Van Cleef & Arpels highlights dance with arrival of Corps extrêmes in Hong Kong
Van Cleef & Arpels is currently celebrating the arrival of Rachid Ouramdane’s Corps extrêmes in Hong Kong for the French May Arts Festival. This event is made possible through a collaboration with WestK and the support of Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels. The jewelry house has a rich and enduring relationship with the world of dance that dates back to its early days.
It all began in the 1920s when Louis Arpels, one of the founders of Van Cleef & Arpels, and his nephew Claude developed a deep appreciation for ballet after attending performances at the Opéra Garnier, situated close to the family’s boutique in Place Vendôme. This shared love for dance eventually inspired the creation of the iconic ballerina clips that became synonymous with the brand.
A significant milestone in Van Cleef & Arpels’ dance journey was its collaboration with renowned choreographer George Balanchine in the 1940s. This partnership led to the creation of “Jewels,” a groundbreaking ballet that paid homage to three precious gemstones: rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. With music by acclaimed composers such as Fauré, Stravinsky, and Tchaikovsky, “Jewels” remains a timeless masterpiece in the world of dance.
In 2020, Van Cleef & Arpels further solidified its commitment to supporting the art of dance by launching Dance Reflections, a program designed to nurture emerging talent and promote choreographic innovation globally. As part of this initiative, Rachid Ouramdane’s Corps extrêmes is being showcased in Hong Kong during the 32nd French May Arts Festival.
Corps extrêmes, which translates to “Extreme Bodies,” features a dynamic cast of 10 athletes and eight acrobats, including extreme sports enthusiasts like Luca Chiarva and Ann Raber. The performance combines elements of dance, acrobatics, and extreme sports to convey sensations of flight and suspension. Through evocative voiceovers, captivating music, and striking visuals, the audience is taken on a mesmerizing journey through the world of extreme physicality.
Rachid Ouramdane, the creative force behind Corps extrêmes, draws inspiration from his childhood experiences in the French Alps and his fascination with nature and extreme sports. He views these pursuits not just as thrilling adventures but as profound ways to reconnect with the natural world. Ouramdane emphasizes the choreographic qualities inherent in activities like highlining, highlighting the deep connection between human movement and the environment.
In a previous performance titled Les Traceurs, Ouramdane explored these themes through an outdoor highline show that integrated the urban landscape of Hong Kong into the choreography. With Corps extrêmes, he shifts the focus back to the traditional theater setting, inviting the audience to engage with his thought-provoking exploration of risk, vertigo, and the human pursuit of physical limits. Le Monde praised the performance as a contemplative meditation on these themes, showcasing Ouramdane’s unique blend of artistry and athleticism on stage.