Tous en scène: a show for passionate amateurs

On June 14 and 15 at L'Ajoe, nearly 60 amateur dancers will take to the stage for a show imagined, created and rehearsed over many months. Behind this project is Cécile Coudreau, a well-known figure in the Saint Barth dance world.
Two years ago, dance teacher Cécile Coudreau and some of the island's dancers set themselves a crazy challenge: to put on an adult show by bringing together the island's various dance schools. "We said to ourselves: why not create a show with everyone who dances on the island?" she recounts, before adding, amused: "We started with our group, Les Coconuts Girls... Well, there are boys too! "
Today, there are twenty-five of them in the collective. But on stage, they'll be a lot more. "We've invited Ti Ouana Salsa, the adults from Kim (Dancewithkim), and Ascco Rock," she says. Together, they form a large troupe of some sixty amateur dancers, all of whom live on the island. None of them are professionals. All have taken classes during the year, and all take to the stage with the same desire: to share, dance and have fun. "Basically, we had an idea for a cabaret. Then we thought, why not put on a real show? "she recalls. In the end, what they came up with was a mosaic of acts, with no single theme, but a clear line: the pleasure of doing things together. I didn't want a performance show, or something rigid," she insists. What I wanted was for them to have fun. "She smiles, then adds: "I'm happy when they are. "Before confiding, almost to herself: "I really enjoyed making it. "The show is varied, lively and true to the people in it. Adults, young people, women, men... "There are some very simple moments, sometimes even silly ones," laughs the dance teacher, before adding, "But that we took the time to work on. "

Making the island dance, against all odds
In Saint-Barth, with no permanent stage, putting on a show becomes a real challenge. It's a bit of a crazy project, because you have to organize everything," confirms Cécile. You have to understand how you rehearse, how you bring your acts to life in a space that wasn't designed for that. "And yet, it works. And it's starting all over again.
Last year's show was a success. So much so that this year, the troupe will be performing two evenings. With the added bonus that several of the dancers have never set foot on stage before. It's a real challenge for them," says Cécile. There's stress, but it's good stress. "Some are dancing for the first time in front of their families, or in front of strangers. But here, everyone knows each other a little. And what about the teacher?
She orchestrates, guides and transmits. It takes a lot of energy to train everyone," she says, "but now we've got the hang of it. "Then, without hesitation, she concludes: "I love what I do. It's the dream. "The second edition of Tous en scène will take place at Ajoe, Saturday June 14 at 8pm, and Sunday June 15 at 7:30pm. Tickets can be booked on the Ajoe Ciné website. But the adventure doesn't stop there.

Summer dance
In the wake of the show, Cécile Coudreau is already preparing the next stage. A summer dance course. It's a dream she's been nurturing for a long time. "It's my other big project", she confides. For three weeks, from July 24 to August 18, dance workshops will be offered, open to all, with no limit on places. The idea is to keep the island moving, to create a moment of exchange and learning, regardless of age or level. What's more, this year we'll be welcoming a special guest to share his knowledge: Anthony Despras, a renowned dancer and choreographer who has worked on such great musicals as Notre Dame de Paris and Romeo and Juliet. Joining him for this workshop are break dancer Xmaflow, Morgane Lingot, and Joséphine Dussaule, another passionate dancer, none other than Cécile's daughter. The next generation is assured. No need for rhinestones or sequins. All on stage, it's sweat, rigor and desire that make the show.