Bal Folk d'Azé

Bal Folk d'Azé: Traditional Dance Celebration in Southern Mayenne

For over 16 years, the Bal Folk & Fest Noz d'Azé has been an annual gathering for all enthusiasts of traditional dances in the south of Mayenne. Organized by the Folk'azé association, this event combines folk ball and fest-noz in a festive and friendly evening at the Complexe des Azélines in Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne.

Breton and Folk Music Live

Each edition of Bal Folk d'Azé invites three musical groups specializing in Breton and folk repertoires to liven up the evening. The 2025 edition featured:

• Skeud: A Breton band offering energetic reinterpretations of traditional tunes
• Leclere/Chiapello: A Breton/folk duo subtly blending both repertoires
• Le P'tit Veau de la Chézine: A folk group that gets everyone dancing with enthusiasm and good cheer

Live music is at the heart of the event, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere that invites dancing throughout the evening, from 8:30 PM to 2:00 AM.

A Ball Open to All

The Bal Folk d'Azé is open to all audiences, from experienced dancers to curious beginners. Traditional Breton dances (an-dro, hanter-dro, gavotte, plinn) are mixed with folk dances (bourrées, scottishs, polkas, waltzes, mazurkas) in a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can learn while dancing.

Folk'azé: An Active Association Year-Round

The Folk'azé association doesn't just organize the annual ball. It offers folk and Breton dance classes throughout the season (September to June), every Monday evening from 8:30 PM to 10:00 PM at the Complexe des Azélines. The annual membership fee of €40 allows participation in approximately thirty sessions, with the first two sessions offered free and without obligation.

The Complexe des Azélines: A Suitable Venue

The Complexe des Azélines, located at rue de la Croix de Pierre in Château-Gontier-sur-Mayenne, offers a space suitable for folk balls: a large dance hall, a good wooden floor, and appropriate acoustics. A bar and light refreshments are available on-site, allowing dancers to refuel between dances.

Rooted in Trad Culture

The Bal Folk d'Azé is part of the rich tradition of fest-noz and folk balls that animate the cultural life of western France. The event helps keep traditional dances and music alive in rural areas, promoting intergenerational transmission and the discovery of this intangible cultural heritage.