (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: yes
Level: advanced
Maximum participants: 12
Registration required

A living tradition is dynamic and constantly reinventing itself. With that in mind, Stephan likes to use this short workshop to discover newly composed pieces with you and use them to work on melody playing and trumpet techniques. Let’s go in search of the groove together and explore the possibilities of the hurdy-gurdy!
Prerequisites: Solid melody playing and secure use of trumpet in 4 positions. Knowledge of music notation is helpful but not required, as we will be learning the pieces by ear.

Introduction to bagpipes
Teachers: Menno Wester (Stichting Draailier & Doedelzak)
14:00 to 16:00
Classroom 5B (RSG Tromp Meesters, Stationsstraat 40) (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: yes
Level: beginners
Maximum participants: 8
Registration required

Have you always been curious about bagpipe playing and how these instruments work? Then join this introductionworkshop at CaDansa! Here we will try and play bagpipe. Together we will try to make a first melody… of course, thereby we won’t forget the most important part: try to enjoying making music.
For the record: We won’t be playing the Scottish or Irish pipes, but the gurdies and pipes which are traditionally played in France, Belgium or in the Netherlands. Maybe you know them from paintings of Jeroen Bosch or Pieter Breughel?

About the Dutch Hurdy-Gurdy & Bagpipes Foundation
The foundation focuses on monthly lessons and workshops for the hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, diatonic accordeon and ensemble playing for all instruments. Many of the tunes are rooted in balfolk dancing, so there is always a focus on balfolk music. They have rental instruments available, especially for beginners.

Introduction to hurdy-gurdy
Teachers: Deniece Laanen (Stichting Draailier & Doedelzak)
14:00 to 16:00
Classroom 5B (RSG Tromp Meesters, Stationsstraat 40) (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: yes
Level: beginners
Maximum participants: 8
Registration required

Have you always been curious about the hurdy-gurdy? Then join this introduction workshop at CaDansa! Here we will try and play the hurdy-gurdy. Together we will try to make a first melody and start learning to do a coup (no worries, we’re not planning to take over the government, but it will include dogs and after this introduction, you’ll get this joke).

About the Dutch Hurdy-Gurdy & Bagpipes Foundation
The foundation focuses on monthly lessons and workshops for the hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, diatonic accordeon and ensemble playing for all instruments. Many of the tunes are rooted in balfolk dancing, so there is always a focus on balfolk music. They have rental instruments available, especially for beginners.

Introduction to diatonic accordeon
Teachers: Wouter Kuyper
14:00 to 16:00
Classroom 5A (RSG Tromp Meesters, Stationsstraat 40) (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: yes
Level: beginners
Maximum participants: 10
Registration required

Have you always been curious about diatonic accordeon playing and how these instruments work? Then join this introductionworkshop at CaDansa! Here we will try and play diatonic accordeon. Together we will try to make a first melody… of course, thereby we won’t forget the most important part: try to enjoying making music.

Saturday 17 October

Dance

Rondeau en chaîne and variations
Teachers: Elena Leibbrand
11:00 to 13:00
Gym hall (RSG Tromp Meesters, Stationsstraat 40) (not wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: no
Level: advanced
No registration needed

First, we will brush up our style, musicality, steps, and precise movements, which will be useful for both rondeaux and other dances of Sud-Ouest like congos.
Then we will have a closer look at two steps of rondeau en couple, as collected in two different regions. And finally we’ll discover a number of “games” to play together, or “imposed” by the chain leader.
If time allows it, we will try Rondeau de Lamonjoie, a lovely dance for two couples with a fun mirror effect.
Please note: in this location no outside shoes are allowed!

Dance to the beat
Teachers: Jolanda en Janniek
11:00 to 13:00
Ballet Room (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: yes
Level: advanced
No registration needed

We all dance to the beat of the music. Right? Or is the beat just a figment of your imagination?
In this workshop we will experiment with what different people hear in the music, what that means for your dancing and most of all… What happens when you start playing with time? Dancing slightly ahead of the beat in the music feels completely different than dancing a little bit behind. It changes the energy, the amount of space for variations and it can even change the dance roles within the couple! Is the beat a social construct or the foundation of your dancing? Join us and find out!

Bourrée du Berry (2 et 3 temps) – Back to basics!
Teachers: Koen Dhondt
11:00 to 13:00
Open stage (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: no
Level: for everyone
No registration needed

Basic steps & style of the usual bourrée à 2 temps en ligne, both for beginners and for those who dare to bring their bourrée to the next level of mastery, connection, style and fun!
Different movements for A-part & B-part, leading and following without touching, playful improvisation, attention for some common errors & optimal use of available space.
In the end we’ll also discover bourrée à 3 temps du Berry, with similar variations!

