Frans Halsstraat 9c, postal code: 1072 BJ
Amsterdam
Netherlands
- Arts
Special people, special cultures; Dutch based Le Grand Cru Foundation brings them together to make the world a better place. Artistic directors De Geus and Bijvoets create unique intercultural performances and support young people in their self-development through the art of dance and theatre. With training, education and productions, they have in recent years cooperated with local partners in many countries. In search for authenticity and with expertise and curiosity as 'luggage' the choreographers tell the unpolished ('cru'), direct human story of young people that often have little access to art or who live in complex societies. Le Grand Cru reveals the thoughts and dreams of these young people by making titillating and provocative performances. Le Grand Cru has developed her own method of cultural and 'mental mapping' to build her impressive productions and workshops. Training and education determine the process of gaining craftsmanship and self-development. Le Grand Cru is leading in presenting professional art in a framework of cultural awareness and social change. De Geus and Bijvoets demonstrate that artistic virtuosity and empowerment go hand in hand. Highly successful, as audience, participants, press and donors all respond very positive.
Dance training and choreography projects, training the trainers workshops aimed at developping and spreading dance amongst youngsters. Le Grand Cru has a specific method that reveals the strenght and identity of cultures and putting it in a contemporary setting
Le Grand Cru works from a self developed unique mapping methodology. The purpose of this technique is to reveal the social and cultural identity of the participants ( dancers / actors) and at the same time has its focus on intercultural exchange. The method focuses on issues dealing with general culturally recognizable human values. Through a process of guiding assignments and improvisations all kind of matters pop up that stimulates cultural awareness: who are you, what is important for an individual's life, matters from personal to politics. By using this method De Geus en Bijvoets do not work with preconceived issues but they let the themes for a performance organically come into being. This unique method of working is constantly tested, extended and adjusted.