Poulenc Rondeau from Les Biches
Poulenc’s wonderfully strange piece was originally a ballet – so its time to dance!
1. Listen to the opening of Poulenc’s Rondeau. After the mysterious slow chords there is a very short spiky idea started by the trumpets (scroll to 2’29, stop at 2’35). Invent a short dance to fit the spiky rhythms (or learn my version below)
2. This idea returns several times during the piece. Listen in full and see if you can spot it and dance along each time
3. Now invent short contrasting dances to fit with the music that comes in between. Can you match your dancing to the music? So, if the music is smooth, create smooth dance moves, if it is spiky, bounce around? Don’t miss the sad bit towards the end…
The more you listen and practise the better your dance will become! And remember, ‘there’s no wrong answer!’