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 28 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.
Don’t forget to check if you need to register for the workshop(s) of your choice. For some of the workshops, there is a maximum of people who can join. Registration on the website has closed, you can check with the Info booth whether there might be a spot left.
The workshops are in different locations: the open stage, the theatre, the ballet room, the music room, and different rooms in the school building close to the festival: the aula, gym hall, and classroom 5a and 5c. The school building is located at Stationsstraat 40, about 600m from the festival.
Thursday 23 October
Dance
Introduction to balfolk part 1 (NL)
Teachers: Marco van Barneveld
18:30 to 19:30
Open Stage
Level: all
No registration needed
You want to dance balfolk but you don’t know how? No problem, because Marco van Barneveld is here to guide you with his introduction workshop to balfolk dancing. He will teach you the basic steps of different dances.
On Thursday he will teach you the Andro, Jig, Scottish and Bourree du Berry. Please note that this introduction will be taught in Dutch.
Friday 24 October
Dance
Dance to your limits
Teachers: Jolanda Snellenberg
11:30 to 13:30
Ballet Room
Level: intermediate
No registration needed
Everyone can dance, even if your body doesn’t always collaborate! How can one maintain awareness of the limitations of onesselves and their partner and still have a fun joint dancing experience? Perhaps you only know half a dance, or you don’t know certain variations or maybe your limit is at dancing with one finger. How do you find your way of dancing and how do you communicate that to your partner? This workshop is for non-disabled people and people whose body sometimes struggles with dancing.
Festival skills
Teachers: Koen Dhondt
11:30 to 13:30
Open Stage
Level: all
No registration needed
How do you avoid spirals in jigs and magical cercles? Waltz collisions? Dance floor chaos?!
Have you ever asked yourself these questions? Then this workshop is just what you need! Koen Dhondt has given this topic a lot of thought and is coming to CaDansa with fresh insights into floorcraft and dance floor awareness to share with you all.
How do you move smoothly across a crowded dance floor without getting in the way? How do you prevent jigs from turning into whirlpools or waltzes from clogging up in front of the stage? If you think there’s nothing left for you to learn about this, then that’s a perfect reason to join this workshop!
A dance playground for free improvisation in couple dances
Teachers: Natalia Klamann
11:30 to 13:30
Theatre
Level: all
No registration needed
Ready to turn your dance world upside down? In A dance playground for free improvisation in couple dances,Natalia Klamann will dive into somatic movement, contact improvisation, and modern dance techniques. No standard steps here, just a fresh, surprising journey with yourself and your dance partner! We’ll explore how to use (and keep!) momentum, both in solo dancing and as a couple. This will be a playful and safe space to experiment, let go of what you already know, and give your dance a big dose of freedom and creativity.
Whether you’ve just got the basics of balfolk couple dances or you’re an experienced dancer looking for new ideas, you’re welcome to join!
Having fun like the Swedes
Teachers: Tim Hofmeester en Kris Vantklooster (Nubia)
11:30 to 13:30
Aula (school building; Stationsstraat 40)
Level: all
No registration needed
Come and have fun with live music! This workshop is for anyone who would like to explore Swedish dances. We will cover (part of) the basics of polska and slängpolska. We will also explore common and less common variations, providing something for both beginners and those more experienced in Swedish dancing. Some dance experience is required. This workshop will provide you with a toolbox that you can further explore and develop on the dance floor. Tim has immersed himself in Swedish folk dance since he moved to Sweden 8 years ago, amongst others by attending the folk dance course at the folkhögskola in Malung. Kris studied Swedish folk music at the folkhögskola in Härnösand and will provide the music during the workshop.
The maximum number of participants per workshop is about fifty. There are no pre-registrations, but note that when the workshop is full you cannot join anymore.
Dances of Flanders
Teachers: Gabriel Lenoir (Shillelagh)
14:00 to 16:00
Ballet Room
Level: Intermediate
No registration needed
This workshop is all about Flemish dances: traditional dances and dances that were choreographed by iconic Flemish dancers such as Renaat van Craenenbroeck. For example: the mixer mazurka, the farewell waltz, the gavre, polka surplas. We will also focus on style, leading and posture. The collective aspect of these dances is essential (even for couple dances!), and together we will discover what each of us can do to make dancing fun and safe for everyone. On the dancefloor you can immediately put into practice your new skills: not only will these dances be played by Shillelagh, you will also learn steps and figures that you can use in other couple dances. Do you know the basic steps to folk couple dances? Come and explore the dances from Flanders with us!
