Toulouse. News, major trends… Dance halls are preparing for a “euphoric return to school”
By Anthony Assemat
Published on
After the Covid and a contrasting year 2021-2022, the time to return to normal has undoubtedly come for dance professionals in Toulouse and the conurbation. But also for amateurs who want to cross the course of registration.
“We find the 8-14 year olds that we had lost”
Because the post-Covid effervescence is still there. And there are many desires to dance. “People call, inquire. Since I opened in 2015, I have never had so many requests before the start of a season! », remarks Julie, the artistic director ofAmplitude Dance, at the Minimes. “I am delighted and euphoric for the start of the new school year, and we have regained the interest of 8-14 year olds, a young audience that we had lost last year”, observes Margaux, from the dance house, avenue Saint-Exupéry. A school created in 2019 before the Covid cut and which specializes, in particular, in aerial hoop lessons.
“Toulouse has always been a city of dances”
This hope and this optimism can be seen clearly in Roland, the manager of the Dance of the Rose Gardenwho hopes to recover the clientele lost or dispersed in recent months.
“People are less afraid now. But I’m not worried: Toulouse has always been a city of dances! “.
The Latin influence is very present in the Pink City. Bachata, kizomba and salsaespecially Cuban, are very popular, like the tango, obviously with its giant balls.
But each place has its truth. Alongside these heavy trends, the manager of Dancin’de la Roseraie notes a “timeless” attraction to the rock. “It’s been working for a long time: even young people are getting into it! And solo, the reggaeton and the street jazz works well too”.
Julie, at Les Minimes, notes an attraction for Jazz, “a popular dance, which we see a lot on TV”. And in adult beginners, the classic dance is making a real comeback, she says. “It’s in high demand, by a predominantly female audience. Maybe the little girl’s dream that continues? “.
In Saint-Exupéry, La Maison de la Danse is in demand for dance classes. modern jazz and of contemporary.
Lindy hop and big Latin trend
At 144 (Camille Pujol district), we also clearly sent the multiplication of calls and “the desire of people to come back and re-register”, observes Véronique, the co-manager. The school is known for having been the first in France to offer lindy hop 27 years ago, an African-American dance, close to swing, which emerged in the 1930s and 1940s. who I hope for a return of the 12-15 year olds.
According to her, many trends are asserting themselves in the Pink City.
“As for dances for two, Lindy hop, salsa and rock. Solo, on a double course for dance hall and street jazz. As for K-pop (dance from South Korea, editor’s note), it literally exploded last year and we had to open two levels.
“Zumba has not disappeared, on the contrary”
But by the way, where is the phenomenon? Zumba ? “I thought it was going to disappear but, on the contrary, it settled in the sporting and dancing landscape because it does not require any particular technical aspect. People want to have fun, sweat and have a good time,” says Véronique, from 144.
For her, it is clear and clear:
“In Toulouse, Latin, with for example bachata and kizomba, has taken precedence over ballroom dancing. I recently rented the room for a bachata festival, there were really a lot of people”.
Toulouse is, of course, a city of tango (the Tangueando association recently made its mark with two open-air events on Place Saint-Georges and offers its milonga at the Grand Rond kiosk on Sundays September 11 and 18, 2022) or flamenco (Fabrica flamenca and many other schools of flamenco and Sevillanas radiate here), but new currents are also making their way into the agglomeration.
The dances take their place
This is the case of oriental dances. For example with Cassandre d’Art Juvia. “Oriental dances are more and more recognized and recognized in Toulouse, we have many old and new teachers”, she testifies.
The young woman, introduced to the west of the Pink City, offers courses in oriental dance and bellydance fusion in Colomiers (Espace Rolbar), Aussonne (Foyer Rural) and Beauzelle (Esprit-Danse). “These are dances that have never been performed or very little performed in these sectors,” she says. All levels (beginner to advanced) and ages are welcome. Cassandra also gives private lessons in her studio in Cornebarrieu on Fridays for more personalized support.
The novelties of the fall
Toulouse is the city of all forms of dance. And the halls have plenty of new things to offer for the start of the 2022 school year. The Maison de la Danse is going to set up dance classes cardio choreography. “It’s cardio to music. It’s not Zumba, but it’s more fun and festive than simple cardio,” explains Margaux, the manager.
Tangueando announces for his part the creation of his school-orchestra. “Do you play an instrument, do you like Argentine Tango and have you always dreamed of joining a Tango orchestra? Are you an amateur or professional musician? Tangueando invites you to join its School Orchestra from September, conducted by Hubert Plessis”, announces the location on its website.
At the Roseraie metro exit (line A), the Danc’in continues its experimentation with‘Afro atmosphere, an afro fitness dance concept.
At Les Minimes, Julie, from Amplitude Danse, will set up new ballet lessons for beginners.
Musical comedy from 4 years old
And know that there is a Musical comedy school (ECMT) in the Pink City (3, impasse de l’Orient, near Joan of Arc), authorized on singing, dancing and acting ? “We are a school entirely geared towards amateur practice, without pressure or competition but to have fun! “says Annelise Calas, the director.
New: the ECMT is expanding this season his musical theater lessons for the 4-7 year old age group and opens courses of street jazz “to let off steam and have fun”. And the challenge will be, for adults, to put together a musical for the end of the season on the theme of “Dirty Dancing”.
In short, to take up challenges, get back in shape, find meaning in their lives or simply have fun with friends, the people of Toulouse are ready for a rhythmic and eclectic season. Push the doors and you will meet enthusiasts!
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