Zenne & Majorettes

Claire Corrion is presenting two projects: Zenne and Majorettes .

Zenne : In Turkey, belly dancing hasn't always been limited to women. For centuries, men known as zen or köçek danced in women’s clothing. Their history dates back to the Ottoman era: as early as the 15th century, when women were barred from public performances, young, beardless boys performed at the sultan’s court. 

Later, in the 19th century, they left the palace to perform in the taverns of Constantinople. There were more than 600 of them at the time, but their success eventually became a source of concern, and in 1837, Sultan Mahmud II put an end to the practice. Gradually, belly dancers took their place on stage. Over the past decade or so, the tradition of zen has resurfaced, despite the government's hostility toward LGBTQ+ people in Turkey. 

in Ankara, I followed Zahmer, Uzay, and Yiğit, three zen who are dancing in the meyhane and clubs in the capital. All three love being applauded and admired, and on stage they feel right at home, free to be themselves. Their dance reflects a way of living life to the fullest, far removed from social expectations. Without seeking to make any particular statement, their mere presence raises questions. With this project, I hope to shine a light on these dancers who, through their dance, challenge gender norms and society’s dominant codes. 

Majorettes : I’m from the North, and I remember seeing my town’s majorettes march on July 14 when I was a little girl. Their shiny dresses, their almost military-style steps, and their baton twirling had me spellbound. 

With that memory fresh in my mind and a sense of curiosity, I headed to my first majorette festival in March 2023. In the gym in Wallers-Arenberg, in the coal-mining region, each team—more than fifteen in total—performs its routine: a dance lasting about twelve minutes, the result of several months of rehearsals. 

I’m discovering a colorful, joyful world, and while in my memory cheerleaders were only young girls, I’m surprised to see young boys and men dancing alongside them with pride. Within the majorettes, they find a space where they are fully accepted and can thrive. So it is with passion that they devote themselves to this activity, which allows them to shine.