Rhythmic Variations in Dance
Teachers: Saskia Sportel & Arthur Abeille
11:00 to 13:00
Aula (RSG Tromp Meesters, Stationsstraat 40) (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: no
Level: semi-advanced
No registration needed

Rhythmic variations in dance can be very fun and very useful. It’s a wonderful way to play and improvise in the dance with changes in the music. Also, you can use these variations as a tool to communicate or initiate something in the couple.
You should be at home with the basic steps of scottish, mazurka and rondeau en couple and you already experiment with variations and improvisation on those basics – either in leading or following.

To lift or not to lift: that is the question
Teachers: Sophie van Grinsven
11:00 to 13:00
Theatre (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: no
Level: intermediate
No registration needed

It looks so cool, a lift out of nowhere to spice up your Scottish or Mazurka, but how do you do it? And how do you do it safely? In this workshop we take a look at some dance lifts (going up) and dips (going down). How do you safely get your partner to temporarily float, and how do you control a solid touch down? Learn to do a dip without breaking your partners back (or your own!). You’ll be guided through each step consciously and with understanding of the technique behind every move. After this workshop you’ll be able to safely lift and dip another person, and know when it’s the right moment to do so. You’ll also be able to recognise when it’s unsafe and communicate your needs.
In this workshop you’ll both be lifted as well as lift other people. This workshop is not suitable for dancers who have any wrist, elbow or shoulder injuries.

Bourrée choreographies
Teachers: Elena Leibbrand
14:00 to 16:00
Gym hall (RSG Tromp Meesters, Stationsstraat 40) (not wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: no
Level: advanced
No registration needed

Bourrées are characterized by fairly fast steps, a big variety of forms, and a great potential for improvisation and play. It is either danced in pairs or choreographies.
After a short warmup, we will discover – or re-dance – some choreographies for 3, 4, 6 or more dancers with a specific attention to rhythm, placement in the space, and style. Some allow amusing games between dancers, and all of them can be danced at the ball on any bourrée droite.
For this workshop a good level of bourrée and space-management is expected.
Please note: in this location no outside shoes are allowed!

The dance only begins after the steps: Breton
Teachers: Ineke Janssen Steenberg, Marion en Gertjan Jorissen
14:00 to 16:00
Aula (RSG Tromp Meesters, Stationsstraat 40) (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: yes
Level: advanced
No registration needed

In this workshop, we will focus on the specific style of dancing in Brittany. Body posture; the interplay between steps, stance, dynamics, rhythm, and the interaction between dance and music. We will mentally transport ourselves to the “Fest Noz” in Brittany and explore the authentic style as danced there.
We will begin the workshop with the “Ronde St. Vincent”. A circle dance that, when danced well in harmony with the other dancers, makes the entire dance floor breathe to the movement of the dance. We will then apply this experience to several other Breton dances.
With this, we aim to deepen each participant’s own dance style, which can be applied to many of the dances in the Breton tradition.

5, 8 & 11 time waltzes + vatiations
Teachers: Koen Dhondt
14:00 to 16:00
Open stage (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: no
Level: semi-advanced & advanced
No registration needed

We’ll do listening exercises & musicality, 2 different basic steps, easy rhythmical variations, more difficult rhythmical variations, and some very difficult for advanced dancers.
It is necessary to be familiar with the concept of leading and/or following and to master the dance position. Experience with irregular waltzes is not necessary.

Feldenkrais
Teachers: Louise Marius
14:00 to 16:00
Ballet room (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: yes
Level: for everyone
Maximum participants: 20
No registration needed

Feldenkrais is a movement method in which you learn how to use your body. Louise guides you through small, exploratory movements and invites you to look for the movement that comes easiest. Where can you release tension to move more freely? How can you use the stability of your skeleton to be both clearer and more precise in your dancing at the same time? What are familiar movement patterns, and where are you unaware? For this, we use feedback from the floor and proprioception; this is the body’s ability to perceive the position of its own limbs in space, which ensures seamless and automatic coordination of all our movements. Louise hopes to help you land in your own body, so that dancing together becomes even easier afterwards.
Prior knowledge: You do not need to have any experience with dancing or Feldenkrais. For most of the class, you will lie on the floor and move on your own. If you can bring a yoga mat or a blanket, it is nice to be able to lie on that.

Music

Introduction to bagpipes
Teachers: Menno Wester (Stichting Draailier & Doedelzak)
11:00 to 13:00
Classroom 5B (RSG Tromp Meesters, Stationsstraat 40) (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: yes
Level: beginners
Maximum participants: 8
Registration required

Have you always been curious about bagpipe playing and how these instruments work? Then join this introductionworkshop at CaDansa! Here we will try and play bagpipe. Together we will try to make a first melody… of course, thereby we won’t forget the most important part: try to enjoying making music.
For the record: We won’t be playing the Scottish or Irish pipes, but the gurdies and pipes which are traditionally played in France, Belgium or in the Netherlands. Maybe you know them from paintings of Jeroen Bosch or Pieter Breughel?

