ABOUT THÉZÉA

Bal folkmusic band

WHO IS THÉZÉA ?A QUEER BAL FOLK MUSIC BAND

Folk dance and traditional music are the two passions that unite Théo and Lizéa in Thézéa, a bal folk music band. Their meeting was sparked by late-night jam sessions at folk festivals, during a crisp night in the Drôme region where Théo’s chromatic accordion and Lizéa’s flute and voice harmonized effortlessly.

Now close friends, Théo and Lizéa have formed a neo-trad band with a repertoire inspired by traditional music yet enriched by modern lyrics.

In the bal folk music presented by Thézéa, gender doesn’t matter. Everyone is encouraged to experiment both roles—leading and following (one of their scottishes even explores this theme). They advocate for an inclusive bal folk where roles are de-gendered, creating a dance experience that reflects their values.

Because there’s no joy without a caring framework, Thézéa is also committed to being a voice for a folk dance culture that prioritizes consent at its core. Embracing role reversals and challenging expectations is what Thézéa is all about!

The dance and music workshops they offer are an opportunity to promote their values of inclusivity and intersectional feminism, empowering individuals regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, or physical, emotional, and intellectual abilities. As a queer bal folk music band, they aim to make traditional dance music accessible to everyone.

Who isLizéa ?

flutist since the age of 8 (which is over a quarter of a century ago!), Lizéa began with a classical education at a music school before discovering folk music in 2015.

With a passion for Celtic music since her teenage years, she first encountered Irish and Quebecois ceilidhs through dance before diving into the world of bal folk dances, where she’s remained ever since.

Her primary instrument is the chromatic flute, but she has a collection of flutes, including low whistles, tin whistles, and the duduk. Singing is her most versatile instrument, and her compositions feature a powerful, rooted voice influenced by both traditional and pop music, with a deep love for traditional singing.

Nurtured by musical theater and choir singing in her youth, Lizéa loves dancing to pop music (as long as it’s with a partner—she’s not a fan of solo dances).

She also has a special affinity for

A versatile dancer, Lizéa has trained in various dance styles. She started with Latin dances, such as salsa, bachata, and kizomba, then moved on to swing dances, including rock, lindy hop, and blues. More recently, she has explored west coast swing, Brazilian zouk, and tango. Her specialties are now folk, forró, and fusion (the art of blending dance influences for greater creativity), where she practices both roles and enjoys switching roles and co-leading!

A musician since his teenage years, Théo began playing music at 12 by taking drum lessons in a renowned music association in Vaucluse. At 14, he performed his first concerts with a rock orchestra, Les Tambours de Pernes, from the same association.

Early on, Théo realized he wanted music to play a significant role in his life. At 16, he began teaching himself guitar, followed by singing at 18 or 19, and much later, he picked up the chromatic accordion during the Covid lockdowns. Over time, his drum kit was replaced by smaller percussion instruments.

After finishing his studies, the call of adventure and new encounters led Théo to play music on the streets, at markets, restaurant terraces, and bars with his guitar and voice. Performing French pop, reggae, and other covers, he traveled through towns and villages in southeastern France, earning his keep from the coins dropped into his hat.

Today, Théo primarily expresses himself through the chromatic accordion, especially when playing at folk dances. Discovering folk dances a few years ago was a revelation for him, both in terms of dance and musical style.

Who isThéo ?