Le Grand Bal

Every summer, folk dance fanatics gather at a festival in Gennetines in France, where Le Grand Bal de l’Europe means the town is completely taken over for more than a week. During the day, thousands of visitors can take part in various dance workshops, and in the evenings, dance the mazurka and bourree to live music. Sleeping in your tent comes later – if at all.

The camera follows couples sweeping across always full dance floors. Sometimes at a dizzying tempo, sometimes calmly, other times sensually. Between dancing, the participants are filmed around the campsite, where they talk about dance sessions, social etiquette and places to go when the older dancers finally retire to bed. The observations of  this close-knit community merge with the filmmaker’s extremely personal, often poetic musings in voice-over. Her stories about dance and her family history colour her view, underscoring the stimulating images of this festive life.

After the screening, stick around for a Q&A with balfolk enthusiasts and a balfolk workshop by Louise Marius. The evening will be concluded with a grand bal accompanied by live music. 

Scopitone Café,free admission

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