Variations in mazurka
Teachers: Koen Dhondt
14:00 to 16:00
Open Stage
Level: intermediate & semi-advanced
No registration needed
Would you like to be able to mix it up a bit when dancing mazurka? Are you looking for some new moves to play with the music and connect with your dance partner? In that case, this is the perfect workshop for you! Koen will teach different variations in mazurka that range from easy to difficult, so there will be something to learn for everyone. The emphasis will be on communication in the dance and on leading and following. Come to this workshop to give a new groove to your mazurka!
Beyond the steps: bourrée
Teachers: Gertjan, Marion & Ineke
14:00 to 16:00
Theatre
Level: semi-advanced
No registration needed
Do you love bourrées, and do you want to dive a little deeper? In this workshop, we’ll journey to the heart of France – to the balls of Berry, Auvergne and Morvan – where the bourrée takes centre stage. We won’t focus on learning long lists of steps, but instead go on a musical exploration of rhythm and character. What makes a bourrée truly come alive? How can you listen to the music and let it carry you? Gertjan, Marion and Ineke will guide you step by step. Because in central France they already know: after the steps, the real dancing begins.
Let’s get physical
Teachers: Rafael & Nele
14:00 to 16:00
Aula (school building; Stationsstraat 40)
Level: intermediate
No registration needed
Dancing can be light and airy… but sometimes it’s also wonderfully physical! In this playful workshop, Rafael and Nele will explore the more bodily aspects of partner dancing. We’ll connect, push, pull, and discover how contact and muscle power can add even more joy to your dance. Wear something you can move freely in, and come join the fun!
Introduction to balfolk part 2
Teachers: Marco van Barneveld
16:45 to 17:45
Open Stage
Level: all
No registration needed
You want to dance balfolk but you don’t know how? No problem, because Marco van Barneveld is here to guide you with his introduction workshop to balfolk dancing. He will teach you the basic steps of different dances.
On Friday he will teach you the hanterdro, cercle circassien, mazurka and gavotte de l’Aven.
Music
Introduction to hurdy gurdy
Teachers: Draailier & Doedelzak
11:30 to 13:30
Classroom 5a (school building; Stationsstraat 40)
Level: beginners
Registration required
Have you always been curious about the hurdy-gurdy? Then join this introduction workshop! Here we will try and play the hurdy-gurdy. Together we will try to make a first melody… and of course, we won’t forget the most important part: try to enjoy making music.
For whom? This workshop is for everyone who likes to focus for two hours on playing the hurdy gurdy. Do you have no musical experience? Perfect! It’s an introduction workshop. You don’t have to bring your own instrument.
Interplay
Teachers: Toon van Mierlo
11:30 to 13:30
Classroom 5c (school building; Stationsstraat 40)
Level: intermediate
No registration needed
Toon van Mierlo’s workshop is not just about interplay, but about playing and having fun together. Everyone is welcome to join in building a special CaDansa soundscape, which will contain a storyline filled with crazy plot twists and surprises. The goal is to challenge everyone at their own level. All you need to bring is an open mind & open ears, excitement about making music together and an awareness of how much space you take up, relative to the size of the group (and your instrument, of course). Come and play with us!
From theory to group improvisation – getting creative together
Teachers: Anne Hoeltzenbein
11:30 to 13:30
Music Room 1 (De Meenthe)
Level: intermediate
No registration needed
Looking for a bit more structure and some theory? In From theory to group improvisation, Anne Hoeltzenbein guides you through an Andro melody, chords and scales. With simple hand signals, we improvise as a group and alternate between accompaniment, basslines, accents and solos. This workshop is for anyone who wants to apply theory in a playful way and expand their improvisation skills. All instruments that can play in A minor are welcome!
Circle singing & Singing Circle
Teachers: Selma Emiroglu
14:00 to 16:00
Gym hall (school building; Stationsstraat 40)
Level: all
No registration needed
Sing along without words. Let your voice flow freely in this playful Circle Singing workshop, singing songs from all over the world – and circle songs. We’ll sing sounds, melodies, and rhythms that blend together into something beautiful: sometimes harmonious, sometimes funny, sometimes almost magical. No sheet music, no pressure. We just make music together. Everyone can join in, whether your voice is powerful, gentle, seasoned, or newly discovered.
Introduction to bagpipes
Teachers: Draailier & Doedelzak
14:00 to 16:00
Classroom 5a (school building; Stationsstraat 40)
Level: beginners
Registration required
Have you always wanted to play the bagpipes? During this workshop we will discover this instrument. But above all, we will play the bagpipes ourselves! Together we will try out a first melody and discover the instrument, always keeping the fun of playing first.
