NNNN., Orchestra without instruments
A genius jack-of-all-trades, William Forsythe likes nothing better than to experiment with neoclassical ballet, particularly if he can use new media as an integral part of his choreography. His mobile, flexible style of dance is based on the body’s own impulses and reactions. His NNNN quartet is a chamber orchestra without instruments, where the sound comes from the dancers. Soft landings, slaps, grumbles. During the piece, the dancers gradually become attuned to each other like a well oiled machine, though with some clown-like touches.

Solo for Two: The loneliness of being two
Solo for Two is the stage version of a work originally created for the screen under the name Smoke. On a pristine powder-blue set, Mats Ek shows the life of a couple, the difficulties of being together and the desire for solitude. Set to three melancholic compositions by Estonian composer Arvo Pärt, we can see the Swedish choreographer’s signature style: flexed feet, “wavy” backs and deep pliés, turning convention on its head. A passionate and enthralling duo, subtly erotic, mischievous and knowing.

Die Grosse Fuge: Listen to the dance, see the music
Here, Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker presents an intimate encounter with Beethoven's La Grande Fugue op.133 which became part of the Lyon Opera Ballet repertoire in 2006. About 15 minutes of sometimes graceful, sometimes rushed notes, for a creative, sought-after string quartet. The choreographer transposes the counterpoints into a series of gestural phrases echoed by six dancers and two female dancers in tuxedo pants and flowing shirts. A work deliberately devoid of aestheticism which celebrates the freedom of the body and assumes the masculinity of its vocabulary. A testament to the choreographer's mastery of the art of listening to the dance and seeing the music.

N.N.N.N.
Entrée au répertoire

Solo for Two
Reprise

Die Grosse Fuge
Reprise

In partnership with the Maison de la Danse

Family Days
Saturday September 18, 2021 at the Maison de la Danse
Come and explore backstage at the Maison de la Danse with our guests, the dancers of the Lyon Opera Ballet!
Recommended for 8 years old and above
Full programme and registration details from August 23, 2021
Find out more