danceworkshops

Thézéa offers various workshops: bal folk dance workshop introducing the dances of bal folk, as well as advanced workshops with variations, guiding techniques, and figures in neo-folk couple dance, or learning acrobatic lifts in dance, up to workshops for learning to co-guide. Music is also included, with workshops on revisiting traditional songs and neo-trad music specially designed to help beginners in jam sessions.

These bal folk dance workshops can be tailored and mixed from 2 hours to a full day. The couple dance lessons are led by Lizéa – a remarkable instructor who has been dancing for 20 years and completed fusion dance teacher training with Flouer Evelyn and Mark Carpenter in Berlin in May 2024, in addition to her previous certifications as a fitness coach and yoga teacher in 2017 and 2020, which provide her with a deep knowledge of the human body, along with three years of event management experience. She is accompanied by her dance partner, Quentin.

We can run these workshops on the side of a Thézéa concert or independently, but why not make the most of our trip by doing a double feature? 😉 Contact us to discuss possibilities and follow our updates for the latest info on the folk festivals where we perform.

Initiation or Improvement in Bal Folk.

Goals : Discover or deepen your knowledge of traditional bal folk dances while developing technique and connection with your partner.

Level : All levels (Introduction and Improvement)

Description : This workshop is designed for beginners wishing to learn the basics of bal folk dancing as well as for more experienced dancers looking to refine their technique and expand their repertoire. Depending on the duration of the workshop, you will explore traditional dances such as the scottish, mazurka, waltz, polka, 2-time or 3-time bourrée, circassian circle, chapelloise, andro, hanterdro, rondeau, bal limousine, rond de Saint Vincent, or congo de Captieux. The focus will be on connection, respect for others on the dance floor, and musical interpretation.

Whether you’re new to bal folk or already experienced, this workshop will provide keys to help you gain confidence and fluidity. More advanced participants will benefit from advanced techniques to refine their style, while beginners will learn to master the essential steps.

Techniques explored :

• Traditional dance basics: Learning and refining the essential steps and figures.
• Musicality: Understanding rhythms and musical structures to better harmonize your dance with the music.
• Connection and leading: Techniques to improve communication and connection with your partner while respecting other dancers’ space.
• Variations and styles: For advanced levels, exploration of variations and styles to personalize your dance.
• Smooth movement on the dance floor: Learning to navigate the dance floor with good connection and fluidity.

Managing Space in Bal Folk.

Goals : Learn to move better on the dance floor in harmony with other dancers, avoid collisions, and improve the collective experience in bal folk dancing.

Level : All levels. Accessible to beginners while offering deeper insights for more experienced participants.

Description : In bal folk, managing space is essential for dancing comfortably within a group. Combining theory and practice, this workshop will help participants develop useful reflexes to dance confidently, even in crowded settings. Through practical exercises, you will learn to:

• Develop spatial awareness of those around you (other dancers, trajectories).
• Adapt your movements according to the density of the dance floor.
• Communicate effectively with your partner for harmonious movement.
• Explore movement variations while respecting the musical framework.

Techniques explored :

• Spatial perception: Exercises to enhance awareness of your body and surrounding dancers.
• Circular and linear movements: Optimizing paths without disturbing other couples.
• Managing slowdowns and accelerations: Adapting to the tempo and available space.
• Connection: Strengthening communication between partners for smooth decision-making on the floor.
• Controlled improvisation: Adjusting steps and figures to avoid blockages or collisions.

50 Shades of Mazurka.

Goals : Master interesting variations inspired by tango and Brazilian zouk to personalize your mazurkas..

Level : Advanced beginner / Intermediate. To participate in this workshop, you must comfortably master the basic mazurka steps, have a stable dance posture, feel at ease leading and/or following, and preferably be open to role-switching.

Description : Immerse yourself in the richness of mazurka variations by exploring creative approaches drawn from tango, Brazilian zouk, and fusion dance, with a focus on subtle details that turn each dance into a unique experience.