We will delve into the bagpipes as they are played in France, Flanders and the Low Countries. These are the instruments that also appear in the paintings of Jan Steen or Pieter Brueghel. You don’t need to bring an instrument: they are provided by the Dutch Hurdy-gurdy and Bagpipe Foundation (Draailier & Doedelzak). We don’t have any Scottish or Irish bagpipes with us.
For whom? This workshop is intended for anyone who wants to spend two hours of fun and is interested in these instruments from the Low Countries. No playing experience or knowledge of music is required, just some enthusiasm and courage.
Introduction to diatonic accordion
Teachers: Wouter Kuyper
14:00 to 16:00
Classroom 5c (school building; Stationsstraat 40)
Level: beginners
Registration required
Have you always wanted to try out diatonic accordion? Curious how these instruments work? Or have you started playing recently, and could you use some help? Then join this introduction workshop! One of the most common instruments in Balfolk is the diatonic accordion. The basics of the button accordion are quite simple, compared to the years of practice it takes to be able to play the violin or bagpipes producing a nice sound. With the diatonic accordion you only have to push the right button and squeeze or pull the bellows of the accordion. Of course it is more complicated than that to make truly beautiful music, but you can learn the basics in just a few hours. Wouter will make you play some music on this instrument. He will explain the basics and give you plenty of opportunity to practice and ask questions.
Everybody is welcome. If you already have a diatonic accordion: great, bring it! Don’t have one? No problem! We will provide extra instruments.
Accordion
Teachers: Benjamin Macke
14:00 to 16:00
Music Room 1 (De Meenthe)
Level: advanced
Registration required
Are you already playing the diatonic accordion for a while, but you cannot get enough of it? With Benjamin Macke (Shillelagh), you can dive into musical atmosphere. Music doesn’t just consist of notes and rhythm: there’s also the timbre, the interpretation, variation, the interplay… Starting with a simple melody the group will learn by ear, you will take time to deepen your individual expression. Your ears will be opened to the richness of the harmonic colour palette of the chord progressions, and to rhythmical options for accompaniment. All you need is a sol-do accordion and recording material to start this adventure!
Other
CaDansa’s Familiar Problem
Game Master: Marco van Barneveld
11:30 to 16:00
Music Room 2 (De Meenthe)
Level: all
Registration required
Are you a fan of board games, role playing games, games in general? And do you love the CaDansa mascots as much as we do? Now is your chance to combine these two: become one of the CaDansa mascots during the table top role playing game CaDansa’s Familiar Problem, with game master Marco van Barneveld.
Creating an event like CaDansa brings Magic into our world. So, by default, the beautiful Cadansa team consists of Wizards, Sorcerers, Witches and Magicians. And no magic wielder goes without their Familiar; a small, magical, animal-shaped spirit. Even if they are not aware of them.
YOU are such a Familiar. You came to be by the festival’s magic and were shaped into the mascot’s image. And although you are bound to your individual “organizer”, they have no clue you are there and helping them out.
But this year… you seem to have to do A LOT! Secretly returning displaced things, strange technical troubles and you’re sure De Meenthe wasn’t this messy last years… And now they’ve received this letter from the GGD… Now what? Together with the other familiars you will go on a whimsical adventure to help make 2025’s CaDansa an awesome festival again.
You don’t need to know anything about this type of game to participate. Marco will guide you through the the dice-rolls or decision-making where needed.
Saturday 25 October
Dance
Do you want to…? – Yes/No/Maybe
Teachers: Emily Vandewalle & Tim Croes
11:30 to 13:30
Ballet Room
Level: all
No registration needed
How do you create your perfect dance? More intimacy, less intimacy, more fun, more energy or maybe just more clarity. Most of us love dances that feel connected, alive, and mutual. And no one wants a dance where one person is floating while the other is secretly grinding their teeth. Still, it happens. In a dance community full of touch and enthusiasm, how do we make sure we’re not crossing each other’s boundaries, without even noticing it?
This workshop is about getting better at consent in a real and practical way. You’ll get to practice asking for what you want, and listening to what the other person wants, too. We’ll play with ways of saying no, maybe and yes, with movement and words. Through simple and surprising exercises, you’ll get better at feeling what’s right for you in the moment and finding ways to change the dance so it works for both of you. Because the best dances? They’re the ones where both people feel good.
Bourrée du Berry (2 & 3 temps) – Back to basics!
