Le Grand Cru
Le Grand Cru
A flourishing mix
Language:
None/many
Contact:
Artistic direction: Noortje Bijvoets and Feri de Geus
T +31 (0) 20-664 8558
Feri de Geus and Noortje Bijvoets find their inspiration in visualizing cultural diversity and identity worldwide. Ethnic and folkloristic dance are often expressions of a larger social system of norms and values but these values are rapidly changing under the influence of modern communication and western individualism. Le Grand Cru responds to this by combining the achievements of the ‘individual’ – anchored in the methods of the western dance theatre of the past 25 years – with the ancient communal power of authentic cultures; the best of both worlds.
De Geus and Bijvoets’ work is best described as a melting pot of contemporary and traditional dance from diverse cultures from around the world, their own signature and identity often merging with the identity of the dancers and their culture. In the past decade the organisation has created a unique position for itself with its fusion of Western and non-Western dance styles.
International:
Their fascination with other cultures and extraordinary stories inspired De Geus and Bijvoets to start collaborating with partners from non-Western countries over a decade ago. Besides international co-productions, Le Grand Cru organises training and professionalization programs for talented dancers in underprivileged environments. The international co-productions are performed both in Europe and in the countries where the performances are created, in theatres, open air venues and international festivals as Berliner Tanztage, Jomba in South Africa and Festival sur le Niger in Mali. Le Grand Cru has performed among others in Benin, Cuba, France, Georgia, Germany, Jordan, Kosovo, Mali, Namibia, Palestine, Syria and South Africa.
video: Saskia Habermann and Feri de Geus
Ondulation-Gendarme Couché, photo: Joris Jan Bos
Dance