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Dîner en Blanc™ Comes to Portland August 31
Launched by Frenchman François Pasquier over 25 years ago, the Dîner en Blanc™ now assembles nearly 15,000 people each year, with events in 40 cities on 5 continents. The event, which involves large groups of people who meet for a "chic  picnic" in a public space, will premiere in Portland on August 31. A secret place is communicated at the last minute to the participants, who all bring their own pre-defined 'kits' to have dinner outdoors, dressed in white. The event requires pre-registration and costs around $25 per person to join in. Participants need to follow the white dress code and bring their food, table and chairs. For rules and to be placed on the waiting list, visit the website or click here for the local press release. Note: the event is non-profit, non-commercial (pure fun) and is not affiliated with any particular group other than the Paris-originated concept.
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French Immersion Yields Concrete Results
The Alliance's 6th annual 5-day French total immersion program was held last week on the Oregon coast and drew students from four states including attendees who flew in from Delaware and Idaho. The  program, taught by three Alliance teachers, included a carefully choreographed set of group activities and classes from nine in the morning till nine at night. Students were tested at the beginning and at the end of the program on listening and reading comprehension as well as a grammar test. The average increase in test scores was 25%, with some achieving improvements of as high as 40%. "Look for us to roll this program out to other formats during the year," cites Alliance director, Linda Witt. To view photos, visit the online album and run the slideshow.
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Moroccan & Algerian Choreographers at TBA
This September 12-22nd, the Time-Based Art (TBA) Festival, an international festival o f performing and visual arts, is presenting Moroccan choreographer Bouchra Ouizguen (shown here at left) and French-Algerian choreographer Nacera Belaza (below at right). Drawing inspiration from the writings of the famed Persian poet and Sufi mystic Rumi, Ouziguen collaborates with a trio of Moroccan aïtas, traditional cabaret singers, in her piece Ha!. In Le Trait Solos and Le Temp s Scellé, Belaza explores the relations between traditional forms of Algerian dance, holy rituals, and her own language of gestures. Alliance bulletin readers can get a 20% discount off tickets for all performance dates by going to the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art website (www.pica.org) and entering the promo code "French4me" at checkout. In addition to their scheduled performances also consider attending the interview/conversation (in English) with the two artists on September 20; free; click here for details.
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News and Job Posting at the Alliance
Enrollment is brisk for the fall term which launches the week of September 16. Not sure of your level? Take the online test or come to the Fall Term Open House on September 5 - it's the last day to receive 10%-off of class fees. In other news, the Alliance is seeking applications for a  Pedagogy Coordinator. This is a full-time salaried position which combines teaching 20-25 hours per week (group classes and private lessons) as well as oversight of teaching practices, curriculum, training and more. Preference will be given to persons with administrative and teaching experience within the Alliance network. Sorry, no relocation allowances. Email cover letters and resumes/CVs to info@afportland.org no later than September 10.
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New Events, New Dates and More
New Event Dates: Two events that were previously scheduled for September have now moved to October, for logistical reasons. The French Toast workshop will be on Friday, October 4 and the Bilingualism for Children presentation will be on Friday, October 18.
Anne Wil lan to speak at Powell's: Anne Willan, James Beard award winning cookbook author and founder of La Varenne Cooking School, will visit Portland to talk about her new book on Monday, October 21, 7pm, at Powell's at Cedar Hills Crossing (3415 SW Cedar Hills Blvd., Beaverton OR 97005). The public is invited to attend; free.
French Speakers Needed for Filmmaking: Independent filmmaker Howard Mitchell, whose work, The Bus, aired this week on PBS, is seeking French-speaking actresses/performers (experience is not necessary) for two roles in a movie about a lonely traveler who finds himself attracted to a quiet streetcar commuter and tries to explain that he believes the woman to be his soulmate, not realizing that she speaks little English. Click here for more details and to apply.
Allian ce Française Night at Scott Paul PDX: Alliance members Martha and Scott Wright, owners of Scott Paul Wines, invite Alliance Française bulletin readers to a French Night wine tasting at Scott Paul PDX (2537 NW Upshur St, Portland 97210) on Friday, September 20, 5:30-7pm. In addition to their own Oregon Pinot Noir, which consistently earns top scores from all the major wine critics, Scott Paul Wines is also the direct national importer for a portfolio of top domaines in Champagne and Burgundy. Mix, mingle and/or parlez français with other Francophiles and enjoy the flight of Burgundy imports and Oregon Pinot. $10 for flight 2-for-1 for Alliance members, with complimentary "splurge" pours and hors d'oeuvres.
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Now enrolling for the Fall Term which begins the week of Sept. 16.
Visit www.afportland.org
or call 503.223.8388.
Conversation Groups
Hosted by Alliance staff or board members. Drop-ins welcome; membership is encouraged but not required.
NW Portland
St Honoré on NW Thurman on Wed., Sept. 4 & 18 at 6:00 p.m.
SE Portland
At Chez Machin, Mon., Sept. 9 at 7:00 p.m. & at Vie de Bohème weekly on Sundays, 4-5:30 p.m.
Vancouver
Lapellah Restaurant in Vancouver, Tues., Sept. 10 at 5:30 p.m.
Bastille/Event Sponsors
Annual In-Kind Sponsors
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