Les Saisons. Malandain Ballet Biarritz

The Malandain Ballet Biarritz Company, led by the choreographer Thierry Malandain will première a contemporary ballet that combines  Four Seasons by Vivaldi and Four Seasons of the Year by his peer and compatriot, Giovanni Antonio Guido, from 17 to 21 December in Nave 11 at the Centro Danza Matadero - CDM.

The performance interweaves the two pieces to create a stage experience that is not only based on music, but also has a deeply allegorical visual and choreographic concept. On stage, winged beings carrying a funeral procession cross a landscape covered in black petals. This procession symbolises the death of the “spirit and of clarity” in a poetic and philosophical reflection. The production ironically points out that although ballet is “just” an art form, nothing is more serious than the improbable, highlighting the expressive power of dance.

It therefore explores themes like transformation, death and rebirth with an evocative approach, whilst using the principles of “beautiful dance”, a Baroque ideal of elegance and control, through the combination of these two famous pieces of music.

Malandain Ballet Biarritz is a French contemporary dance company based in Biarritz, founded and run by Thierry Malandain since 1998. Internationally renowned, the company stands out for its eclectic repertoire, which combines tradition with contemporary innovation, as well as its commitment to the dissemination of dance. Furthermore, it has specialised in the adaptation of masterpieces, such as The Nutcracker, Carmen or Beauty and the Beast, providing a modern take on these classics.

Artistic File:

Venue: Centro Danza Matadero - CDM - Nave 11

• Choreography - Thierry Malandain
• Music - Antonio Vivaldi and Giovanni Antonio Guido
• Sets and Costumes - Jorge Gallardo
• Lighting - François Menou
• Costume Design - Véronique Murat and Charlotte Margnoux with the help of Anaïs Abel
• Costume-Making - Frédéric Vadé
• Props -  Annie Onchalo
• Set and Props Assistants - Nicolas Rochais, Gorka Arpajou, Félix Vermandé, Raphaël Jeanneret, Christof t’Siolle, Txomin Laorde-Peyre, Maruschka Miramon, Karine Prins, Sandrine Mestas Gleizes, Fanny Sudres and Fantine Goulot
• Dance Professors - Richard Coudray, Giuseppe Chiavaro and Frederik Deberdt
• Dancers - Dancers from the Malandain Ballet Biarritz 
• Image Credits - © Olivier Houeix

Approximate Duration: 1 hour
Recommended Age: All ages