The Contredanse Française is a 7-part figure dance for the young Masters, and participating in it requires commitment to attend the practice sessions. Because the pairs dance opposite each other, it makes practising the dance extremely difficult if your opposing pair is missing. Likewise, if the opposing pair drops out, it also means that the other pair cannot participate in the dance. You should attend the first practice session in order to participate in the dance. We will be teaching the other academic dances during the dance rehearsals for the Masters’ Contredanse Française as well, so you don’t need to attend the general dance rehearsals if you are participating in the Contredance Française.
You may register for the Masters’ Contredanse Française with a partner or individually. If you register alone, pairs can be formed at the first rehearsal. Registration is binding, and participants are expected to commit to attending the rehearsals. Withdrawing at a later stage means that the other person in the pair would also need to withdraw to maintain an even formation in the dance. There are seven rehearsals in total, and participants may miss up to two. In such cases, only one member of the pair can be absent from a rehearsal: the other partner is expected to guide the absent partner.
“By taking part in the Conferment dances, including the Contredanse Française, you join a long historical tradition. No prior requirements are needed beyond the ability to walk. I teach in Finnish, Swedish, and English when needed. Welcome!” – Dance teacher Marianne Krause
At the general dance rehearsals, academic dances are practised. The academic dances included in the conferment are the following, all of which can be practised either at the general dance rehearsals or independently at home using instructional videos.
1) Mignon
2) Cicapo
3) Pompadour
4) Krakowiak
5) Pas d’Espagne
6) Grande valse
You can also familiarise yourself with the dances independently using the playlist available on the University’s YouTube channel.