Connecting the world through dance

Created in 1993 by Michel Reilhac, the Bal Moderne has toured extensively around the world. The culture exchange program connects the world through the art of dance. Three short choreographies of three or four minutes that have been specially made for people with no experience in dance, are taught to the public over the course of an evening’s Bal. It now comes to Mumbai on November 9, with the Belgian Royal Family in attendance. Oonagh Duckworth, the face for Bal Moderne, worldwide, tells us more...

Can you take us through the journey of Bal Moderne? To start a concept like this and then to see it being received and accepted by audiences all over the world, has it been challenging?

It began in Paris in the mid ’90s by Michel Reilhac. I was the producer and then took over the whole project when I moved to Brussels in 2000. The initial Bals were an ‘experiment’. We wondered if contemporary dance could be made more accessible to a wider audience in a ‘fun’ way... Although the ‘high arts’ world was quite sceptical at first, the project was an immediate success and went from strength to strength.

Was it difficult initially to convince trained choreographers to be a part of this concept? How has it changed over the years?

At first, choreographers seemed apprehensive that making dances for the Bal Moderne and a large crowd of non-dancers might in some way demean the status of their work. They soon realised otherwise and began to be thrilled by the experience. Today, in Europe, collective dance is now much more the norm than it was in the ’90s, but the connection with contemporary dance is still what distinguishes the Bal from other collective or social dance movements.

What is the highlight of Bal Moderne? How do people react to it?

I have the impression that (Europeans) don’t dance very easily (they are quite inhibited) and when they finally discover that they can master the choreographies, they’re surprised by their own talent. Also, the feeling of being in a big group, struggling to do the steps together, getting them wrong and laughing about it, seems, in my experience of the Bal, to bring out the best in a crowd. Even if they jostle each other or step on each others’ toes they laugh and carry on…And everyone enjoys the sense of ease and generosity imparted by the choreographers teaching on stage. Also, because, I feel, the short dances retain the artistic signature of the artist who made them, the public can feel an artistic vibe too...

You have performed in many other countries. Any memories that stand out?

Yes, we have a very extensive tour record, and all countries of course, are slightly different. In Europe, the clichés are true! Germans are quite disciplined and the more Latin cultures, Portuguese or Spanish for example, are more freestyle. For us, everything is interesting and enriching. We love to work closely with the community or country who’s hosting us, so that the project becomes their own and not a ‘Belgium Import’. Working with a local artist and integrating him or her into the project helps that, as does working with local professional or amateur dancers prior to the project so that they can help us teach the general public on the day.

This is the first time Bal Moderne has come to India. How did the initiative happen?

Yes this is the first time! The Bal Moderne is part of an initiative called ‘Brussels dances with Mumbai’ that is part of the Belgium State Visit and includes us, followed by a DJ set. The whole thing is backed by the Belgian/Brussels government and Brussels Airlines. I’m sure the Bal Moderne was deemed the right initiative to ask because Mumbai and Brussels share a love of dance and dancing. Brussels is a tiny city, yet, boasts a disproportionate amount of interesting choreographers and talented contemporary dancers. The reputation of Mumbai as a dance and Bollywood capital is, of course, worldwide.

What are the plans for Mumbai and how are you preparing for it?

The collaboration with Ashley Lobo, his company Navdhara India Dance Theatre and the Danceworx Academy and student repertoire company are essential to the project in Mumbai. They are preparing a special flashmob with a mixed spice feel to it and all the dancers have already started learning our choreographies so that, together, we can get the public dancing on the Gateway of India on November 9 at 6 pm. Our two choreographies have been made by two very well-known Belgian choreographers, Wim Vandekeybus and Sidi-Larbi Cherkaoui. They certainly won’t be too difficult for the Mumbai public who all seem such natural dancers, but I also hope they’ll find them fun and maybe a bit different.