Yoann Bourgeois: The Choreographer Redefining Dance Through Physics

In recent years, French choreographer Yoann Bourgeois has captivated global audiences with his innovative performances that blend dance, acrobatics, and visual art. Known for his viral stair-climbing act, Bourgeois aims to evoke the spirit of childhood through his work, using physical forces such as gravity and suspension to create profound artistic experiences. This summer, he brings his latest piece, 'Passage,' to the Greenwich and Docklands International Festival in the UK.

Born in eastern France, Bourgeois's artistic journey began in an unconventional setting. His parents' separation led to his childhood home being acquired by the circus group Cirque Plume, where he trained and developed a fascination for performance art. "I really wanted to continue to be a child. I’ve searched for a life where I can continue to play; it drives my career even now," Bourgeois stated during an interview.

Bourgeois's work often defies traditional boundaries of dance and theatre, inviting audiences to engage with the invisible physical forces that shape our lives. In his piece 'Ellipse,' performers don costumes resembling Weebles, balancing precariously while exploring themes of connection and disconnection. Similarly, in 'Celui Qui Tombe' (He Who Falls), dancers navigate a rotating platform that forces them to confront balance and teamwork in a dynamic environment.

The upcoming performance 'Passage' features a revolving mirrored door and pole dancer Yvonne Smink, transforming the act of crossing a threshold into a rich exploration of possibilities. Bourgeois's artistic vision is to capture fleeting moments of presence, drawing parallels between physical weightlessness and the profound experience of living in the moment. "In physics, suspension means the absence of weight. But if we speak about time, suspension means absolute presence. That’s what I search for: to catch the present, to intensify the present," he explained.

Bourgeois's work has not only gained acclaim in traditional theatre but has also resonated with mainstream pop culture. His collaboration with artists such as Harry Styles, Coldplay, and Selena Gomez has brought his unique style to a wider audience, embodying a blend of artistry that transcends performance genres. The video for Styles's song 'As It Was,' for instance, features a revolving platform designed by Bourgeois, emphasizing themes of separation and connection amidst a vibrant pop aesthetic.

Despite the popularity of his work, Bourgeois has faced scrutiny regarding originality and artistic integrity. He was recently accused of plagiarism in a video comparing his performances to those of other artists. In response, Bourgeois defended his creative process, arguing that many motifs in art are part of the public domain and that originality lies in the unique treatment of these ideas. "If you use just a frame of a video, it’s easy to make a comparison. What is original is the treatment and the creative process," he stated.

The Greenwich and Docklands International Festival, running from August 22 to September 6, will showcase 'Passage' as part of its Dancing City program on September 6. This performance promises to be a stunning example of how Bourgeois continues to push the boundaries of dance, inviting audiences to experience the wonder of circus arts interwoven with the grace of dance. As the world continues to grapple with themes of connection and disconnection, Bourgeois’s work offers a poignant reminder of the beauty found in the interplay of physicality and emotion, a sentiment that resonates deeply in today’s complex landscape.