Folkdance Classes
Auckland
(also see: upcoming special events and socials in Auckland and Northland...)
Ruritanian International Folk Dance Club
International Folk Dance classes in Auckland are listed on the Ruritanians' website: ruritanians.folkdance.org.nz
This Club holds occasional parties and workshops, and the annual Winter WarmUp and a dance workshop in August. See the Club's website, which lists classes around Auckland city, regular events and some photos: ruritanians.folkdance.org.nz.
For more information:
- subscribe to the "Ruritanian Roundabout" for coming events and news of associated groups, etc. or
- contact: e-mail or
- go to the FDNZ Coming Events page, which lists monthly and one-off socials, workshops and performances.
Specialist Ethnic Dancing
There are a number of teachers and groups who provide specialist ethnic dancing in classes, parties, or for performance. Among these are:
African - Dances of Africa with Live Drumming - Wednesday evenings 7:30-8:45 pm at Saint Columba Community Centre, 92 Surrey Crescent, Grey Lynn. No experience necessary! For more info go to nikadance.co.nz or to register contact Monica on 022 161 2329 or
TEACHER WANTED
The Auckland Dutch Dancers are looking for a Folkdance teacher. We are a mature group who have been dancing Dutch traditional dances for many years. For more info please call Bert on 0274719760
Auckland Dutch Dancers: group meets on Thursday 7.30pm-9.30pm in Holland House, 123 Rockfield Rd, Penrose, Auckland. [MAP] Contact: Jose Harris, ph. (09)631-7316,
Bulgarian Roses: contact Sonya Arabadzhieva, e-mail: arabajieva _sonya @ yahoo . com - website: www.bgroses.org - also see Sonya's profile.
Early Dance: monthly on the last Friday, 8.00pm at St John the Baptist Anglican Church Hall, 47 Church St, Northcote. [MAP] Cost: $5. Contact Karen Vernon, e-mail: karen.plantagenet @ gmail.com ... Covers dances from the European Renaissance to Victorian 15th Century to 19th. It primarily covers Western Europe, France, England and Italy. These are a little more class oriented due to the variety of styles and stepping. Web: englishcountrydance.org.nz - Facebook: English Country Dance - Auckland
English Dancing: Monthly on 2nd Friday (except January), 7.30pm at St John the Baptist Anglican Church Hall, 47 Church St, Northcote. [MAP] Cost: $4. Contact Beth Harris +64(9)445-9386, e-mail: bethharris51 @ hotmail.com , web: englishcountrydance.org.nz, Facebook: English Country Dance - Auckland ... This a more a social than a class, but no experience is required and beginners are always taken under the wings of more experienced dancers and shown the figures. The dances are always ‘called’ so no-one needs to spend a lot time learning before being.
Folklore Chileno Latino: music and dance from South America and Spain. Networking evenings monthly 1st Friday at Jubilee Hall, Mount Albert Baptist Church, 732 New North Road, Mount Albert. [MAP] Cost:$10, children under 12 free. Contact: Ana-Maria, ph. (09)638-6771, e-mail: anamaria.devos @ clear.net.nz
French: Performing group rehearses Tuesday mornings. No recreational class. e-mail (click here for Rae's CV)
Greek: Dance sessions might be held, contact Denny Wood: 021-0530-338,
dennywood @ orcon.net.nz
See also www.greekcommunity.org.nz.
Irish Set Dancing: Monthly on 1st and 2nd Thursdays of the month (except January), at Auckland Irish Society and Rocky Nook Bowling Club, Fowlds Park, Mt. Albert. [MAP] Contact: Fred Carr, (09)963-8145 (check before coming).
Israeli: Go to the Machol Pacifica website for NZ national listings. Maayan Israeli Dance Group usually meets Wednesdays in Epsom (sometimes Tuesday). Best to contact Jenni on the day for day and venue: Jennifer Gottschalk, +64(9)480-4330,
"Normal session starts at 7:00pm, beginners start at 6:30pm on request - as in if I know beginners are wanting to come, I'll be there at 6:30pm."
Morris, Rapper, etc: Contact Andy Smith, (09)361-2133,
Welsh: Contact Derek Williams ph. +64(9)837-4396, e-mail: louiseawil @ gmail.com
Several ethnic societies have dance groups, including the Danes, the Dutch, and the Dalmatian Cultural Society. Some of these welcome visitors to dance with them on certain evenings.
Other Styles
There is much available in Auckland now, eg. several schools of bellydancing, Spanish, Latin, and CeRoc, line dancing, Dances of Universal Peace, many Scottish and square dance clubs, opportunities in African and Asian styles, and occasional Celtic ceilis.
Ballroom, DanceSports, Ceroc, Line Dancing, bands, shopping, gigs: go to wheretodance.co.nz
Latin: The Auckland University Hispanic Club has listings of classes and events. www.geocities.com/hispanic_club/
Last updated 7 January, 2014
