A review of the Tanzhausfest
From England to the vastness of Russia, on the trip via Italy and Sweden we came across exciting unknown cultures and close friends. The Party: 400 Dancers at the
20. Leipziger Tanzhausfest May 5 to May 8 2005
We met the bands Dobranotch (Russia), Bilwesz (Austria/North Germany), Swedenquell (Leipzig), Danzfolk (North Germany), Trio Grande and Brassberries (somewhat from everywhere), Spakkabrianza (Italy), Wimmerschinken (Leipzig), Zerrwanst & Co. (Leipzig), Javallon (Berlin), Ker Blec'h (Marburg-Berlin) and GIG CB! (England)
The biggest Band by members , GIG CB! from the british island had no more room on stage than we had on the dancefloor. No wonder that on threads of contra dances occasionally there were clashes of dance groups respectively new options. Channelled by our caller Chris and those two well-visited workshops, finally everything worked out right. A problem occurred in the end with the encores: What is followed by the "very last encore"?
After the whirlwind raised by Zerrwanst & Co., it was Javallon who with 180 turns per minute served us the whole french variety - dreaming and deep looks in the eyes inclusive. Ker Blec'h, singing in turn with Javallon made us turn in bigger circles with their sung Ronds and by the way, we found out that there is something else but Gavotte and Larridé in Brittany. At the nighttime sessions there were even some who joined in.
With finest Agripop, Bilwesz kept us on the feet - or better - turning. traditional music, as it should be played: fast, necking, strange and without reservations. No wonder as for the beat and the limited number of feet in the end obviously identical or at least similar dances have to come out - might they be called Fürzwinger or Stig Vals - Waltz, Landler, Schleuniger, Polka or Scottish.
20 years Trio Grande and 20th Tanzhausfest - that fits in. It couldn't have been a better mood and even long kept wishes were fulfilled. Hopefully they will appear more often again in the coming time.
With a nice announcement that nobody could understand Danzfolk made it clear where they come from - the Platte Land up in northern Germany and the gifts of that region are good for a dance. The announcement was translated for sure and the following explications of the dances were all in a more common language. Though some of the explications wouldn't have been necessary. Anyway, the strong northern winds made us sweat.
Last year the Brassberries were so fond of Leipzig that they were dying to come again. And the verve lay on both sides as was plain to see.
It might be irritating to announce a band and as you have done so the stage suddenly is deserted. It wasn't just Sylvie who was surprised by Spakkabrianza. Although not everyone managed to look as elegant and easy as the animators - the Tammurriata, Tarantella etc., seduced them. It was the same as when GIG CB! played - Spakkabrianza just couldn't come to an end. Those who now have tasted blood can meet both bands again at the Bal d'Europe at Gennetinnes .
Dobranotch were let loose on Sunday, playing for the lasting unshaken cohort - and not just a few - to squeeze the last remaining energies from the dancers.