EDITO

The Croisée des cultures is a forum for living arts born from tradition.  Over the last 18 years, it has continually proved its creativity.  This week of learning, expression and sharing of world dance and music is intended for all, from children to adults, from beginners through to advanced participants.

Dónal Lunny and Mairtin O’Connor, emblematic figures of Irish music and stomping sessions, will teach harmonies and melodies to lovers of this repertoire.  Léonard Gremaud will lead a workshop for beginners.  Meabh Felton, who masters ceilis and Irish step dance, will introduce dancers to a variety of these social dances.

The traditions of Brazilian Maracatu will be explored by Letho Nascimento and Dadinha Gomes, while Africa will be represented by the Senegalese Nago Koité, a grand specialist of the sabar and saoruba dances.

Kathak and flamenco involves artists who have recently been invited onto ADEM’s stage:  Arjun Mishra, a famous dancer and choreographer from Lucknow and Adela and Rafael from Seville.  We also welcome Claudia Heinle, a specialist in Egyptian dances, in the company of the percussionist Ibrahim Minyawi. 

Three styles of song from around the Mediterranean are on offer during the festival:  flamenco with Cristo Cortés, Sephardic melodies with Françoise Atlan, as well as Mediterranean and Occitan polyphonies with Manu Théron.

Children will discover the cultures of the Celts, Andalusians and Brazilians through dance, music and other workshops.

In closing, the Grand Café at the Parfumerie will once again serve as the festival’s hub.  In this ideal little village of the world’s cultures you can enjoy refreshments at reasonable prices, discuss, exchange ideas and partake in more festive moments with the teachers at night.  And now, it is over to you…