Corps extrêmes takes dance to new heights at NYUAD’s Arts Center

Prepare to be transported to a world where artists defy gravity with amazing performances.

Prepare to be enthralled as Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels presents the breathtaking performance Corps extrêmes by Rachid Ouramdane at The Arts Center at NYUAD. This unique dance production, taking place on Friday, 12 May and Saturday, 13 May at 7.30pm in The Red Theater, will transport you to a world where artists and athletes defy gravity using a climbing wall and tightrope.

Corps extrêmes pushes the boundaries of dance, exploring the desire to dance in the air while conveying a sense of flight, weightlessness, and suspension. Rachid masterfully choreographs mid-air sequences that blur the line between athleticism and artistry, offering a mesmerizing experience for the audience. As you watch these performers navigate the climbing wall and tightrope, you will witness the raw determination and commitment that extreme sports enthusiasts possess in their quest to defy gravity.

What makes Corps extrêmes even more captivating is the accompanying documentary footage projected onto the climbing wall. These inspiring visuals showcase astonishing feats of physical daring in dramatic landscapes. The combination of live performance and documentary creates a multidimensional experience.

Bill Bragin, the executive artistic director of The Arts Center, expressed his enthusiasm and stated: “Corps extrêmes is both spectacular and introspective, conveying the tales of people who put themselves into extreme danger as part of an ongoing story of humans trying to challenge nature and themselves.”

Corps extrêmes is a testament to VCA’s ongoing support of dance at The Arts Center. This collaboration between artistic visionaries extends the definitions of dance to incorporate the verticality of rock climbing. The piece delves into evocative and philosophical themes, inviting contemplation about the edges of life and the human desire to challenge nature and oneself.

On the other hand, Serge Laurent, Van Cleef & Arpels’ director of the dance and culture program, highlights the power of choreography as an art form that evokes a wide range of emotions. He adds: “The artists in Corps extrêmes give a dramatic physical performance that speaks to the yearning for the utopia of escaping one’s condition of a human being stuck to the ground.”

GO: Visit www.nyuad-artscenter.org for more information.