Aix-en-Provence – Dancephere

November 12th, 2024 CC sint niklaas, Sint Niklaas
November 14th, 2024 Theater Malpertuis, Tielt
November 21st – 23rd, 2024 Les Brigittines, Brussels
November 28th – 29th, 2024 La Soufflerie, Rezé
January 24th – 25th, 2025 3 bis f, Aix-en-Provence
Feburary 8th, 2025 cultuurcentrum Hasselt, Hasselt
Feburary 12th, 2025 CC Het Gasthuis, Aarschot
Feburary 13th, 2025 Belgica Theater, Dendermonde
Feburary 19th – 22th, 2025 kunstencentrum Nona, Mechelen
Feburary 25th – 26th, 2025 Festival DañsFabrik, Brest
60 minutes

From Ordinary to Extraordinary

In every_body, choreographer Alexander Vantournhout, alongside collaborator Emmi Väisänen, delves into everyday movements. They elevate simple actions like handshakes and walking into a complex canvas of bodily dynamics. The duet transforms an ordinary handshake into an intricate choreography of arms, elbows, and shoulders, while a seemingly endless walk showcases the versatility of leg and footwork. In every_body, the duo crafts a tapestry of choreography, turning even the subtlest of movements into something remarkable.

The performance is further enriched by the sonic landscape created by composer and guitarist Geoffrey Burton. Fashion designer and scenographer Tom Van der Borght designs both the costumes and the surreal setting where every_body takes place.

Over the last decade, Alexander Vantournhout has built a diverse oeuvre. His work includes ensemble pieces like Foreshadow (2023) and SCREWS (2019), as well as solos VanThorhout (2022) and ANECKXANDER (2015). Every_body (2024) is his fourth duet, following projects like Through the Grapevine (2020), La Rose en Céramique (2018), and Raphaël (2017). The new creation marks the next step in his journey to dissect and reinterpret everyday movements, continually challenging and redefining the limits of human physical expression.

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Abou Lagraa – Carmen

Carmen by
Tunis Opera Ballet

Georges Bizet’s “Carmen” is one of the most famous operas in the world. Still, in Tunisia, it was shown for the very first time in February 2024 – and then as a choreographic opera with the ballet ensemble at the Tunis Opera House. Abou Lagraa, the choreographer, has been working with North African artists for many years. As the child of Algerian and Egyptian parents, his dance roots are, for once, not in hip-hop, but in contemporary dance, including with S.O.A.P., Rui Horta’s legendary Frankfurt company.

In order to find his way back to the pure emotions that underlie the famous arias, Lagraa opted for a sparse, almost minimalist production. For him, the title character not only represents the idolized, teasing seductress, but above all freedom until death. Carmen is the romantic concept of an emancipated woman – a woman who poses a danger to men. Lagraas’ interpretation of the plot draws on the oriental perspective of the story. He deliberately portrays a Carmen of the nomads, the Berbers, and ancient North African people. The choreography oscillates in wave movements and is reminiscent of the power of the Mediterranean Sea that unites the Maghreb and Europe.

From Ordinary to Extraordinary

Carmen by Tunis Opera Ballet

Carmen by
Tunis Opera Ballet