Rachid Ouramdane Returns to Hong Kong
Dance aficionados alert!
Internationally renowned choreographer Rachid Ouramdane is coming back to Hong Kong, bringing together an ensemble of ten air artists and celestial athletes for a remarkable display of strength and artistic excellence. A gravity-defying work, Corps Extrêmes is presented by WestK, supported by Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels, as part of the French May Arts Festival 2025, and will be performed from 30 May to 1 June at the Xiqu Centre.
Created in 2021, Corps extrêmes was inspired by Rachid Ouramdane’s desire to “focus on the fascination produced by the notions of flying, weightlessness, suspension, soaring…” The show unites an extraordinary cast, including Italian highliner and circus artist Luca Chiarva, who has collaborated with Cirque du Soleil, the world’s foremost contemporary circus company, American climber Ann Raber Cocheril – one of the oldest women to conquer a difficulty of v13 in the Hueco grade at the age of 37 – along with eight other professional dancers and acrobats.
The showcase is a stunning blend of extreme sports, acrobatics and dance in which seemingly disparate ideas come together to provide inspiration and awe for how the human spirit can reach new heights when stretched beyond expected limits. It is a display of intense physicality, as well as a triumph of teamwork and mutual trust, which weaves a daring exploration of the human desire for weightlessness with a meditation on tranquility and the mental clarity derived from flirting with the void.
Rachid Ouramdane © Julien Benhamou
Growing up in the French Alps, Ouramdane was immersed in nature and frequently witnessed people engaging in extreme sports. Inspired by this often-misunderstood world, the choreographer delves into the deeper motivations of these athletes, who seek not just the thrill of the adrenaline rush but also a profound reconnection with the natural world.
Born in Nîmes, France, in 1971, Ouramdane discovered dance through hip-hop at the age of 12. He also took intensive courses in classical and modern dance. In the early 1990s, he dropped out of his studies in biology to devote himself to dance and joined the Centre national de danse contemporaine in Angers. Born to Algerian parents, his multicultural heritage has significantly influenced his work. Ouramdane has created pieces reflecting on themes of identity and migration. He is known for using dance to spotlight diverse communities and create projects rooted in inclusivity and hospitality.
Möbius Morphosis by Rachid Ouramdane, 2024
Constantly expanding his artistic vision and integrating different disciplines such as visual arts and theater in his creations, he collaborates with circus artists, authors, visual artists and musicians. He regularly works with many world-class dance companies including the ballet de l’Opéra de Lyon, the Russian company Migrazia, the Candoco Dance Company from the UK, the Ballet de Lorraine and the Ballet of the Grand Théâtre de Genève.
Since 2021, Ouramdane has been the Director of the Chaillot – Théâtre national de la Danse in Paris, one of France’s six national theatres and the only one dedicated to dance. His vision for Chaillot emphasises a focus on contemporary dance and the integration of diverse artistic expressions. He aims to create a space that fosters dialogue between cultures, encourages experimentation and engages with current social issues. His approach often highlights the importance of physicality and movement as means of storytelling, aiming to resonate with a broader audience.
Les Traceurs by Rachid Ouramdane, Hong Kong, 2023
Ouramdane already came to Hong Kong in 2023, taking the outdoor stage of WestK with his creation Les Traceurs, supported by Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels and the French May Arts Festival. The Hong Kong audience was absolutely astonished by the acrobats and celestial athletes performing breathtaking tightrope walking and aerial feats over the Art Park. Corps Extrêmes promises to be another revelation in town!
More details about the performance can be found here: Rachid Ouramdane: Corps extrêmes