“DC is Hosting the First French Folk Dance Festival in the US—With Accordions and Bagpipes Galore”

From a press release:

“Curious folk dancers from all over the country will converge on Dupont Circle on January 4 and 5 for Bal DC, the United States’ first festival for bal folk, French traditional dancing. The American bal folk scene has been underground for decades, so the announcement has brought musicians and dancers from as far as Texas, Washington State, and Scotland.

Bal folk festivals in Western Europe draw crowds of thousands. You might think you’re at a pop music festival except for the instruments: bands rev up dancers with bagpipes, accordions, and hurdy-gurdies, buzzing string instruments played by turning a crank. Nights feature a mix of dances, including partner dances, circles, and chains. Bal DC will be more intimate than European festivals, but will combine the same thrilling music with simple, satisfying dances.

Bal DC features two U.S. bands who are used to playing American folk dances, but harbor a secret passion for bal folk. Rachel Bell, the accordionist in band Eloise & Co., says, “[we are] brimming with excitement about the growing bal folk scene in North America and have been doing our best to help spread the joy at everything from crammed-full house parties to festival events far and wide.”

Bal DC will include workshops all day for dancers and musicians, a concert Saturday afternoon, and a Saturday evening dance. The concert and evening dance will be open to the public. Before the festival weekend, on December 14, Eloise & Co. will play a dance at The Public Option, 1601 Rhode Island Ave, Washington DC.

WHO: Dancers and musicians from all over the US and abroad
WHAT: The first French folk dance festival in the US
WHERE: The Whittemore House, 1526 New Hampshire Ave, Washington, DC
WHEN: 4-5 January 2020″