A choreographic extract remodelled by the group Le Terrain vague II, coordinator Isabelle Blondeau, as part of the “Danse en amateur et repertoire” programme 2023/2024 (a programme created to assist and promote amateur dancing).

Transmission by Bruno Benne.

Presented on 15 June 2024, Le Manège de Reims.

The piece when it was created

Ornements

Firstly produced 9 June 2016 at Opéra national de Strasbourg

Choreography: Bruno Benne

Work for nine performers: Erika Bouvard, Sandra Ehrensperger, Anna-Maria Maas, Dane Holland, Nicholas Jones, Hamilton Nieh, Jean-Philippe Rivière, Marwick Schmitt, Valentin Thuet 

Music: Concerts in sextuor by Jean-Philippe Rameau and creations by Youri Bessières 

Durée originale : 30 min

The group

Le Terrain vague II (Nice, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur)

Coordinated by Isabelle Blondeau in Nice, Le Terrain vague II, is made up of nine dancers from the ages of 24 to 63, each passionate about dance in all its forms: classical, contemporary, oriental and jazz. Through their participation in events, workshops and performances, as well as weekly classes at the Entrepont (a space run by Laurence Marthouret’s company, /tranS/), the dancers developed an interest in the origins of codified dance. During a workshop with Bruno Benne, they were able to explore the vocabulary of baroque dance, through the choreographer’s contemporary lens.  

The project 

With the help of a modern-day choreographer, the dancers sought to enhance their historical knowledge of codified dance, by retracing it to its source and learning the techniques of baroque dance. For this reason, they chose Ornements (2016), choreographed by Bruno Benne for the 9 dancers of the Opéra national du Rhin. The 30-minute piece was abridged and restaged with simplified steps for the group. The main sequences are “Danse sous forme de contredanse”, “Menuet Figuré” and “Sculptures en spirale”. The Baroque-style steps, variations and flourishes, have been specifically adapted by Benne to help the dancers enjoy the musicality, movement patterns and reciprocity of baroque dance.

Performer and choreographer specialised in baroque dances, BRUNO BENNE is developing a contemporary approach of that style to reinvent it today in new forms and thus provide a modern vision of baroque art.

He has been dancing for Béatrice Massin and Marie-Geneviève Massé since 2005. In 2012 he collaborated with Lucinda Childs for the creation of choreographies of Alessandro.

A regular guest abroad (United-States, Norway, Greece, Poland, Canada, etc.), he passionately shares his knowledge during workshops and collaborations.

In 2013, Bruno Benne founded the company Beaux-Champs, création baroque to pursue his reflection on creation based on the baroque heritage, transmission and influence.

La Production Rémoise – Romu DUCROS

Romuald Ducros’ love of photography is a family affair. He was first introduced to photography at a very early age by is father, who was a member of the Bièvre “Club Photo” (founded by André Face). Later it would become both his passion and his profession.  

In 2011, Romuald created Production Rémoise, which specialises in the production of film and photography. His work stands out for its artistic sensibility and creative approach, with each production being a unique work of art.   

His productions range from video capture for performances of dance, theatre, opera and contemporary music, to films touching on sensitive social issues, or celebrating the valuable work of local artisans.  

As an artist-creator, Romuald joined the Leica Akadémie France, while also working on artistic events and exhibitions.

https://www.laproductionremoise.fr/ 

Amateur Dance and Repertory is a companion program to amateur practice beyond the dance class and the technical learning phase. Intended for groups of amateur dancers, it opens a space of sharing for those who wish to deepen a practice and a knowledge of the dance in relation to its history.

Laurent Barré
 Head of Research and Choreographic Directories
Anne-Christine Waibel
 Research Assistant and Choreographic Directories
 +33 (0)1 41 83 43 96
danse-amateur-repertoire@cnd.fr

Source: CN D

More information: https://www.cnd.fr/en/page/323-danse-en-amateur-et-repertoire-grant-programme