About the Dutch Hurdy-Gurdy & Bagpipes Foundation
The foundation focuses on monthly lessons and workshops for the hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, diatonic accordeon and ensemble playing for all instruments. Many of the tunes are rooted in balfolk dancing, so there is always a focus on balfolk music. They have rental instruments available, especially for beginners.

It’s all in the rhythm
Teachers: Gertjan en Marion Jorissen
11:00 to 13:00
Classroom 5C (RSG Tromp Meesters, Stationsstraat 40) (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: yes
Level: intermediate
No registration needed

Dancing and music cannot exist without each other at a dance festival. The role of a music group on the dance floor is significant, that much is clear! Without music, no dance is possible.
In this workshop, we look at the origins of balfolk found in regional French traditional dance. We will focus on the ‘dance movement’ heard in the music. Why do a polka and a two-quarter bourrée look the same on paper in terms of time signatures, yet sound so different? The same applies to the three-quarter bourrée and the waltz, but also more subtly to a Scottish and an andro.
Accompanying dancers in their dance is more than just ensuring that the steps can be set in time. It is about supporting the dance movement, the feel, and the style of the dance. In this way, as a musician, you can provide the dancers with a framework within which they can follow the (dance) music in its subtle nuances. This is clearly visible on Cadansa. A band that effectively executes the dance movements of various dances gives the dancers the space to dance ‘well and beautifully,’ making the dance floor breathe.
In short: there is a difference between playing a time signature and playing a dance, dance type, or dance style.
This workshop is intended for musicians who are willing to step onto the dance floor themselves to experience dance movement from both sides (behind and in front).

Differences between dances
Teachers: Wouter Kuyper
11:00 to 13:00
Classroom 5A (RSG Tromp Meesters, Stationsstraat 40) (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: yes
Level: semi-advanced
Maximum participants: 12
Registration required

Sometimes I hear a bourrée announced, but my feet want to dance a polka. Why is that?
Or: I play a waltz, but everyone is dancing a mazurka; what am I doing wrong?
And what are the actual differences between a chapelloise and a cercle circassien?
If you ever ask yourself these kinds of questions, then this workshop is for you.
All instruments are welcome; basic knowledge of common balfolk dances and the ability to play a few is helpful.

Introduction to hurdy-gurdy
Teachers: Deniece Laanen (Stichting Draailier & Doedelzak)
14:00 to 16:00
Classroom 5B (RSG Tromp Meesters, Stationsstraat 40) (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: yes
Level: beginners
Maximum participants: 8
Registration required

Have you always been curious about the hurdy-gurdy? Then join this introduction workshop at CaDansa! Here we will try and play the hurdy-gurdy. Together we will try to make a first melody and start learning to do a coup (no worries, we’re not planning to take over the government, but it will include dogs and after this introduction, you’ll get this joke).

About the Dutch Hurdy-Gurdy & Bagpipes Foundation
The foundation focuses on monthly lessons and workshops for the hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes, diatonic accordeon and ensemble playing for all instruments. Many of the tunes are rooted in balfolk dancing, so there is always a focus on balfolk music. They have rental instruments available, especially for beginners.

Traditional Singing: Voice, Dance, and Polyphony
Teachers: La Soubirane
14:00 to 16:00
Theatre (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: yes
Level: for everyone
No registration needed

This workshop offers an in-depth introduction to traditional song repertoire, based on field recordings and oral tradition. We will focus particularly on dance songs, in which the voice is closely connected to the movement and energy of the dance.
Through learning melodies and group exercises, we pay special attention to the rhythmic patterns that structure the dances. These body patterns, rooted in the dancer’s steps, find their natural extension in vocal support, breathing technique, accentuation, and phrasing.
The vocal exercises enable participants to understand how movement enriches the interpretation: feeling the pulse, supporting the momentum of the dance, and developing a vocal presence that suits traditional repertoire.
Polyphony also plays an important role. Starting with dance songs, we experiment with various forms of polyphonic weaving that enrich the singing, while retaining its primary function: accompanying the dance.
This workshop is for anyone curious about the connection between voice, dance, and folk traditions, or who wishes to deepen their understanding of this. Prior knowledge of reading sheet music is not required. Learning takes place through oral transmission.
Focus points:
– Repertoire based on field recordings and oral tradition.
– Dance songs and insight into choreographic forms.
– The relationship between dance and vocal support.
– Breathing, phrasing, and the energy of movement.
– Developing polyphonic structures adapted to dance songs.
– Group exercises and the shared joy of singing.

Introduction to diatonic accordeon
Teachers: Wouter Kuyper
14:00 to 16:00
Classroom 5A (RSG Tromp Meesters, Stationsstraat 40) (wheelchair accessible)
Workshop wheelchair accessible: yes
Level: beginners
Maximum participants: 10
Registration required

Have you always been curious about diatonic accordeon playing and how these instruments work? Then join this introductionworkshop at CaDansa! Here we will try and play diatonic accordeon. Together we will try to make a first melody… of course, thereby we won’t forget the most important part: try to enjoying making music.

This schedule is subject to change, depending on circumstances.

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