Folkdance Classes 

Auckland 

(Click here to see upcoming major events and socials in Auckland and Northland instead.)

Ruritanian International Folk Dance Club

International Folk Dance classes in Auckland are listed on the Ruritanians' website: ruritanians.folkdance.org.nz

This Club holds several dance parties (evening and afternoon) each year and occasional workshops. 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 Rae Storey, tel. (09)524-9504, 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:

Auckland Dutch Dancers: group meets on Thursday 7.30pm-9.30pm in Holland House, 123 Rockfield Rd, Penrose, Auckland. Contact: Anneke van den Haak, tel. (09)482-6394

Bulgarian Roses: contact Sonya Arabadzhieva, e-mail: arabajieva _sonya @ yahoo . com - website: www.bgroses.org

English Dancing: Monthly on 2^nd Friday (except January), 7.30pm at St John the Baptist Anglican Church Hall, 47 Church St, Northcote.  Contact Beth Harris +64(9)445-9386.

French: Performing group rehearses Tuesday mornings. No recreational class.Rae Storey, tel. (09)524-9504, (click here for Rae's CV)

Greek: Dance sessions might be held, contact Denny Wood: 021-0530-338,
See also www.greekcommunity.org.nz.

Irish Set Dancing: Monthly on 1^st and 2^nd Thursdays of the month (except January), at Rocky Nook Bowling Club, Fowlds Park, Mt. Albert. Contact: Alison Lowe & Fred Carr, +64(9)479-5467 (check before coming).

Israeli: Go to the Machol Pacifica website for NZ national listings. Maayan Israeli Dance Group meets Wednesdays 7-9pm in Epsom. Contact Erika Gertel, +64(9)838-3367,

Morris, Rapper, etc: Contact Andy Smith, +64(9)361-2133,

Russian: Kalina Dance School, classes for children age 4, to adults, all levels - contact ph. +64(9)526-7260, mob. (021)039 65 94. Click here for general class flyer in English or Russian (JPEG, 250k).

Update 10 Dec - now enrolling students for 2010 (lessons begin 8th Feb):

• Beginners class: 4-6 years old
• Places in Junior/Intermediate class are available: 7-12 years old
• Places in Intermediate/Advanced (13 years and older) and Theatre classes are available

Welsh: Contact Paul Carter Tel: +64(9)817-7369, or Derek Williams Tel: +64(9)833-4177, E-mail:

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/

Also go to the  Northern Dance Network Directory or e-mail the Northern Dance Network, info@danznet.co.nz.

Last updated 9 March 2010