Teachers: Koen Dhondt
11:30 to 13:30
Open Stage
Level: beginners & intermediate
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 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!
Beyond the steps: Breton dances
Teachers: Gertjan, Marion & Ineke
11:30 to 13:30
Gym hall (school building; Stationsstraat 40)
Level: semi-advanced
No registration needed
Are you curious about the unique character of the dances from Brittany? This workshop focuses on the dancing style of this region. That means: no steps, no variations, but attention to posture, the connection between steps, rhythm and dynamics; to the interaction between dance and music. With this workshop, Gertjan, Marion and Ineke want to give a depth to your dancing style in Breton dances. Travel with us to the Fest Noz in Brittany, where the group dynamic rules the dance floor!
Musicality for dancers
Teachers: Koen Dhondt
14:00 to 16:00
Open Stage
Level: all
No registration needed
Are you curious about musical phenomena that are common in folk music? Ready to explore their impact on your dancing, and not afraid to improvise in your dance? Then this is the workshop for you! No knowledge of music is required. We will start out by listening to and understanding folk music: structure, rhythms, dances, styles, improvisations, differences… Then, we will learn variations in connection with the music. And lastly: we will apply this new knowledge to our own dancing, and learn how to improvise to folk music.
Having fun like the Swedes
Teachers: Tim Hofmeester en Kris Vantklooster (Nubia)
14:00 to 16:00
Aula (school building; Stationsstraat 40)
Level: all
No registration needed
Come and have fun with live music! This workshop is for anyone who would like to explore Swedish dances. We will cover (part of) the basics of polska and slängpolska. We will also explore common and less common variations, providing something for both beginners and those more experienced in Swedish dancing. Some dance experience is required. This workshop will provide you with a toolbox that you can further explore and develop on the dance floor. Tim has immersed himself in Swedish folk dance since he moved to Sweden 8 years ago, amongst others by attending the folk dance course at the folkhögskola in Malung. Kris studied Swedish folk music at the folkhögskola in Härnösand and will provide the music during the workshop.
The maximum number of participants per workshop is about fifty. There are no pre-registrations, but note that when the workshop is full you cannot join anymore.
It don’t mean a thing
Teachers: Rafael & Nele
14:00 to 16:00
Gym hall (school building; Stationsstraat 40)
Level: beginners
No registration needed
It don’t mean a thing… if it ain’t got that swing! Rafael and Nele know all about this, and they will share their knowledge with you in this workshop. For everyone who’d like to dance something non-folk for a change: an introduction into Lindy Hop! Learn the basics of this swinging couple dance, which was born in the jazz clubs of New York in the first half of the previous century.
Music
Introduction to bagpipes
Teachers: Draailier & Doedelzak
11:30 to 13:30
Classroom 5a (school building; Stationsstraat 40)
Level: beginners
Registration required
Have you always wanted to play the bagpipes? During this workshop we will discover this instrument. But above all, we will play the bagpipes ourselves! Together we will try out a first melody and discover the instrument, always keeping the fun of playing first.
We will delve into the bagpipes as they are played in France, Flanders and the Low Countries. These are the instruments that also appear in the paintings of Jan Steen or Pieter Brueghel. You don’t need to bring an instrument: they are provided by the Dutch Hurdy-gurdy and Bagpipe Foundation (Draailier & Doedelzak). We don’t have any Scottish or Irish bagpipes with us.
For whom? This workshop is intended for anyone who wants to spend two hours of fun and is interested in these instruments from the Low Countries. No playing experience or knowledge of music is required, just some enthusiasm and courage.
Introduction to diatonic accordion
Teachers: Wouter Kuyper
11:30 to 13:30
Classroom 5c (school building; Stationsstraat 40)
Level: beginners
Registration required
Have you always wanted to try out diatonic accordion? Curious how these instruments work? Or have you started playing recently, and could you use some help? Then join this introduction workshop!
One of the most common instruments in Balfolk is the diatonic accordion. The basics of the button accordion are quite simple, compared to the years of practice it takes to be able to play the violin or bagpipes producing a nice sound. With the diatonic accordion you only have to push the right button and squeeze or pull the bellows of the accordion. Of course it is more complicated than that to make truly beautiful music, but you can learn the basics in just a few hours. Wouter will make you play some music on this instrument. He will explain the basics and give you plenty of opportunity to practice and ask questions.
Everybody is welcome. If you already have a diatonic accordion: great, bring it! Don’t have one? No problem! We will provide extra instruments.
