Van Cleef & Arpels has lengthy intertwined its artistic heritage with the artwork of dance, a relationship that dates again to the Maison’s founders and their shared ardour for motion and beauty. At this time, this legacy thrives by Dance Reflections, a dynamic cultural initiative at present helmed by Serge Laurent, the Maison’s director of dance & cultural applications.
In an intimate interview, Laurent discusses how the Maison’s deep connection to bop shapes its fashionable cultural endeavours, from supporting rising choreographers to presenting revolutionary performances that bridge the hole between classical traditions and modern explorations.
The maison has a long-standing historical past with dance. How does this wealthy heritage proceed to affect Van Cleef & Arpels’s cultural initiatives right this moment?
Serge Laurent (SL): Once I joined the maison, I delved into its historical past, understanding that any new initiative should align with the legacy of its founders. Dance Reflections, our program devoted to bop, is a continuation of that story. The maison has at all times been impressed by dance, and thru this initiative, we goal to present again to the sector.
The main target is on supporting younger artists by offering them with assets to develop their work. Importantly, we preserve a distinction between our artistic universe and the choreographers we assist. This method ensures that our backing is real, not tied to selling our creations. Past monetary assist, we collaborate on a curatorial degree, offering a shared imaginative and prescient for the evolution of dance.
Presently, we assist about 20 dance corporations yearly throughout Europe, the Americas, and even China. We additionally work with establishments just like the Esplanade to carry these works to broader audiences. Since launching three and a half years in the past, we’ve partnered with 57 establishments throughout 16 international locations. It’s a vibrant, dynamic initiative.
How do you steadiness the Maison’s heritage with modern artwork in Dance Reflections?
SL: My method is holistic. Whereas modern artwork is my major focus, I acknowledge its roots in historical past. Each new work is the results of an evolution. By presenting this continuum, we assist audiences join the dots between previous and current.
For instance, classical ballets of the nineteenth century had been thought of modern of their time. Likewise, when Nijinsky debuted avant-garde choreography within the early twentieth century, it was revolutionary. At this time, modern dance is simply one other chapter on this evolution. By means of our programming, we invite audiences to expertise one thing new, not essentially to love or dislike however to have interaction and discover. Artwork is a language, and like every language, it takes time to know.
Tonight’s efficiency blends dance, excessive sports activities, and aerial efficiency. What impressed this collaboration?
SL: This efficiency exemplifies the variety we have fun in Dance Reflections. Rachid Ouramdane, the choreographer, has a singular means to merge disciplines and create a brand new motion vocabulary. He collaborates with athletes and performers from numerous backgrounds, bringing recent views to bop.
This concept of inventing one thing new from a shared medium—the human physique—fascinates me. Dance has infinite prospects, and each artist contributes to enriching its vocabulary. For me, the measure of success isn’t whether or not a chunk is gorgeous however whether or not it provides to the language of dance.
You’ve labored with many artists and choreographers. What’s the key to constructing significant partnerships with them?
SL: The essence of a significant partnership lies in understanding and sharing the artist’s work with audiences. Relationships typically develop over years, as with Rachid, whom I’ve recognized for 20 years. Observing his creative evolution has been rewarding.
It’s additionally essential to steadiness admiration for established artists with openness to new voices. My method, and even my imaginative and prescient, has advanced over time. Working with Van Cleef & Arpels has deepened my appreciation for historical past, which now influences my programming. As an example, our upcoming competition in London will function works from an American dance firm alongside items by George Balanchine, bridging the previous and current.
Dance Reflections has grown considerably in just some years. What’s subsequent for the initiative?
SL: Our journey continues with a give attention to increasing partnerships and presenting new works. Subsequent yr’s competition in London will showcase a mix of historic and modern items, reflecting our dedication to a holistic view of dance.
Moreover, we goal to deepen our engagement in areas like Asia and the Americas, bringing numerous voices to international audiences. By supporting each artists and establishments, we hope to foster an atmosphere the place dance continues to evolve and thrive. This initiative isn’t just about funding; it’s about shaping the way forward for dance with a respect for its previous.
This story first appeared on Grazia Singapore.
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