Duolingo French Podcast La joie du cancan (The Joy of Cancan) - Revisited
Jan 9, 2024
This podcast episode revisits the story of Monika, a professional dancer who has been performing the French Cancan in Paris since the 1960s. It follows her journey in auditioning for a famous cabaret dance troupe, facing challenges in pursuing her passion for dancing, and her success in teaching a can-can routine to amateur dancers. Stick around for an update on what Monika has been up to since the first episode aired!
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Monika Wins Her First Can Can Audition
- Monika Knapp abandoned her ballerina ambitions after realizing she lacked the temperament for professional ballet.
- She impressed a cabaret director by spinning quickly and landing a diagonal split, earning her first can-can job.
Why Monika’s Parents Accepted Her Career
- Monika’s parents initially opposed her can-can career because they viewed dancing as recreation and she was still legally a minor.
- They changed their minds after learning respected choreographer Loulou Stefani led the troupe.
Monika Takes Can Can Across Europe
- After turning 21, Monika toured Portugal, then formed a duo with Clodie and traveled across Europe.
- Their acrobatic can-can and Russian dance routine became popular in clubs and casinos.