In stifling heat, ten children, aged 6 to 12, replicate Elijah’s dance steps, a colored scarf in their hand. “Did you see how well we dance?” It’s awesome ! »Enthuses Eric, 9 years old. All week long, they enjoy an artistic workshop in the heart of their neighborhood, Rosier-Chantepie, in Sarcelles.
The activity is offered by the Parisian association Môm’Artre, specialized in initiation to art in priority neighborhoods. “I try to get them to be comfortable with their body and the dance,” explains Elie, a professional dancer. At first, they were quite resistant, because they had never done! Finally, they are very creative and enthusiastic. “
“Art remains something remote for these children”
This is the case of Asitan, 10 years old. Until then, the little girl only had to do a few Afro dance steps with her family. “Usually in the summer, I play outside with my friends, I go on vacation with my parents… This is new but I love it, it’s so cool! Djibril had some notions of hip-hop dance. “When I was younger. The activity makes me want to resume dancing! », Launches the 10 year old child.
This discovery of an artistic practice allows children, who do not go on vacation, to “get out of their daily life”, thinks a leader of the leisure center. “They discover new things, interact with people they did not know before,” she emphasizes. Art remains something very far away for these children. However, they need it. “
A lasting involvement
This dance workshop, which takes place until Friday, is part of a more global project of the association in the city. All summer long, Môm’Artre organizes fourteen different workshops in photography, theater, comics, portraits… Four others are offered in the neighboring town of Villiers-le-Bel.
“This is the first time that we have exported ourselves outside the walls to this region, we are taking advantage of the“ Learning Holidays ”system, underlines Marianne Lacuisse-Collard, member of the association’s outside service. Art remains, still, inaccessible for this population. Our mission is to initiate them and bring them to the artistic world. “
Môm’Artre, headquartered in the 19th arrondissement of Paris, hopes to strengthen its local presence at the entrance. And continue artistic workshops in schools. “We can also train municipal agents in artistic education,” boasts Marianne. We will be there to meet the needs! “
Much to the delight of Anaëlle, 11, a “fan” of the dance workshop. “I would like to continue, but in Sarcelles, there is no club, she regrets. I hope that Elie will be able to come back to give us lessons after the holidays… ”
