The spirit and philosophy that guide our teaching
A dance class is a workshop of research: research of oneself, of the other, of sensations, of plenitude… We have at heart to allow all our dancers to grow and blossom through the practice of dance. Each student is unique. We take the time to observe and understand them and invite them to learn about technique, biomechanics and musicality. We teach them to be present to their body and to live their dance, here and now. Our teaching is marked by benevolence, so that each one can develop in confidence, and by passion, so that everyone can give the best of themselves and enjoy all the joy and happiness that this art brings.
A dance class is a wonderful space of freedom where the student is free to choose…
My role is to transmit information, a knowledge that I renew every day. I am always eager to learn and passionate, and I never stop being a student myself. It’s such a great exercise to start your day with a blank page. Being a teacher also means being the apprentice of your students and being in awe every day! I learn from my students at least as much as they learn from me: the desires and objectives of each one nourish the learning and when we share a piece of the road together, it is just wonderful…
Christine Matthée, Founder, director and head teacher of la passerelle dance studio.
Je danse donc je suis
The non-profit organisation Je danse donc je suis (I dance therefore I am) aims to promote learning and access to dance for all, in a spirit of sharing and kindness.
It also fulfils two other functions:
1. Supporting creativity and young artists
The non-profit organisation covers all costs related to studios, performances, costumes and technical equipment, enabling young volunteer dancers and choreographers to perform on stage. As performing is an essential part of the learning process, members are not asked to contribute to the costs of performances.
2. Passing on experience and training future teachers
The non-profit organisation voluntarily supports young teachers in their apprenticeship, from observation to setting up their own classes. This support, which often lasts several years, has enabled many students to become teachers or set up their own schools.
Our values
Je danse donc je suis is based on volunteering, mutual aid and sharing. For more than 30 years, the studio has been supporting dancers, companies and young teachers by providing its infrastructure, with the sole aim of passing on the passion for dance.
Christine Matthée
After having graduated from the Brussels Conservatory, Christine Matthée, whose brilliance shows from her improvisation and creativity, was admitted to the Folkwang Hochschule Essen where she was taught by Dominique Mercy, Malou Airaudo, Lutz Förster and others.
Jade Waterloo
I started contemporary and classical dance at the age of six. I went on to study dance humanities at the Lycée Martin V. During and after my humanities, I was trained by professional dancers who enabled me to integrate various facets of dance and to accumulate different materials and knowledge.
After my humanities, I continued my professional training at the Danscentrum Jette for 3 years, where I met a huge number of teachers with very different styles who enriched me as a dancer. During these three years, I was able to develop my own material and create my own projects, which I’m still pursuing.
With all this teaching behind me, I now want to pass it on to young people who have a passion for dance and help them to progress over the years.
Michèle Swennen
Michèle Swennen’s dance is fluid, organic and dynamic: a dance that respects the body.
Floor work, based on the Bartenieff technique, which investigates the body’s joints and the search for support points.
Technical work based on the Humphrey-Limon principles, where the use of space and musicality are emphasised. Particular attention is paid to the placement of the body, the energy lines that run through it and its geometry in space.
Private WhatsApp group
This group is intended for school communications.
Membership is granted upon request, by providing a telephone number.
The idea is to share information and publications about dance classes at La Passerelle Dance Studio with you. Therefore, there will be no announcements or articles unrelated to dance classes.
