La Java des Baleines – ‘Danse en corps’ Festival

In partnership with Contempo Ré Danse, La Java des Baleines presents two evenings during which contemporary dance will engage in dialogue with traditional, popular and folk dances. Contemporary dance blends various artistic practices and techniques, drawing inspiration from today’s issues, and seeks to deconstruct conventions, whereas traditional dance adheres to established conventions, serving as a living testament to the history, traditions and cultural identity of a region or community. And when these two styles of dance seek to interconnect, to perform together and to enrich one another, a thrilling fusion is born – come and discover it during these two days of the festival. Each evening will conclude with a traditional dance. Monday 6 July 7.00 pm Demonstration by students of Contempo-Ré Danse 8.30 pm A new work by Anne-Laure Nivet and Emilie Tyrou. The two dancer-choreographers, accompanied by cellist Karine Delage, weave together a piece where contemporary and traditional dance meet. 9.30 pm Performance of *Tsef Zon(e)* by the contemporary dance company C’hoari. It was whilst experiencing the Fest-Noz that Pauline Sonnic and Nolwenn Ferry began to create this duet, observing the dance steps and, above all, the relationship between the dancers. The festive and convivial atmosphere of these evenings inspired the two dancers to develop the central theme of the piece: encounter, apprehension of the other, making contact, transmission, then fun, sharing and trance. Tsef Zon(e) captures the cheerful and infectious energy generated by these encounters, this sharing of knowledge, this joy of being together, but also the life-affirming energy of a shared heritage. Performers: Emma Pocq and Anais Vignon Choreography: Pauline Sonnic, Nolwenn Ferry Tuesday 7 July 7.00 pm Demonstration of Ré dances by Ars Spectacles (30 mins) 8.00 pm Introduction to traditional folk dances with Alexandre Sallet. 9.30 pm: Concert by Fahrenheit. This quartet creates a powerful, vibrant sound that transports dancers into a unique and innovative Breton trance. With three albums to their name, Fahrenheit is now a Breton band recognised throughout Europe. The atmosphere of the festoù-noz of Upper Brittany is brought to life by pop-trad arrangements and beautiful vocal harmonies! Alexandre Sallet: Vocals, diatonic accordion, stomp box / Simon McDonnell: Vocals, mandolin / Remi Kesteman: Vocals, cello / Antoine Morin: Transverse flute