Techniques explored :

• Rhythmic adaptations: Modify step rhythms to play with accents and musical nuances.
• Rotation techniques: Add elegant, fluid rotations inspired by tango to enrich mazurka movements.
• Body play: Incorporate arm and torso movements inspired by zouk to enhance body expression.
• Figure creation: Invent original figures by blending mazurka elements with Latin and fusion influences.

Latin Variations in the Scottish.

Goals : Master interesting variations inspired by latin dances to personalize your scottish dances.

Level : Advanced beginner / Intermediate. To participate, you need to comfortably master the basic scottish steps, have a stable dance posture, feel at ease leading and/or following, and preferably be open to role-switching.

Description : Immerse yourself in the richness of scottish variations by exploring creative approaches from Latin dances. This workshop will guide you through classical and contemporary variations from salsa and forró, such as rotation changes, style play, rhythm experimentation, and arm and leg movements, with a focus on the subtle details that transform every dance into a unique experience.

Techniques explored :

• Step combinations and rotation variations: Spins and circular movements to enhance rotational fluidity.
• Coordination games: Synchronize arms, legs, and torso with arm movements inspired by Latin dances.
• Creative transitions: Smoothly integrate scottish styles with Latin elements for fluid dancing.
• Guided improvisation: Practice improvisation by creatively incorporating Latin variations.

Lifts and dips in dance: techniques for weightless play.

Goals : Learn to execute and integrate lifts and dips into dances with proper technique and safety while building trust to play with your partner’s weight.

Level : Intermediate. This workshop is for dancers with prior couple dance experience. Basic movement knowledge and a stable dance posture are required to make the most of the lifting techniques.

Description : This workshop is for those wishing to explore lifts and dips in their dance while ensuring safety and fluidity. The goal is to teach you how to perform lifts and dips aesthetically and safely without requiring exceptional strength. You’ll discover how to use technique and trust to execute elegant movements while maintaining a harmonious connection with your partner.

Techniques explored :

• Safety basics: Avoid injuries while dancing.
• Partner communication and trust-building.
• Lifting and dropping techniques, weight management.
• Integration into dance: Creativity and adaptation.
• Partnered practice with individual feedback.
• Injury prevention: Warm-ups, stretches, and recovery techniques.

Necessary equipment : Comfortable clothing that allows for good freedom of movement. It is also recommended to wear dance-appropriate shoes to prevent slipping or accidents.

Creative footwork games.

Goals : Develop creativity and enrich your dance by exploring original and unexpected footwork variations.

Level : Intermediate. This workshop is designed for dancers with some experience in partner dances. A basic understanding of movements and a stable dance posture are required to make the most of footwork techniques.

Description : In this playful and dynamic workshop, your feet become the center of your dance expression! You will learn to vary your steps, play with crossings, pivots, embellishments, and movements inspired by other dance styles. Through practical exercises and games, you’ll discover how to enrich your movements while maintaining fluidity and musicality suited to bal folk. The goal is to make your dance more lively and inventive, alternating technical sequences to refine your mastery with moments of improvisation to unleash your creativity.

Techniques explored :

• Crossings and weight shifts: Exploring sequences of crossed steps and weight transfers, with subtle directional changes to make your movements more complex and surprising.
• Ornaments and details: Discovering foot embellishments (taps, slides, circles…) to integrate naturally into your dance. Playing with suspensions and musical accents to highlight specific moments with your feet.
• Pivots and rotations: Practicing simple and combined pivots to incorporate elegant or dynamic rotations into your dance. Enhancing fluidity in transitions between pivots and basic steps to enrich your sequences.
• Creative passes and inspirations: Drawing inspiration from movements in other dances (forró, tango, swing, etc.) to invent new passes and movements. Combining leading/following variations with footwork innovations.

Enriching and refining your dance.

Goals : Develop strong non-verbal communication and convey emotions through dance.

Level : Intermediate. To participate, dancers should confidently master basic steps of mazurka and scottish, have a stable dance posture, feel comfortable leading and/or following, and preferably be open to role-swapping.

