French in Figures: speakers in the DMV region
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...
4 Points to Understanding la Francophonie
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...
A Study in “Yummy”
What would you call the sensation you feel during the first bite into your favorite delicacy? Is that first bite merely a sensation? Is it a feeling? Could it be an emotion? To me, a warm crêpe stuffed to the brim with slivers of bananas and fresh maple butter on a cold March morning is...
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...
Making Homes Away from Home
Think about walking down a street in your neighborhood. Whether you live near the bustling stores and streets of downtown or in the more tranquil neighborhoods of residential D.C., there are familiar buildings, businesses and homes you inevitably picture. The nearest pharmacy, coffee shop and grocery store are all familiar places that you visit quite...
Coup de Coeur
Coup de coeur is a favorite French expression that translates as “infatuation / falling in love with something” (rather than someone). In the past six months, my coup de coeur has been with everything French! Even though I am a French native, after years of living, working, and studying in the U.S., my integration into...
A Final Word on Urban Corps
After an exciting 9 days, Urban Corps: A Transatlantic Hip-Hop Festival has come to an end. As always we would like to thank everyone who came to the events, helped with promotion and, of course, all of our sponsors, partners, members, volunteers and the dancers! For nine days, French hip-hop dance artists took the stage in various...
The Word from the Press on Urban Corps
Urban Corps hip-hop fest ends tonight with a dance battle featuring both French and local D.C. dancers. As we wrap things up, here’s a few highlights from the local, national, and international press. And of course, feel free to leave your take in the comments! The Washington Post Sunday...
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...
Reclaiming Identity: French minorities take back their voice through hip-hop
Imagine being born, raised and educated in France, the country of the Rights of Man. Imagine learning French history and literature in school, speaking French as your native language, buying your morning croissant at the local bakery and yet not being considered French by most of the society around you. Imagine facing racism in the job...
Urban Corps: Program of Events
Urban Corps creates a new give and take between French and American dancers, generating a symbiotic, artistic relationship. This collaboration, the likes of which is unprecedented in D.C., serves as proof that urban issues are not only local, but mutually influenced on both sides of the Atlantic and across the globe. Urban Corps performances...
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...
