Workshop - Dances of

Upper Brittany

with Mathieu Guitton & Duo Lemoine/Couchoux (FR)

Upper Brittany (Eastern Brittany) is rich in dances. However, for many years, the revivalist practice seemed to focus only on round dances..

This workshop offers you the opportunity to discover the repertoire of contradances from this region, including the famous "avant-deux". Among the contradances you will see are those that you can practice on the same day with the dance led by the duo Lemoine-Couchoux: Avant-deux from the Châteaubriant region, avant-deux from North Ille-et-Vilaine (known as Bazouges), and the crossed contradance from Mené (known as Kerouézée).). 

Mathieu Guitton is a musician and teacher. He teaches, among other things, traditional music at the conservatoire in Rennes. His teaching of dance is based on what has been observed among traditional dancers and also seeks to convey the space of freedom that these repertoires allow for the dancers..

Introduction to folk dance ball

with Hanne Kinne (BE)

As a teenager, she was already helping groups of children, and shortly after, she was also teaching adults. Through workshops, exchanges, and travels, she discovered different styles and traditions. Each of these experiences brought her a touch of originality that she was able to utilise to create choreographies for her dance groups..

 At her first folk dance, she discovered another way of dancing: less rigid, more in the present moment and in tune with the music. It was there that the joy of allowing her creativity to express itself directly in dance was born. Very quickly, she was asked to participate in the initiations..

In the meantime, two houses have been renovated and Hanne has had four daughters. At that time, dance was no longer quite her priority. However, dance remained present, particularly through teaching and participation in classes and workshops..

 Now that her children have grown up, she has more time to dance and teach again. In Mechelen, Hanne wishes to share this passion more, under the beautiful aegis of Frisse Folk. With a good dose of energy and attention to detail, she helps dancers progress, so that everyone can step onto the dance floor with confidence..

Duo Lemoine/couchoux

Fest Deiz (Brittany)

Like the chance encounter of an umbrella and a sewing machine, the duo Lemoine/Couchoux was born from an organological misunderstanding. Just think: a bisonoric accordion and a drone banjo! 

The understanding is organic, simple and diatonic. This singular instrumentation gives body and coherence to a music of airs, with a rooted and (sometimes) dubious origin, which changes with the season..

Jeanne Lemoine
accordéon & voix
Cyril Couchoux
banjo & voix

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Tordus Philomenos

Concert (BE)

After a detour through Brazil and their Anavantou project, Turdus Philomelos returns with a new repertoire, 25 years after their debut.

Their songs tell amazing, captivating stories. They playfully subvert tradition by joyfully syncopating the unchanging rhythms of folklore. Their inspiration comes from all corners of the globe: from Gypsy music, Balkan music, Brazilian music, reggae, folk, funk, classical music…

Turdus Philomelos' music is intoxicating and tender, risky and joyful, festive and nostalgic, with a singular depth. Much water has flowed under the bridge since their first album, but they retain the vitality of their exploration, an aversion to conventions, a form of defiance, and a touch of humor..

Julien de Borman 
accordéon diatonique
Sébastien Willemyns 
claviers, violon
Martin Kersten
saxophones
Anaïs Moffarts
basse
Gwenaël Francotte
batterie

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Hills of Belgium quartet

 Square Dance ball (Be)

Square dancing is a traditional American dance where a caller guides the dancers in real time.

Open to all ages and with no experience required: the only prerequisite is a desire to have fun. The dance will be accompanied by the violin and banjo of Hills of Belgium, enhanced by the guitar of Léopoldine Guillaume..

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Appalachians for an evening !

Léopoldine Guillaume
guitare
Jérémie Fraboni
banjo
Lorcan Fahy
violon
Darius Lecharlier£
caller

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Naragonia quartet

Folk ball (BE)

The Naragonia Quartet, comprised of Pascale Rubens, Toon van Mierlo, Maarten Decombel, and Luc Pilartz, has a proven track record of crafting exquisitely beautiful, exquisitely rich, sensual, and intimate musical experiences for its audiences. This Belgian group has been touring the European folk scene for many years, performing as a duo, quartet, or in collaboration with other artists, and their compositions are gradually and effortlessly establishing themselves as essential folk standards..

In 2024 Naragonia won the “Best Live Group” award at the Flanders Folk Awards.

Toon Van Mierlo
cornemuses, accordéon diatonique et saxophone soprano
Pascale Rubens
accordéon diatonique, violon et voix
Luc Pilartz
violon
Maarten Decombel
guitare, mandole et voix

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