Description : Learn how to use intention to enrich your dance by exploring how to convey emotions and sensations to your partner. This workshop focuses on guiding and being guided with clear and sensitive intention while respecting mutual consent. Through practical exercises inspired by tai chi and contemporary dance, you will discover how to use principles of fluidity and connection to enhance your dance expression, integrating natural elements as metaphors to deepen your dance experience.

Techniques explored :

• Emotional expression: Techniques for conveying specific emotions through intentional movements.
• Focus and presence: Exercises to remain present in the moment and improve connection with your partner, facilitating better intention transmission.
• Non-verbal connection: Refining the ability to perceive and respond to your partner’s signals, with exercises on connection through intention and consent.
• Musicality: Adapting to changes in rhythm and dynamics, adjusting to maintain fluidity and synchronization.
• Spatial awareness: Expressively using the space around you to enhance the emotions conveyed.

You, me, and the music : musicality for dance.

Goals : Integrate music as an active partner in your dance by exploring its diverse dimensions (structure, rhythm, melody) to enrich connection and expression on the dance floor.

Level : All levels.

Description : Discover how music can become a true co-dancer by learning to listen to and use its nuances to energize your dance. This workshop guides you through exploring various musical elements – such as structures, arrangements, rhythms, and melodies – to enrich your interactions with your human partner. You’ll learn to creatively respond to musical variations, play with accents and dynamics, and harmonize your movements with the music to create unique, fluid dance moments.

Techniques explored :

• Active listening: Developing the ability to recognize and react to musical elements like rhythm changes, melodies, and structures. Identifying the dance style based on the music.
• Rhythmic play: Using accents and rhythmic variations to enrich your dance and create dynamic effects. Learning to play with tempo and syncopation.
• Musical interpretation: Identifying different musical layers and choosing to interpret primary or secondary melodies through your movements for a more expressive dance.
• The body as an instrument: Dancing while listening, reflecting on what you hear, and letting your body organically interpret the music. Treating your body as an instrument that expresses music through movement.

Embracing fluidity: the art of liquid-leading.

Goals : Develop a dance where roles blend and intertwine effortlessly and fluidly, creating a playful and egalitarian experience that invites a new level of connection and co-creation.

Level : All levels.

Description : Immerse yourself in a dance world where leading and following roles intertwine with creativity and fluidity. This workshop invites you to explore seamless role-switching, practicing techniques such as co-leading (also known as “liquid leading”) and role exchange. Learn how to naturally transition between roles without breaking connection with your partner. Discover how this approach enriches your dance, transforming every movement into a harmonious and playful collaboration.

Techniques explored :

• Fluid leading techniques: Facilitating natural transitions between roles.
• Shared initiative: Techniques to enable both partners to lead and follow simultaneously, enhancing balance and connection.
• Role-reversal exercises: Practicing real-time role exchanges to improve responsiveness and non-verbal communication.
• Dynamic connection: Developing a harmonious and evolving connection that supports a dance where roles become interchangeable.

Micro-movements : subtle dancing.

Goals : Master the art of subtle, energy-efficient dancing to express more with less, extend your dance endurance, and maintain a deep connection with your partner.

Level : All levels.

Description : Discover the art of subtle dance with a minimalist, energy-efficient approach. This workshop focuses on reducing movement to its essence while optimizing energy use. By focusing on precise and subtle gestures, you will learn to express more with less, all while maintaining a strong connection with your partner. Emphasis is placed on precise gestures, energy conservation, lightness of touch, and synchronization with your partner. By adjusting your posture and breathing, the goal is to optimize movements, enabling longer, more enjoyable dancing without exhaustion.

Techniques explored :

• Movement isolation: Refining minimalist gestures to maximize their impact.
• Precision and clarity: Enhancing each gesture for more intense expression.
• Energy management: Adjusting posture and movements to maintain fluid and energetic dancing while conserving effort.
• Subtle connection: Maintaining a strong partner connection even with reduced choreography.