PARIS OPERA BALLET
The origins of the Paris Opera Ballet can be traced back over more than 300 years . The cradle of classical dance codified during the reign of Louis XIV who created the Académie Royale de Danse in 1661 , the Paris Opera Ballet has never ceased to pursue its development , establishing itself as a repertory company , remaining faithful to its dual vocation of ensuring the continuity of the repertoire and offering an open door towards creation .
The Company has a vast repertoire including references both romantic and classical , works from Serge Diaghilev ’ s Ballets Russes , modern choreographies , neoclassical ballets , contemporary works and newly-commissioned works by guest choreographers ( Pina Bausch , Jérôme Bel , Trisha Brown , Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui , Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker , Mats Ek , William Forsythe , Emanuel Gat , Jiří Kylián , Édouard Lock , Wayne McGregor , Benjamin Millepied , John Neumeier , Robin Orlyn , Angelin Preljocaj , Alexei Ratmansky , Saburo Teshigawara , Sasha Waltz among others …) and artists of the company . The Paris Opera Ballet , whose future development is carefully watched over by Aurélie Dupont , directory of dance , is currently comprised of 154 dancers , the majority of whom were trained at the Opera ’ s own Dance School , directed by Elisabeth Platel . The average age of the dancers is around 25 making it one of the youngest companies anywhere . operadeparis . fr
SADLER ’ S WELLS
Sadler ’ s Wells is a world-leading creative organisation dedicated to dance in all its forms . With over three centuries of theatrical heritage and a year-round programme of performances and learning activities , its goal is to motivate everyone to experience dance — to take part , learn , experiment and be inspired . Audiences of over half a million come to Sadler ’ s Wells ’ London theatres each year , with many more enjoying its touring productions at venues across the UK and around the world , or accessing its content through digital channels .
Sadler ’ s Wells commissions and presents more new dance work than any other theatre in the world , embracing the popular and the unknown . Since 2005 it has helped to bring over 140 new dance works to the stage , many of them involving its 16 Associate Artists , three Resident Companies and four Associate Companies — the most exciting talents working in dance today . It also nurtures the next generation of talent through its artist development initiatives , and reaches over 25,000 annually through its learning and engagement programmes . sadlerswells . com
AARHUS 2017
In 2017 the Danish city of Aarhus is European Capital of Culture , one of the most significant cultural events in Europe . Using the theme ‘ Let ’ s Rethink ’, Aarhus 2017 is creating a cultural laboratory , where art and the power of creativity are used to make magical moments , and to find new , sustainable solutions to societal challenges . Aarhus 2017 asks the questions : What if art can change the world ? What if we do something unexpected ? What if culture can link us together in new ways ? What if we recreate the city as a place to live ? And , What if the children are allowed to decide ? Aarhus 2017 CEO is Rebecca Matthews , who previously worked with the British Council and the Sydney Opera House , and Programme Director is Juliana Engberg . aarhus2017 . dk