Jérôme Bel gives an insight into dance history

In 2004 the French choreographer Jérôme Bel initiated a striking series of solos and duets in which celebrated dancers talk about their careers and delve into the repertoire they have performed in the past. The Kaaitheater is now presenting the fifth and last in the series: Cédric Andrieux, who has danced for, among others, Merce Cunningham, Trisha Brown, and William Forsythe.

“A few years ago I realised that the discourse on dance was almost entirely dominated by choreographers and critics,” says Jérôme Bel about his idea of getting dancers to tell their stories onstage. “Although it is easier these days to get to know what the public thinks on blogs, which is a new phenomenon. But dancers are almost never heard; their voices hardly ever get into the media. I thought it would be interesting to hear from them.”

(© Marco Caselli Nirmal)

Is this the best way to get a real insight into dance history?
Jérôme Bel:Sure. The soloists stand at the crossroads of dance history and their own personal story. That interests me: the way in which dance history is “incorporated”. Naturally it then becomes a subjective history.
What effect does your way of doing things have on the dancers?
Bel: Not every dancer finds it easy to look back on a career. Some can’t; some don’t want to or just aren’t interested. They have to dig deep, moreover, as I really behave like an Inspector Colombo and keep on asking more questions. I want to know what they are hiding or protecting. And I want to know about the vexations and the disappointments, because I know that a career as a dancer is often no picnic. It’s often shit work! With Cédric the approach really worked: he is honest and shows both the good and the bad sides.

Read the full article in Agenda, p. 10.
Lees het Nederlandstalige artikel op brusselnieuws.be.

Jérôme Bel: Cédric Andrieux
27 & 28/1 • 20.30, €12/16
Kaaitheater square Sainctelettesquare 20, Brussel/Bruxelles,
02-201.59.59, tickets@kaaitheater.be, www.kaaitheater.be