Heritage Community Foundation PresentsAlberta Online Encyclopedia
The Blés d'Or
; "Les Blés d'Or")
Famed performer and choreographer Martha Graham (1894-1991) called dancing the “hidden language of the soul.” Recreating traditional folk dance pieces, one Alberta ensemble has tried to capture and preserve the soul of the province’s Francophone community.
; "Les Blés d'Or")
Les Blés d’Or (“Golden Wheat”) is one of the oldest folk dance companies in Alberta. It was formed as a recreational group in St. Paul in 1973 and has since toured internationally, provincially and locally, appearing at both folk and contemporary dance events. Between 1976 and 2001, Les Blés d’Or performed at over 100 festivals, shows, conventions and special events. The group, which is comprised of 20 members, also provides jig and dance workshops.
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One of the company’s most memorable performances was at Expo '86 in Vancouver, British Columbia. They have also toured Québec on more than one occasion and have travelled twice to Dieppe, France to participate in celebrations of the anniversary of the Dieppe Raid. Other notable appearances include a performance at the Opening Ceremonies of the 1988 Olympic Winter Games in Calgary and as Ambassadors for Canada at an international festival in Ireland.
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The company operates a dance school and has assisted other communities with the development of folk dance groups. Another group, Les Tourbillons, a senior group, was formed in 1979 by Les Blés d’Or and has since toured the province performing traditional dances.
If you would like more information on Les Blés d'Or and their upcoming events, please feel free to contact them at Box 3078, St. Paul, Alberta or call 780-645-4410.
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For more on the towns of St. Vincent and St. Paul, visit Peel’s Prairie Provinces.