Impressions / Angelin Preljocaj

Angelin Preljocaj – Ballet Preljocaj / CCN d'Aix-en-Provence Impressions A dance programme as a tribute to Impressionist painting.

In three movements, Angelin Preljocaj creates living tableaux of fleeting beauty, inspired by Gustave Caillebotte, Edgar Degas, Édouard Manet and Claude Monet. A stroll between eras, from yesterday to today. Superb.

More than any other, Angelin Preljocaj is a choreographer of feeling. From his early days, he has elevated movement, creating a distinctive gestural language. He knows the classics as well as he invents his own present, in motion.

Above all, the artist he is draws on literature, music and painting. Proof of this comes in this season's programme, inspired by some of the masterpieces of the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.

As early as 1988, Angelin Preljocaj answered a commission from the institution, setting Caillebotte's painting Les Raboteurs de parquet "in motion", filmed at the time by Cyril Collard. Years later, it was Hommes au bain by the same painter that became a duet by Preljocaj.

A way of exploring intimacy in a singular moment. The feminine counterpart to that duet, Femmes au bain, follows, drawing on paintings by Degas. This programme, built around Orsay and Impressionism, is now completed by a third part.

Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe may well be the choreographer's source of inspiration. An invitation to daydream, extended to every spectator. And, for one evening, the museum becomes the most beautiful dance stage of all.

Philippe Noisette Show from age 16 (full nudity) Running time: 50 min Wheelchair-access booking on 01 53 65 30 00