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 Spanish Dance Club where Chronicle.lu talked with Jorge Tienda Lopez, Treasurer.
Chronicle.lu: When and why was the club founded, and what are its main goals and objectives?
Jorge Tienda Lopez: In 1997, the Spanish Dances Club in Luxembourg [was founded] with the main objective of promoting the knowledge and the practice of the Spanish dances and music, in particular "Sevillanas" and "Flamenco" with the diversity of all its palos (alegrías, tientos, tangos, soleá, seguirillas, etc.), not forgetting the rumba and the castanets.
Chronicle.lu: What is the main language of the club and how many nationalities are members of the club?
Jorge Tienda Lopez: Members are of all nationalities, logically most of them Europeans but not [all are]. Languages spoken in the courses are Spanish, French and English.
Chronicle.lu: How often do you meet and where?
Jorge Tienda Lopez: Courses are given three times per week, normally in the evenings, in the premises of EU Institutions buildings in Cloche d’Or and Kirchberg (gym rooms).
Chronicle.lu: What is your main target audience?
Jorge Tienda Lopez: Due to its multicultural character, our club also tries to gather people from various origins to share with them the benefits of movement and the joyful moments obtained through the dance.
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)?
Jorge Tienda Lopez: The number of members is different from year to year, but varies from 40 to 60 people. 40-50% of them are external to the EU Institutions.
Chronicle.lu: What events are your club planning or participating in during the coming months?
Jorge Tienda Lopez: [The club] takes part, to the extent of its possibilities, in any activity to which it is requested (multicultural festivals, Europe's day, Flamenco Festival Esch-sur-Alzette, thematic shows, etc.).
Chronicle.lu: How can someone who is interested in the club’s activities become a member?
Jorge Tienda Lopez: The Spanish Dances Club works under the frame of the Cultural Circle of the European Institutions in Luxembourg but is open to any person who may wish take part in its activities. Contact us by email (spanishdances@internet.lu) or by telephone via: +352 691-121963.
Chronicle.lu: Are there different classes/different levels for beginners through to more experienced members?
Jorge Tienda Lopez: The club organises regularly, as [its] main activity, weekly dancing courses, at several levels, for adults as well as for children.
