note: Free Cycles is very grateful for the support of the missoula folklore society and michael sweet, as they are donating the door proceeds to the ‘free cycles forever’ campaign! There are 3 dances: Oct 28, nov 4, nov 11- come to any and all.

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Hello Missoula!

Dance for a cause! Discover the joy of Bal Folk dancing while contributing to the good work of Free Cycles.  Each Tuesday, Oct 28, Nov4, and Nov 11 from 7 to 8:30 pm we will introduce and review dances, so join in and dance as often as you can.

Suggested donation is $10 for each dance, but donate what you can. 

The focus will be on dancing. We will learn about a few characteristics unique to the Bal Folk style of dance.  Each dance will review and grow on what has been taught and continue to introduce other basic dance forms. Come join us! 

Mike Sweet will be leading these evening dances. He has in-depth experience in teaching and performing International Folk Dance and is one of the founders of the Missoula Folklore Society.  ​

Mike was a caller for many contra dances and played accordion in the Montana Country Dance Orchestra -- an informal gathering of musicians interested in playing contra dance music.  Recently Mike has been playing button accordion for English Country dances with the More the Merrier band.

Mike discovered Bal Folk about two years ago and attended Bal Folk workshops at the Lady of the Lake Music and Dance Camp in 2024. It is with this background and interest that Mike has explored the Bal Folk genre of dance and is looking forward to sharing what he has learned with the Missoula community.

Bal Folk derives its name from traditional “folk balls” held around western Europe. Over the last decade western European folk music and dance has experienced a revival that is sweeping across Europe and gaining momentum in the North America.

Bal Folk dances are participatory events, based on traditional dances gathered from all over Europe that have easy basic steps, everyone can get involved, and dancers are free from gender-defined roles. The dances are easy and fun, the music is wonderful and evocative, and the atmosphere is joyful and friendly. The audience is on the dance floor!