On March 10th, guests experienced an original, experimental dance performance choreographed by Villa Albertine artist resident Lēnablou in collaboration with Open Dance Project artistic director Annie Arnoult. Staged at the Moody Center for the Arts, this public performance kicked off the French Cultures Festival. Guests joined us for cocktails at 5:30 p.m. and performances at 6:30 p.m. 

A renowned dancer and choreographer with a doctorate in ethnochoreology, Lēnablou is completing her Villa Albertine residency at Rice University in March 2023. Contributing to a network for arts and ideas spanning France and the United States,Lēnablou is working with Jacqueline Couti, Professor Laurence H. Favrot in French studies, and Chair of Modern and Classical Literatures and Cultures. Throughout her residency, Blou will engage with Rice students and faculty as well as artists from the greater Houston community around what she terms bigidi, how the body of the Caribbean dancer, in a state of permanent imbalance, adapts to chaos. The performance on March 10 will highlight Lēnablou's craft and concepts while showcasing the cross-cultural and cross-community objectives of her residency.  

 
This event was sponsored by The Villa Albertine, the Moody Center for the Arts, Modern and Classical Literatures and Cultures, and the School of Humanities. Lēnablou's residency is part of Albertine Dance Season: A year-long celebration of the art of dance from inception to performance in 2023. 
 
This event was open to all but required registration.