Accordion
Teachers: Rémi Geffroy
11:30 to 13:30
Music Room 1 (De Meenthe)
Level: advanced
Registration required
Dive into the waltz Nouveau Monde! In this accordion workshop for advanced players, we’ll work together on this beautiful waltz. Starting from the basic melody, we’ll explore different interpretation exercises together, and dive into harmony, rhythm, and accompaniment.
This is a more advanced workshop, so: if you already have several years of playing experience and you have worked on this piece before the workshop (sheet music can be found below!), then you are very welcome to join this workshop.
Bring paper, a pen, and something to record the workshop with, such as your phone. Video recording is allowed!
Introduction to hurdy gurdy
Teachers: Draailier & Doedelzak
14:00 to 16:00
Classroom 5a (school building; Stationsstraat 40)
Level: beginners
Registration required
Have you always been curious about the hurdy-gurdy? Then join this introduction workshop! Here we will try and play the hurdy-gurdy. Together we will try to make a first melody… and of course, we won’t forget the most important part: try to enjoy making music.
For whom? This workshop is for everyone who likes to focus for two hours on playing the hurdy gurdy. Do you have no musical experience? Perfect! It’s an introduction workshop. You don’t have to bring your own instrument.
Violin
Teachers: Raphael Maillet
14:00 to 16:00
Classroom 5c (school building; Stationsstraat 40)
Level: all
No registration needed
The violin is often seen as a solo instrument, usually accompanied by piano or guitar. But the violin can also switch roles and play together beautifully! In this workshop, Raphaël Maillet will introduce you to new techniques such as the rhythmic ‘chop’ (percussion with the bow) and ‘twin fiddle’ (parallel harmonies), applied to styles ranging from Irish folk to jazz and classical music.
You’ll discover how you can join in even without sheet music or knowing the melody. A fresh perspective on the violin that brings new freedom to your ensemble playing and improvisation. This workshop is suitable for all levels!
Other
CaDansa’s Familiar Problem
Game Master: Marco van Barneveld
11:30 to 16:00
Music Room 2 (De Meenthe)
Level: all
Registration required
Are you a fan of board games, role playing games, games in general? And do you love the CaDansa mascots as much as we do? Now is your chance to combine these two: become one of the CaDansa mascots during the table top role playing game CaDansa’s Familiar Problem, with game master Marco van Barneveld.
Creating an event like CaDansa brings Magic into our world. So, by default, the beautiful Cadansa team consists of Wizards, Sorcerers, Witches and Magicians. And no magic wielder goes without their Familiar; a small, magical, animal-shaped spirit. Even if they are not aware of them.
YOU are such a Familiar. You came to be by the festival’s magic and were shaped into the mascot’s image. And although you are bound to your individual “organizer”, they have no clue you are there and helping them out.
But this year… you seem to have to do A LOT! Secretly returning displaced things, strange technical troubles and you’re sure De Meenthe wasn’t this messy last years… And now they’ve received this letter from the GGD… Now what? Together with the other familiars you will go on a whimsical adventure to help make 2025’s CaDansa an awesome festival again.
You don’t need to know anything about this type of game to participate. Marco will guide you through the the dice-rolls or decision-making where needed.
Train the teacher
Teachers: Rafael & Nele
11:30 to 13:30
Theatre
Level: For people with teaching experience or ambition
No registration needed
Do you have dreams of teaching balfolk yourself? Or are you already teaching and want to level up your skills? Then come to the Train the Teacher workshop! In this hands-on session, Rafael and Nele will share tips and tricks on how to best pass on the magic of balfolk to others.
There is room for 20 to 40 participants in this workshop.
Relax, Recharge & Regenerate
Teachers: Natalia Klamann
14:00 to 16:00
Ballet Room
Level: all
No registration needed
It can be hard to slow down during a festival – so many nice people to dance with, so many amazing bands, so many workshops… Well, we’ve got you covered: during this workshop you will take time to slow down and to listen to your body. We will stretch stiff muscles with some slow yoga and ground ourselves with a mindful meditation, among other things. Recharge your batteries and return energised to the CaDansa dancefloor!
Please take a sleeping/yoga mat with you for this workshop.
Organisers’ Meeting
14:00 to 16:00
Music Room 1 (De Meenthe)
Level: all
No registration needed
Do you organise balfolk events in your local community? Then you’re very welcome to join us for the organisers’ meeting on Saturday afternoon!
Whether you’ve just started or you have been organising events for many years, we invite you to drop by. Meet other organisers from all over Europe to connect, exchange experiences, and discuss challenges!
This schedule is subject to change, depending on circumstances.
