Balfolk Dunedin offers a series of weekly classes in folk and social dance as well as a monthly "mini-bal".
It will also feature regular social events and festivals where beginners and experienced dancers can come together to enjoy the experience of dancing together with live music.
Parmenter said public dance classes and events had been drastically affected by Covid-19, but the time was right to cautiously come together again.
"After social distancing and prohibitions on gathering together, there is an extraordinary need in our various communities for the conviviality and social reconnection that is facilitated by participation in music and dance events.”
An internationally renowned dancer and choreographer, Parmenter’s research for the Caroline Plummer Fellowship investigates how to anchor Balfolk — a strongly European dance movement — into an Antipodean context.
In Dunedin, this will particularly connect to Celtic traditions.
Parmenter is also exploring the way in which African-American dance traditions have led to blues, swing, tango and salsa, but have also influenced European partner dances like Scottish and mazurka.
"There is much to examine here with Dunedin’s rich history of dance," Parmenter said.
"I’m thoroughly enjoying looking at dance cards from the 19th century and imagining what dances might have been danced in the settlements of the Central Otago gold rush.
"Balfolk Dunedin provides an opportunity to rediscover the joy of dancing with others in a fun and supportive community environment as one imagines took place in those former times."
In Balfolk, partner dances like waltz, mazurka, Scottish and polka sit alongside group contra-dances, circle dances and mixers (dances structured to rotate partners) that are simple to learn and invite improvisation.
Parmenter includes regional French dances from Brittany, Auvergne and the Basque and Bearn regions of southern France.
Complex choreographies are simplified to make the dances accessible to as many people as possible.
The emphasis is on enjoyment and participation, with the dances featured being both fun and rich in cultural history.
The weekly Balfolk classes are held on Tuesdays, from 7pm to 8.30pm at Ngā Maara Hall, North East Valley. No bookings required.
Parmenter’s monthly Josephine mini-bals will begin on July 31 at Toitū Otago Settlers Museum.
Parmenter’s fellowship will culminate in a spring equinox folk ball in September.
