I love introducing contemporary French theater and dance to the U.S and the aesthetic and artistic differences between the two countries was particularly striking during the artists’ residency and performances Histoires Exquises (The Exquises Tales) this past April at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. The concept of this original project – which was already presented...
Here in Washington, we know winter has finally melted into spring when the tidal basin reaches its maximum capacity of tourists and, of course, when the cherry blossoms finally bloom! The warm sunshine recently has begun to coax people and plants out of hibernation from the long and tempestuous cold. The endless rows of delicate...
When you begin learning a new language, you quickly realize that conversation is not a simple volley between two speakers. The straightforward back-and-forth you’ve been practicing in your textbook may work out perfectly in the classroom, but try to engage in a conversation anywhere else and those lines suddenly seem pretty bland. If you consciously...
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Diana
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Apr 17, 2013 • 178 views •
In an era of increasing globalization, the threat of losing one’s national identity looms large. For French choreographer Emmanuelle Vo-Dinh and director Charlie Windelschmidt, however, our cultural contact points are a source of inspiration and even an affirmation of the diversity of the human experience. This Friday and Saturday night will feature a highly unique...
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Guest
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Apr 4, 2013 • 637 views •
Since the French devote their lifestyles to food, and their culture is one of the most envied in the world, why shouldn’t we take a few cues be a bit more like them? Here are some tips on how to best live a French lifestyle à distance. You decide your own order of priorities. 1....
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Guest
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Mar 24, 2013 • 209 views •
Thrill, change, education, art, business, history, heritage, family, food – just a handful of reasons why people love to travel. Something about a foreign place fuels the ticking of your mind and the energy of your spirit. And as all of us Francophiles know, that one place exists where the culture and atmosphere fully satisfy...
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Diana
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Mar 21, 2013 • 353 views •
Salut Greg ! Salut Pierre ! Ça fait longtemps depuis ma première interview avec vous l’été 2011. Make the Girl Dance avait joué pour le public francophile de l’Alliance Française à Washington, à tel point que l’ambiance si explosif et énergisant de votre musique reste toujours un bon souvenir pour beaucoup de vos fans, surtout en jouant...
On this international day of celebration of Francophonie, French language, global exchange, cultural dialogue (macarons…*), everyone’s focused on French speakers. As we all know, DC is a hub for foreigners and those who love them for a number of reasons: diplomacy, international development, bi-lingual or multi-lingual U.S. citizens, immigrants, (tourists!), and more. But French is particularly...
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Guest
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Mar 14, 2013 • 1,317 views •
Even with all the buzz around the maison at AFDC, it’s nice to be able to link up with some other DC locales to indulge in a little nostalgia, and with all the expats around DC, there are plenty of options to choose from. AU blogger, Erica, offers up a few of her top picks. Share your favorite...
The approaching sunny spring weather that will allow pleasant afternoon strolls under the blooming cherry blossoms is one of the many reasons most Washingtonians welcome March with open arms. The official end of winter, the halfway point to the summer solstice, and the mantra, in like a lion, out like a lamb, make March give...
Do you sit for hours nursing a coffee at your local coffee shop trying to recreate the ambiance of Paris but failing miserably? Are you oftentimes accused of a love for brie cheese that is considered by some to be borderline addiction? Does the thought of boxed wine send shivers down your spine? If you...
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Guest
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Feb 20, 2013 • 345 views •
Francophiles around the world can thank Audrey Hepburn for her infamous quote: “Paris is always a good idea.” Hundreds of years before Audrey until today, the magic of Paris has inspired minds, souls and hearts to express themselves through art, philosophy, writing and love. The architecturally awe-inspiring boulevards, the markets bursting with fruit and pastries,...
