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Branle bearnais & variations

13 Dec 2025 – 10:15-15:15

GC De Maalbeek
rue Général Leman 118
Generaal Lemanstraat 118
1040 Etterbeek
Belgium
Teacher : Koen Dhondt
Target audience : Advanced, Intermediate
Workshop organised by Frisse Folk
Spots available
Normal price 45,00€
Discount price if you don’t work 35,00€
Social price 20,00€
Fair trade price 55,00€
Compensation 0,00€
Branle béarnais – Les Bottines Artistiques

Workshop Branle béarnais (Branle d'Ossau) with Koen Dhondt

Yes, indeed, that’s the chain dance that looks so easy, but when you join in, you realise it’s not quite so simple after all. A lovely challenge for (semi-)advanced dancers! With variations, off beats etcetera!


Programme

Simultaneousy:

  • Learn the basic step for those who are new to this dance 
  • Practice and learn variations for those who already have some experience with this dance 
  • We’ll also learn the branle béarnais and couple (with specific steps)

During this workshop, we’ll be teaching the basic step and the variations of the branle béarnais (also known as the branle de la Vallée d’Ossau), so that both groups are constantly presented with challenges suited to their level. Alongside the explanation of the basic step, Koen will introduce rhythmic and other variations for experienced dancers, starting with easy ones and progressing to increasingly difficult ones: counter-rhythms in various combinations, padam, other movements, stylistic variations…

If you are not yet familiar with this dance, the aim of this workshop is to master the basic step properly, perhaps including a few easy variations. Dancers who already know the basic step can, meanwhile, focus on the more difficult variations. 


About the branle béarnais = branle de la vallée d'Ossau  (text: Corbefin Marsac)

The Branle Béarnais (also known as the Branle de la Vallée d’Ossau), which is related to the branles of the Renaissance, was danced in an open chain formation in the Ossau Valley (in the Béarn region of the Pyrenees) until the end of the 19th century. The cadence that sets the tempo of the dance allows the movement to develop into a suspended, almost floating effect.

 



This workshop is the ideal preparation for the ball with Fred De Schauwers on  16/12 at De Pianofabriek.

 



More info

You can refer to the menu to find all information on general organisation of our workshops, prices and discounts etc.

Scroll down to get to the info about this particular workshop. We can translate important points into English during the workshop, if needed.If you need any help to make a reservation, do not hesitate to contact us (also in English, Spanish, Portuguese or Dutch).

Practical Info

Meal

We suggest all participants bring something for a shared lunch. Potluck!

The bar will be open throughout the day. Frisse Folk offers water for free 

Language

Our workshops in Brussels are usually given in French, with translations into Dutch or English if necessary. Koen is fluent in 5 languages, so you will get individual feedback in the language of your choice.

Ponctuality

Please arrive 15 minutes before the advertised starting time of the workshop, so we can start on time.

LEVEL

For intermediate and advanced dancers. No experience of branle required.

 

Dance Partner

It is never necessary to register as a couple for our dance workshops. 
Therefore, you can register alone, as a couple, with friends …

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