This workshop is confirmed. You can still sign up, but please don’t wait until the last minute…
Bal musette: couple dances and collective bourrées
Dance workshop with Elena Leibbrand and Caroline Goffart
July 13 – 20, 2019, as part of the renowned Neufchâteau Summer Academy (AKDT)
There, you will find the price of the workshop and options (accommodation, meals) and the link to the registration form (end of page). Watch out: book in time if you want to enjoy full board!
What to expect
Paris. 19th century. The ball musette is born. People meet in small cafés and dance to the sound of the violin, the accordion …
Neufchâteau. July 2019. Let’s dive into the atmosphere of these popular balls and reclaim the enchanting images of this universe, but with a more modern touch.
On one side, we have couple dances, which are generally faster, simpler and more sensual than their original forms: the waltz musette, tango musette, march, mazurka, paso doble … ; as well as the java, the only dance of original musette style.
In parallel, we will explore the Auvergne legacy of bals musette: the legendary bourrée à 3 temps.
Work on basic steps and style used to dance as a couple, as well as several more or less complicated collective forms (3 dancers, 2 couples, all together, etc.) Hopefully even the crazy Bourrée volante (not to be practiced in an over-filled old Parisian café, though) !
(*)
There will be something for all tastes and all levels of dance: a more technical work required by the waltz, tango and bourrée, and discovery of a series of other « easier » dances. As usual, we will work on the frame, dance position, style and musicality for each dance, and all this in a playful, creative and tolerant manner.
This year again, Caroline will bring her instruments and offer exercises on musicality in dance with live music.
So, in 2019, come and shake a leg to some old tunes with a modern twist!
(*) The dances and variations will be chosen according to the group.
New in 2019: a collaboration with the « Musette et Chansons » workshop led by Justine Verschuere-Buch. Depending on the desires and abilities of participants, we will be able to meet for exercises, put together a ball musette, etc.
Important information
Dance level and target audience
The workshop has been designed for dancers of all levels. It is preferable to either have some experience with a kind of couple dance, or of bourrée, or to have some other dance practice. Participants will be invited to evolve according to their starting level, and each at their own pace. For advanced dancers, we will suggest specific exercises, especially on bourrée or tango, according to their interests.
Any question or doubts about your level? Don’t hesitate to contact Elena in French, Dutch, English or German!
Dance partner
It is not necessary to sign up as a couple, we will often change partner, and everybody will be invited – but not obliged – to dance as a leader as much as a follower. Also, Elena and Caroline often dance with participants to give personal feed-back or when someone needs a break.
Music
We take great pleasure in sharing a large number of different musical repertoires, to let you discover styles and musicalities as diverse as possible. Caroline will play live music (violin & accordion) for some of the dances she knows.
As usual, we will introduce you to musical subtleties, and you will be invited to include these discoveries in your dance.
Language(s)
The workshop will be given in French, with succinct translations into English or German if necessary. The more non-French speakers, the more translations.
Note to our former participants at AKDT
In « Waltzes of yesterday and today » (2017), we have laid the foundations for waltz musette and java, without going into many variations. In « The 3 beats of the waltz: technique, musicality, variations » (2018) we went further in the technique and the musicality of the waltz in general. In 2019, the focus will be on the musette repertoire and its specificities. A good waltz technique, or previous experience will allow you to go even further.
These workshops are therefore complementary, even if there are parts in common.
Small video by Antonin Rouard with participants of our Waltz workshop, AKDT 2017:
So, do you want to join us ?
Tarif & Registration
Registrations are open!
You will find all info on this page of the website of the AKDT and the link to the registration form (end of page).
Price of the workshop: 275.00 €
Accommodation: 220,00 € full board at the Athénée (optional, you can also choose camping, B’n’B, …) Book in time if you want to enjoy full board!
Place
The summer school will take place at Athénée Royal,
Avenue de la Victoire 28
B-6840 Neufchâteau
Belgium
Where to sleep
The early birds can book a bed in a simple student’s room in the boarding school which is in the same building as the classroom and the canteen. (Most single rooms have one bed, one table, one chair and one sink; toilets and showers are shared).
The more resourceful or thrifty can pitch their tent right next to the building where the summer school takes place, and use the showers there. They can either cook their own food, or take (some) meals at the boarding school. There is a supermarket a few minutes walk away, and many nice cafés in Neufchâteau.
The most independent and those who appreciate being able to retire in their bubble will be able to choose one of the many B & B of Neufchâteau and beautiful surroundings. They can also choose to share (some of) their meals at the boarding school.
Dates & times
Arrival on Saturday, July 13 from 17h approximately: distribution of keys, finding your room, etc. After an evening meal, we meet for the first time together, in our classroom.
Departure is on Saturday, July 20 after lunch, so around 13h.
Please make sure you are available for the full length of the workshop.
What to bring
Bring at least one pair of shoes with soles that allow you to slide and turn. Ladies, one with a small heel, one without heels, or even just socks.
Bring one pair that allows dancing on concrete, for the evening dances that take place in a gym.
If you like, bring comfortable clothes for stretching on the floor, and a yoga mat. (Our room has a comfortable vinyl floor).
For the evening dances, and also for fun moments, why not bring a wide skirt, a dress, and some typical « musette outfits ».
Facebook & car sharing
If you want to find out who’s interested, or organise a car share: find the event on facebook
Video of the end-of-workshop presentation in 2017:
Some more moments of our AKDT workshop in 2017: