Session

Cherkaoui is a regular Julidans guest and one of the most loved choreographers in the world. Whoever saw 生长genesis, TeZuKa, Dunas or Sutra, for example, we no longer have to convince. The Flemish-Moroccan choreographer builds bridges between different cultures and dance styles and therefore continuously travels the world. He received numerous international dance prizes and was also noticed outside the dance world. By Beyoncé for example, for whom he choreographed a video clip and two live shows. Cherkaoui was named 'Choreographer of the Year' three times by the influential magazine, Tanz. He has been artistic director of Ballet Vlaanderen since September 2015

As a 17-year-old Cherkaoui immersed himself in a variety of dance styles. He was fascinated by the videos of Colin Dunne, the figurehead of the Irish Riverdance, with his lightning-fast footwork. When they met years later - now both successful and busy choreographers - the plan for collaboration came about. Like Cherkaoui, Dunne seamlessly combines various influences in his work - in particular Irish folk dances and contemporary dance, which he masterfully mastered.

The two choreographers are on stage in Session with two musicians: Michael Gallen and Soumik Datta. All four show what they are good at and all four step out of their comfort zone. That means that they teach each other their skills, but also that the dancers make music and the musicians dance. Session is a jam session at the highest level, a virtuoso game of dance and music, a pleasure to watch and listen to.

Performed by
Colin Dunne, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Michael Gallen, Soumik Datta

Choreography & directed by
Colin Dunne & Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui

Music
Michael Gallen

Set design
Filip Peeters

Lighting design
Mark Van Denesse

Sound desig
Michael Gallen, Jef Verbeeck

Additional music composition
Soumik Datta, Colin Dunne, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui

Artistic consultant
Arthur Nauzyciel, An-Marie Lambrechts

Assistant choreographer
Laura Murphy

Technical director
Hugh Roche Kelly

Implementation set
Martin Baarda

Costume advice
Caroline Wittemans

Technicians
Mathias Batsleer, Janneke Hertoghs

Production / tour manager
Arnout André de la Porte, Lars Boot

With the support of the BNP Paribas Foundation, the Flemish Government, the Belgian Federal Government’s Tax Shelter programme and the Arts Council of Ireland/An Chomhairle Ealaíon.

Eastman is resident at deSingel International Arts Campus, Antwerp.

Thanks to
Stephen Collins, Shawn Fitzgerald Ahern, Kopspel