Danceorientation Festival Brussels
Dear participant of the first inclusive dance festival for blind, visually impaired, and sighted individuals.
We are so excited that we get to organize this festival for the first time in Brussels and Europe. This is thanks to the tremendous support from so many people. The dance festival is a collaboration of various organizations. VZW Etage Tropical receives support from Sport Vlaanderen, VGC Sport Brussels, De Platoo, BVBA Sensotec, Salsa2night, Giro Wacko, trainers and volunteers from Etage Tropical, and all of you. Literally, a whole lot of people have put in a lot of preparatory work to make this first little festival happen. We hope you will enjoy it to the fullest.
That being said, we are, of course, facing a challenge! Never before has there been a dance festival with this configuration.
In order to ensure everything runs smoothly, there are a few things that need to be communicated clearly and followed closely. It is crucial that there is the right balance between the two worlds: the world of the sighted and that of the non-sighted, to maximize the enjoyment for everyone involved.
This is something we need to do together.
The doors will open at 10:30. Registration can be done at the desk. But everyone is free to arrive whenever they wish. If you are blind, it is best to inform us in advance when we can expect you.
Communication
The lessons will follow a fixed communication pattern.
Workshops
In groups
Questions
Individual guidance
Practice
During the workshops, there should be no talking over each other. Just like in goalball, there must be attention and respect for each participant’s learning process. A word will be chosen to enforce this rule.
Visual material: During the workshops, visitors and participants are not allowed to film. After each workshop, there will be an opportunity for individual recording of figures or moves.
VZW Etage Tropical reserves the right to film during the workshops with the goal of learning from it and using interesting footage to share information with the world. Since we want to promote dance for people with visual disabilities, visual material is necessary. Feedback will be available on the website www.danceorientation.eu.
Program
Yoga: Duo Yoga. Touch is an important factor. Therefore, we ideally opt for the setup: one sighted / one non-sighted. Tango and Bachatango: The tango lesson is for beginners, and in Tango, the dance is done in a circle. This circle will mainly teach how to take dance steps as both a leader and a follower and how to hear the right rhythm for initiating movement. Cuban Salsa for beginners does not need to be specified. Cuban Salsa is open level. The level and lessons will be determined based on the dance setup. However, it will be a moment where we will exceptionally focus on body movement, using tools and materials. With touch, we will explore new dance elements that I specially wrote for the festival. Contact dance also requires a setup where one blind dancer and one sighted dancer are ideal. The sighted dancer will be blindfolded.
Lunch and Social Dancing
You can bring your own lunch. There are veggie croque monsieurs (sweet potato, pumpkin, and cheese) (€4), and brawat (chicken €3) and veggie (€2). All drinks are available. Water, soft drinks, beers, wines.
Dinner and a Glass of Wine
The couscous with chicken or veggie will be made by Nadia. She is Belgian of Moroccan descent and organizes monthly oriental cooking workshops in Brussels. Delicious. Please order in advance. The price is €10. All drinks are available. Water, soft drinks, beers, wines.
Debate about Dance Experiences
We would like to be informed about your experience at the festival. We will do this in two ways. Some questions will be asked informally within the group. A debate between some sighted and some blind participants will be staged so that we can learn from it. The aim is for this to be a 50%/50% split, with equal attention given to each dancer.
Performances and Shows
For the occasion, we have also arranged some performances. At 16:00, there will be a 3-minute show by our G-salsa girls. They are coming all the way from Ghent to showcase their salsa skills together with their dance teacher Laure. This performance will take place between the lessons in the large hall. During dinner, you can expect wonderful oriental music and an extensive performance by Marika Raks. Marika is an oriental dancer of Hungarian descent who will get you all fired up with her sultry dance moves. Be careful not to be suddenly touched by her long hair or her exciting attire. The music at the party will mainly be provided by Brussels DJ Karimou. For the party, we ask for a participation fee of €10, which will be used to further promote accessibility for people with visual disabilities in the dance world.
Transportation
If you cannot take the train home, send us an individual message. BVBA Sensotec is helping and offering transportation back home for participants. A fuel fee will be charged.
Clothing
Bring comfortable shoes and clothing. Also, bring something warm. The meal will take place on the covered terrace. We are not sure what the temperature will be on September 17th. The workshops will be indoors. An extra towel and freshening up supplies are handy. Dogs are also very welcome! If you have a guide dog and have specific requests, let us know. The party will end at 2:30, and the last guests will head home to continue reflecting on or enjoying a wonderful dance day.
If you have any further questions about the event, email us at info@etagetropical.be
See you on the dance floor!
Michèle
