Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève

Since its creation in 1962, the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève has been exploring various styles of contemporary dance. Over the last 18 years, under Philippe Cohen’s dynamic leadership, the company has been following an artistic direction resolutely invested in choreographic creation, while keeping close the founding principles of dance. The numerous rewritings of repertoire pieces by some of the most exciting and breakthrough choreographers are part of its current prestige. Consisting of 22 dancers trained in classical dance, the Ballet is currently one of the leading dance companies on the international scene.
In July 2022, after seven years spent at the Ballet Vlaanderen, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui took over Philippe Cohen’s position as Director of the Ballet de Genève. A figurehead of the Belgian contemporary scene, the dancer and choreographer is open to other disciplines such as cinema, musicals and pop music. His affinity with ballet and opera has resulted in some of his most lasting works, as well as exciting interdisciplinary collaborations with visual artists, designers and musicians. He was regularly hosted by the Grand Théâtre as a guest choreographer and created for the Ballet Loin in 2005, Fall in October 2019, Exhibition in November 2020 as well as Pelléas et Mélisande in January 2021.

With the arrival of Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui as Director of the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève, the repertoire will be completely renewed. First of all, at the beginning of the school year, with the revival of two of the choreographer’s emblematic pieces, Faun and Noetic, at the end of August.
Two pieces by Damien Jalet will be added to the company’s repertoire, Skid and THR(O)UGH, which are both striking for their bold and committed scenography. They will be grouped together and presented from 13 to 16 June 2023 in Rennes, at the Théâtre National de Bretagne.
Finally, the company will create two pieces: in November Ukiyo-e, choreographed by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, that will be about the capacity for resilience, and in April Vïa, by Fouad Boussouf, that will focus on the grounding of dance, all in a warm and luminous atmosphere.

“Individual performers, all of them exceptionally supple ballet-trained dancers. […] May they soon return.”

Jennifer Dunning, The New York Times

“Undoubtedly one of the best European companies, which fits for the neoclassical register as well as the contemporary one.”

Paris Capitale

“Beyond the prestige of the name, with Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, the institution is engaging an artist who is at ease in all areas of performance: whether it be contemporary dance, classical ballet, musicals, tango or opera.”

Thierry Sartoretti, rts.ch