Clever and fun is this short dance film called, “C’était bien (au petit bal perdu)” [The Little Lost Ball]. It is choreographed by French choreographer, Philippe Decoufle to a song sung by Bourvil called “It Was Good”. I don’t know the names of the performers. The accordionist is Annie Lacour.
Philippe Decoufle’s background is initially based in circus and mime training. He later became interested in contemporary dance and went on to study at The National Center of Contemporary Dance in Agers, France, where he had the great fortune to study under the renowned American pioneer of dance, Alwin Nicolais. Decoufle went onto a solo dance career before forming his own company called, The Deufle Company of Arts.
Decoufle has had outstanding highlights in his career which include his being selected to choreograph the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1992 winter Olympics, where his work was seen by millions of viewers around the world. He also wrote and directed the acclaimed Cirque du Soleil show called Iris. Decoufle has won numerous awards for his work and short films including the short film prize Reconties Internationale du filme, Geneve 1995 for the dance film I am posting today.
The dance in this film is based on the song which is set in post war France after world war two. It speaks of the period just after the war when the necessities of life were hard to come by and people lived simply. The song/dance is focuses on two lovers who find love in the simplicities of life.
The choreography is created from elements of sign language that have been integrated with mime gestures similar to those in children’s song and riddle games. Every sentence and action is conveyed through movement that plays with the double meanings and roots of the words. The objects in the piece, which were basic essentials for survival after war time, were used to convey the double meanings. Each has a deep symbolic meaning.
In the film we see one scene of a woman playing an accordion and a second of two performers/lovers sitting at a table in the middle of a breezy wheat field. Within the context of the song we see choreographed portrayals of the odd behavior patterns of the lovers. The dancing is precise showing great complicity, coordination and artistry of the dancers.
This is a very charming and captivating film created with a strong simple aesthetic where every detail is accounted for. It is beautifully performed. I am forever amazed at the wide range of contemporary dance… this is a one of a kind and entertaining to watch.
Enjoy this unique and fun piece then SHARE it on!
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