For three weeks, with new Biennale director Tiago Guedes setting the tempo, audiences will be able to watch freshly staged shows; discover artists from the local, national and international scenes; soak up every style of choreography, and dance all night long!
Is there a common thread This stance can be seen, firstly, in the sub- between all these propositions? In their work, Keersmaeker… or have stronger connec- they constantly raise political and social tions with the theatre, such as the pie- issues, such as exclusion in Encantado and ce by Belgian company Peeping Tom. Our also championing site-specific projects, stance is also visible — and this is perhaps designed for non-dedicated spaces, even more important — in the spirit of the because they support my goal of demo- Biennale, which I want to be democratic, cratising dance.
We held shows and dance for me and Fantasie minor by Marco concerts in disused textile factories; and da Silva Ferreira — will pop up in locations the artists were accommodated by local where no one is expecting them, in various people, sharing the meals of the grandpas parts of Lyon such as Place Mazagran and and grandmas who hosted them. Lastly, Tiago where I come from.
To me, dance is not to help break down boundaries between an elitist discipline solely for people who disciplines, certain artistic propositions already have their dance-world bearings. Guedes It can be close to everyone. This Biennale will be a Biennale of new work, but it will Is this why an exhibition will be held at the not only be a Biennale to watch — it will be a Usines Fagor? Biennale for dancing.
This immersive exhibition — which will drink, to talk about the shows, have a bite to include an installation by Marlene Monteiro eat… and dance. So, it between the programming of the Biennale watching shows. The Biennale de la danse entry into the core of the Biennale, namely us, and not just during this major three- is an intense three-week festival, but, its programming.
