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Benjamin Millepied's Brisbane Festival Debut: Unveiling Gems and Reflections

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Benjamin Millepied, the renowned French choreographer, has flown in from Paris to debut at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre's Brisbane Festival. His LA Dance Project company is performing Gems in the Brisbane Festival, a collection of three short dance works inspired by gemstones. Millepied's Gems trilogy was originally titled and has been rebranded as Reflections, reflecting the artist's desire to distance himself from George Balanchine's iconic work, Jewels. The Brisbane performance marks a significant milestone in Millepied's career, which has seen him collaborate with various artists, including conceptual artist Barbara Kruger and choreographer Jerome Robbins.

Key Takeaways:

  • Benjamin Millepied's LA Dance Project company is performing Gems in the Brisbane Festival, a collection of three short dance works inspired by gemstones.
  • Gems was originally titled but will revert to Reflections for its Los Angeles performance in October, due to Millepied's desire to distance himself from George Balanchine's Jewels.
  • Millepied's career has seen him collaborate with various artists, including conceptual artist Barbara Kruger and choreographer Jerome Robbins.
  • Millepied was influenced by Robbins, who taught him the importance of authenticity on stage and in relationships.
  • The choreographer has over 55 projects on his CV and is currently working on multiple projects, including La Ville Dansée and Rituel.
  • Millepied has a strong background in ballet, having trained at Lyon's Conservatoire National and the School of American Ballet in New York.
  • His ballet, Passages, was choreographed at age 24, and he has since created works for major companies in New York and Europe.
  • Millepied's divorce from Natalie Portman in 2024 has led to his children, Aleph and Amalia, becoming part of his public life.

Statistics:

  • 55+ projects on Millepied's CV
  • 2022: Millepied directed the movie Carmen, starring Paul Mescal and Melissa Carrera
  • 2023: The Australian Ballet performed Balanchine's Jewels
  • 2013, 2014, and 2016: Millepied created the three short dance works that comprise Gems
  • 2016: Millepied launched LADP with the backing of Van Cleef ' Arpels
  • October 2024: LADP will tour Rituel to the Lincoln Center

Sources:

  • Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC)
  • Brisbane Festival
  • The Sydney Opera House

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