What is a Bal Moderne?

The concept of Bal Moderne is easy: three short choreographies (of about 3 minutes), specially made for people with no or very little dance experience, are taught in 45 minutes each to the public. The atmosphere is one of concentration mixed with pleasure. Neither the earnest or discipline of a dance class, nor the trendy idleness of a dancing. People of all ages are dancing WITH each other, in an atmosphere of solidarity, brought together by mere dance pleasure.

The uniqueness of Bal Moderne is the intricate link with the contemporary artistic creation. The Bal Moderne takes as it’s starting point the contemporary dance in all it’s diversity. And throughout the years the concept started to work better and better. The largest part of the participants go home with a very positive feeling. “Never thought I would be able to do this,” is one of the most heard remarks after a Bal Moderne. Directly followed by: “I didn’t know that contemporary dance is that much fun.” Choreographers, dancers, coaches, and participants do agree that the Bal Moderne is a very beautiful way to become acquainted with contemporary dance or to discover some of it’s well hidden secrets. As from the season 2007/2008 the organisation of the Bal Moderne is the responsability of Oonagh Duckworth, the original producer of the project since its outset in Paris. She can be contacted on oonaghduckworth@hotmail.com.