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Don LaCourse
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Don LaCourse is a prominent choreographer, educator, and the Artistic Director of the Ethnic Dance Theatre in St. Paul, Minnesota. He is widely recognized for his expertise in international folklore, specifically traditional German and Austrian folk dances (Volkstänze). Through his curation of curated German/Austrian Dance Playlists and live instructional workshops, LaCourse plays a major role in preserving Alpine performance arts across North America.
Key Contributions and Workshops
- Gaufest Workshops: At major cultural gatherings like the Gauverband Nordamerika Gaufest, LaCourse has hosted specialized workshops teaching traditional Volkstänze. His work often builds upon historical regional collections, such as the choreographies of Ingeborg Heinrichsen (Bairisch tanzen).
- Alpine Folk Preservations: His instructions and curation include core regional styles like the rhythmic, clapping-heavy Schuhplattler (traditional Alpine shoe-slapping dance) and various styles of regional Ländler (the rustic, spinning 3/4-time ancestor of the waltz).
- Ethnic Dance Theatre: Alongside his focus on Alpine culture, he guides the St. Paul-based dance company in performing and teaching a vast array of world folklore, providing community classes, festivals, and mini-lessons to the public.