Hip-Hop: A Worldwide Artistic Institution
Over the last few decades, urban culture in the U.S., France, and beyond has developed into a widely recognized and institutional branch within the arts scene. Gone are the days where hip-hop was a sidelined genre existing only on the fringe of the performance world. Today, American hip-hop influences dancers and performers across the world. ...
If You Can’t Go to Paris for the Springtime
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...
Unlikely Pieces of Paris
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,...
India Leaps onto Art Scene with First Biennale
On the mystical opening date of 12/12/12, Kochi, the capital city of Kerala in Western India, inaugurated Kochi-Muziris Biennale, the first contemporary art event of its kind in India. Despite only half of the exhibitions and artworks being ready to be showcased and transportation delays for certain pieces and other logistical glitches – as can...
The State of Culture
Culture. Culture. Culture. This word is so often thrown at us out of context. But what does “culture” truly mean? At the Alliance Française de Washington, we are not only proud of our role as a provider of educational services, but also of our Cultural Department, which offers over 90 ground-breaking cultural events each year...
Finding Warmth at the NGA
The time of year that herds the crowds off of the normally bustling National Mall with nippy winds and barren trees is upon us. Fortunately for Washingtonians, D.C. never fails to provide its residents and visitors with cultural activities, whether the sun beats down with its humid rays or hides behind the icy wind and...
Bidding Adieu to 2012
With the last tumbling leaves of the fall filling our yards and streets, soon will come the end of 2012. Before saying goodbye to this year, make its final month a memorable one by attending two heart-warming and mind-stimulating events hosted by the Alliance Française: an Armagnac Tasting on December 6th and a showcase of...
Bring Down the Lights for Nuit de la Mode
Imagine strolling down lush gardens throughout the night in an ambiance filled with art and fashion. Now in its second year, Nuit de la Mode will again become a tribute to culture that promises to leave a special mark in your memories. The Alliance Française de Washington, Art Soirée and the Hillwood Estate, Museum and...
Mobilize Your Senses
AF: What inspired you to become a dancer? Hosni: Accrorap, the dance troupe, was a huge inspiration to me. Jamal: I was very influenced by Kader Attou, the choreographer for the flagship dance troupe Accrorap, which I had the pleasure to join in 2002. AF: Did you have a specific message in mind that you wanted...
Hip-Hop: a Culture Without Borders
Compagnie KLP, who will perfrom “Tour of Duty” on Thursday, May 24 at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, took a few minutes to tell us about their development and view on hip-hop. AF : What inspired you to become a dancer ? KLP: KLP was started by Yasmin Rahmani at the HB2 school of dance in Nantes,...
French + Hip-Hop: Two words that DO belong together
French hip-hop was born from dance. Contrary to popular belief, it was only much later that hip-hop became widely associated with rap music - at least in France. In addition, today France is one of the only countries that is so open to hip-hop as a professional dance form. So, what exactly is French hip hop? Hip-hop came on...
Small is More: Thank you!
The Alliance sends un grand merci! to all of the performers, technicians, partners, and guests who made Small is More possible! An ambitious project from the beginning, the Alliance is prouder than ever to have been able to welcome such a creative, daring group of artists as a part of our spring cultural season. This...
