The Cercle Culturel des Institutions Européennes (EU Cultural Circle) is the umbrella organisation for around 35 clubs and associations affiliated to the European Institutions in Luxembourg.
From music and theatre to chess and wine, there is a variety of clubs for individuals with different interests. Membership and participation in the clubs’ and associations' activities, is also open to people not working in the European Institutions.
In this series of articles, Chronicle.lu explores some of the different clubs and associations of the Cercle Culturel, including their main activities, interests, membership and events.
Next up is the The Popular Dances and Court Dances Club, where Chronicle.lu talked with Marly Knops-Beaumont, Club Secretary.
Chronicle.lu: When and why was the club founded, and what are its main goals and objectives?
Marly Knops-Beaumont: The Popular Dances and Court Dances Club of the European Institutions was created in 1991 by a number of dance enthusiasts from several European countries. Taking advantage of the different nationalities in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the main idea of the group is to bring together lovers of traditional dances and music from European countries, and to exchange and share the diversity and richness of their cultures. And all this in a friendly and joyful atmosphere. Even if Court dances [from the] 18th century have always been part of our repertoire, it was decided in 2019 to create the Court Dances section as a second branch of our club. These activities are temporarily interrupted, due to health reasons of the teacher.
Chronicle.lu: What is the main language of the club and how many nationalities are members of the club?
Marly Knops-Beaumont: French is the main language but, depending on the nationalities of the members, German and English are used [as well]. Nine nationalities are members of the Club.
Chronicle.lu: How often do you meet and where?
Marly Knops-Beaumont: We meet once a week [on] Wednesday-evening from 20:00 – 22:00 at the Bâtiment BECH Wellness-Room. [Rue Alphonse Weicker, Luxembourg-Kirchberg].
Chronicle.lu: What is your main target audience?
Marly Knops-Beaumont: Popular festivals in Luxembourg and neighbouring countries. Europe Day. Demonstrations and dance classes in schools across the country.
Chronicle.lu: How has membership grown over the years and has membership increased since Cercle Culturel began admitting members who are not working in EU institutions? What percentage of your members are not employed by the EU institutions (if known)?
Marly Knops-Beaumont: Over the 33 years of existence [the number of] members varied. Our club had always had a certain number of members not working in the institutions, because of friends who came with friends etc. At the moment about 39% of our members are not employed or not pensioned by the EU institutions.
Chronicle.lu: What events are your club planning or participating in during the coming months?
Marly Knops-Beaumont: No events [are] confirmed yet.
Chronicle.lu: How can someone who is interested in the club’s activities become a member?
Marly Knops-Beaumont: By contacting us by email, at: dansespopulaires.secretaire@cercleculturel.lu or dansespopulaires.president@cercleculturel.lu
Chronicle.lu: Are there different classes/different levels for beginners through to more experienced members?
Marly Knops-Beaumont: [There are] no different levels for beginners or experienced members. For the moment we learn mainly easy dances which give people much fun to execute. As a challenge for the more experienced members we learn also a few more difficult dances.
