Celebrating Philippe Callens

This midweek course is a tribute to the inspirational and much-missed dance master Philippe Callens (Antwerp, 21 March 1962 – Esneux, 17 February 2021) and his wide-ranging enthusiasms – from English dance reconstructions through to dances in the New England style and his own stylish English dance choreography.

In 1990, Philippe founded the Anglo-American Dance Shop (AADS) in Belgium with Luc Blancke and Frieda Van Vlaenderen, bringing dancers from across Europe to dance with Philippe and the best of American and English teachers.

During this special week at Halsway, AADS will launch a new collection of Phillipe’s unpublished dances alongside an accompanying CD featuring accomplished musicians Paul Hutchinson (accordion), Karen Wimhurst (clarinets) and Dries de Maeyer (recorders and whistles). Dance caller Simone Verheyen, a long-standing friend of Philippe will be joined by the well-loved EFDSS gold badge holder Madeleine Smith.

Dynamic, live dance music was a passion for Phillipe and during the afternoons, the emphasis will be on exploring Madeleine’s statement “dance is music made visible”, as well as giving dancers a chance to participate in music workshops led by virtuoso wind player Dries de Maeyer.

Who is it for?

Dancers with a basic knowledge of Playford and English dance traditions.

The Team