Les Twins 2023: Your Beginner-Friendly Guide to Understanding Their Dance

Les Twins, Laurent and Larry Bourgeois, are not just dancers; they're a global phenomenon. Their unique style, often described as "New Style," blends elements of hip-hop, contemporary, and their own improvisational flair, making them instantly recognizable. Trying to dissect their approach can feel like untangling a ball of yarn, but this guide will break down key elements you should know to better understand and appreciate their artistry in 2023.

Key Concept 1: *New Style* - More Than Just a Label

The term "New Style" is often associated with Les Twins, but it's crucial to understand what it *isn't* before diving into what it *is*. It's not a rigid, codified dance form like ballet or salsa. Think of it more as a philosophy, a guiding principle that emphasizes:

• Individuality: New Style encourages dancers to find their own voice and expression within the framework of hip-hop and other influences. It's about personal interpretation and making the movement your own.


• Musicality: Dancers don't just move to the beat; they interact with the music, responding to nuances, textures, and emotions within the soundscape. This goes beyond simply hitting the rhythm; it's about having a conversation with the music.


• Improvisation: New Style thrives on spontaneity and the ability to create in the moment. Pre-choreographed routines are less common than freestyle sessions where dancers react to the music and each other.


• Storytelling: Movement is used to convey emotions, narratives, and ideas. This can be subtle or overt, but the intention is to communicate something beyond just technical proficiency.

For Les Twins, New Style is about breaking the rules and creating their own. They pull inspiration from everywhere, including locking, popping, house, and even contemporary dance, and then filter it through their unique perspectives.

Practical Example: Watch a Les Twins performance and try to identify moments where they're clearly reacting to specific sounds in the music. Is there a percussive hit that triggers a sharp, angular movement? Or a melodic phrase that inspires a flowing, lyrical gesture? This is musicality in action.

Key Concept 2: The Power of Contrast and Dynamics

One of the most striking aspects of Les Twins' dancing is their masterful use of contrast and dynamics. They are masters of juxtaposing:

• Sharp vs. Fluid: They can switch seamlessly between jerky, robotic movements and smooth, flowing gestures, creating a captivating visual push and pull.


• Fast vs. Slow: The sudden shifts in tempo, from lightning-fast footwork to deliberate, drawn-out poses, keep the audience constantly engaged.


• Strong vs. Soft: They can unleash powerful, explosive movements and then immediately transition to delicate, almost vulnerable expressions.


• High Energy vs. Low Energy: Their performances often involve moments of intense, high-energy bursts followed by periods of quiet introspection and controlled movements.

This dynamic range is what makes their dancing so compelling and unpredictable. It's not just about showing off technical skill; it's about creating an emotional journey for the viewer.

Practical Example: Focus on their use of levels. Do they suddenly drop to the floor and explode back up? Do they utilize height to emphasize a particular move? Pay attention to how they manipulate their bodies in space to create different visual effects.

Key Concept 3: Connection and Communication (The Twin Factor)

Of course, a defining aspect of Les Twins is their connection as brothers. Their ability to anticipate each other's movements, mirror each other's expressions, and create a unified performance is unparalleled. This connection manifests in several ways:

• Mirroring and Echoing: They often perform the same movements simultaneously or in quick succession, creating a powerful visual impact. This isn't always perfect mirroring; sometimes it's more like an echo, with one twin responding to the other's movement with a slight variation.


• Call and Response: One twin might initiate a movement or phrase, and the other will respond with a complementary or contrasting movement. This creates a dynamic dialogue between them.


• Shared Energy and Intent: Even when they're not performing the same movements, there's often a palpable sense of shared energy and intent. They seem to be on the same wavelength, communicating through their bodies.

This deep connection adds a layer of complexity and intrigue to their performances. It's not just about individual skill; it's about the synergy they create as a duo.

Practical Example: Watch how they interact with each other during a performance. Do they make eye contact? Do they anticipate each other's movements? Do they use their bodies to create shapes and patterns together?

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Appreciating Les Twins:

• Focusing Solely on Technical Skill: While Les Twins are undoubtedly technically proficient, their dancing is about more than just executing complex moves. Don't get so caught up in trying to identify the specific steps they're doing that you miss the emotional content and artistic expression.


• Ignoring the Music: Their dancing is deeply rooted in musicality. Pay attention to the music and how they're responding to it. Try to understand the connection between their movements and the sounds they're hearing.


• Dismissing Improvisation: A significant portion of their performances is improvised. Don't expect to see perfectly synchronized routines. Embrace the spontaneity and the unexpected.


• Comparing Them to Other Dancers: Les Twins have a unique style that's difficult to compare to other dancers. Avoid trying to fit them into pre-existing categories or judging them based on conventional standards.

Les Twins in 2023: What to Expect

In 2023, Les Twins continue to push the boundaries of dance. While their core principles remain the same, they are constantly evolving and experimenting with new ideas. Expect to see:

• Continued Exploration of Musicality: They are always finding new ways to interact with music, incorporating different genres and styles into their performances.


• Greater Emphasis on Storytelling: Their recent work suggests a growing interest in using dance to tell stories and explore complex themes.


• Collaboration with Other Artists: They are increasingly collaborating with musicians, filmmakers, and other artists to create innovative and multi-faceted projects.

In Conclusion:

Understanding Les Twins' dancing is an ongoing journey. By focusing on the key concepts of New Style, contrast and dynamics, and the power of their twin connection, you can gain a deeper appreciation for their artistry. Remember to listen to the music, embrace the improvisation, and allow yourself to be transported by their unique and captivating performances. In 2023, Les Twins continue to redefine what it means to be a dancer, and the world is watching.