FR24Co CAE - Contemporary dance

On the main stage of Dunkirk theatre, the trainees began  the workshop with a series of exercises which gradually allowedthem to become physically engaged. The challenge was first of all to become aware of one's body without forcing, to appropriate the space through varied movements, to create a connection with other partners through gaze, gesture and contact. The instructions were then more elaborate: the mirror game, finding attitudes of isolated statues, thencompositions with several dancers ; choreographing movements with three taking turns to follow one of the members as a guide. Finally, they had to build a more accomplished proposal, in a half group, with an entrance and exit from the stage. All set in a great variety of music, or in silence.

At each stage of the day's work, the method was identical: practice in pairs, then in threes, and finally in 6; alternate the roles of guide and guided; be a dancer in performance (half group showing their work), then be a spectator of the other group: : this helped to fully understand and analyze the issues of the exercise, to appreciate the diversity and quality of the choreographic proposals, to feel their poetry, to share the emotions. The creation of a collective choreography at the end of the day enabled the participants to freely reuse the various exercises they had worked on during the day, as well as the music of their choice.

- A  high quality collective creation from simple elements, accessible to all (regardless of the level and previous experience of each person), presented to others in the form of a mini show. The theatre control room was at our disposal with lights and music.

-This stage practice experience allowed everyone to overcome their preconceptions about their own abilities. The cohesion between the partners of the RespectOl project was effective, powerful, moving and joyful.

-The working method was retained by the partners as an example of reusable educational practice with students.

- The discovery of contemporary dance has shown that working with the body, whatever one's personal comfort, is accessible to everyone.