Béjart Ballet Lausanne

An orchestral piece without music. That is how Maurice Ravel described his Bolero, a visionary work composed for dance before it landed in concert halls. In 1961, Maurice Béjart took on the challenge of transforming the piece into movement, pitting the Melody (soloist) against the Rhythm (the ensemble), a mathematical approach of submerged bodies in a relentless and liberating crescendo. Under the direction of Julien Favreau, the legendary company of the French choreographer - who died 20 years ago - returns to this contemporary classic (for the first time on the stage of the Teatro de la Maestranza) as the focus of a spectacle to remind us of his immense artistry.

The programme also includes Béjart et nous, a wonderful and passionate retrospective where Favreau brings together some of the most memorable moments of the stagings designed by the company’s founder. This year the troupe celebrates its 40th year in Lausanne. The evening concludes with Real Love, by Andonis Foniadakis. This dancer was part of the Béjart in the 90s, here he recreates those years of learning beside his maestro in a choreography between euphoria and nostalgia. A depiction of memory and creation, a just tribute to one of the transformative spirits in dance of the 20th century.