Here you will find more information about the bands that will be playing at the Dansstage. Keep a close eye on this page, because we will be updating it regularly!
Simone Bottasso
Simone Bottasso is the virtuoso accordion player of the two Italian Bottasso brothers and is therefore also known from bands such as Duo Botasso and The Folk Messengers. He is always looking how to blend his Italian roots, the French folk and modern music into his own new creation. In his tunes you can hear how he is searching for the balance between the refined elegance of his instrument and explosive energies in beautiful, catchy and varying melodies.
Bal de l’Aube
Accustomed to dance floors at 3 a.m., this duo was born when dancers refused to go to sleep, and Luca and Fabien played on until sunrise.
No stage for these two—they position themselves in the heart of the dance floor, playing alongside the dancers. This promises to be an experience centered on interaction and mutual connection. All served with harmony, finesse, and generosity.
Lineup
Luca Fiorini – chromatic accordion
Fabien Bucher – guitar, mandolin
Watch a performance by Bal de l’Aube here.
Luca Fiorini
While you enjoy a well-deserved lunch during the Dansstage, you’ll be treated to a musical interlude. On Saturday afternoon, Luca Fiorini will perform a beautiful lunch concert for us. Luca is born in Rome and has been living in Basel, Switzerland for a long while now. On his way to Basel, he has completed several musical trainings in Italy, Germany, France and Switzerland and got his degrees in playing the viola, directing, and classical and romantic performance practice. As a viola player he has played in several baroque and classical orchestras and also modern symphony orchestras throughout Europe. After this he continued to study composing, (chromatic) accordion, instrumentation and choir conducting.
Now he is directing several choirs in both classical and folk music, he is leading several orchestras and chamber music ensembles, and brings together all his experience in playing his own compositions. With his virtuoso playing, he will take you on a musical journey full of emotion and refinement. Enjoy his sounds while you relax after the workshops.
Trio Forj
At the eastern tip of Brittany, the front two are king. Between the Bazouge country and the Pays Paludier, Upper Brittany unfolds its territory and its universe. Forj draws inspiration, creates and transforms the repertoires of this region. Their dancing music is a language that moves between the trance of popular music and the energy of the dance-floor, brought back from their travels all over Europe over the years.
Lineup
Kenan Guernalec – transverse flute
Clément Le Goff – vocals, bagpipes
Alice Vallée – guitar
Niek van Uden
You don’t become a musician overnight. There are moments when you are captivated by music; some musicians can clearly identify that one experience that was decisive for the rest of their lives. For Niek, these are all small puzzle pieces that have come together over the years. This is how he found his way to classical accordion at the conservatory and then followed various master classes, playing in sessions and playing in bands in tango, balkan and balfolk that make him the musician he is today.
Arbadétorne duo
For over 20 years, Arbadétorne has brought traditional music from the Vendée and Poitou to life. Normally, they perform as a trio, but for the Dansstage, they’re coming as a duo: Maxime and Michael.
For twenty-five years, they’ve taken their music to dance events across France and Europe. Now the cards are being reshuffled: with new music and a fresh dynamic, yet always that same irresistible passion to let the dance shine!
Lineup
Michael Auger – diatonic accordion, vocals
Maxime Chevrier – violin, vocals
Duo Tanghe Coudroy
Duo Tanghe Coudroy takes you on a journey through Nordic culture!
Two night owls with a guitar and accordion. Energy, elegance, and a deep connection with the dancefloor. Warm, spontaneous, and refined — music that feels complete and seamless.
Their adventure began in 2003 with a late-night jam session at a festival in Belgium. Since then, they have brought their unique blend of traditional music to concerts, balfolk evenings, and festivals.
Rooted in Breton music and inspired by Nordic culture — inspired by Martin’s time in Sweden — they create a rich, layered sound that invites you to dance. This results in balfolk music deeply influenced by Nordic traditions, immersing us in a unique world.
Over the years, their repertoire has been distilled to its essence: rhythm, movement, and shared joy. They tailor their setlist to the bal and the dancers.
Watch a performance by Duo Tanghe Coudroy here.
L’Air Inconnu + The Escarteen Sisters
L’Air Inconnu and The Escarteen Sisters join forces! They will perform during the open ball on Saturday, so even if you can’t attend the entire weekend, you can still enjoy this collab.
The members of L’Air Inconnu hail from Switzerland and the Basque Country. Their compositions are inspired by traditional themes and shaped by the emotions and impressions gathered from balls and festivals. Their performances are a celebration of familiarity, intimate poetry, energizing sounds, the dynamic energy of dancers, and the shared atmosphere at the heart of every event.
Two voices, a cello, and a viola—together, The Escarteen Sisters form an enchanting string quartet. With their dreamy yet powerful music, they take you on a musical journey between their Catalan and Flemish roots.
This collab creates a unique encounter full of playfulness, shared joy, and stunning musical harmony. Expect an evening filled with emotion, energy, and pure musical delight!
Laia Escartin – Viola, vocals
Flavia Escartin – Cello, vocals
Sylvain Pool – Accordion, guitar, vocals
Daniel Velasco – Violin, vocals
Fabien Bucher – Guitar, mandolin
KV Express
KV Express’s diverse repertoire is made up entirely of Sophie Cavez’s own compositions, creating a powerful, festive and sensitive universe. The pieces leave room for improvisation on both bass guitar, percussion and diatonic accordion. The instruments intertwine in arrangements that make both feet and ears dance.
The musicians’ wealth of experience and influences (world music, jazz, pop, French chanson) are reflected in the music, adding a unique sound. Sophie’s diatonic accordion playing and compositions are completely innovative in the world of folk music. A modern sound that recolors traditional music.