Chaillot-Théâtre National de la Danse

Chaillot is a hospitable venue, home to all kinds of dance, audiences, as well as creative and human endeavors. Since he took over Chaillot, théâtre national de la Danse on April 6, 2021, choreographer Rachid Ouramdane has made the iconic building on the Place du Trocadéro facing the Eiffel tower a place of fruitful dialogue and sharing. His own artistic path suggests a consistent inclination for multifarious “people-driven” projects. Drawn to dance through hip hop and later trained at the CNDC in Angers, initially a performer, he has built up a multidisciplinary body of work that draws upon real-life events, explores nonconventional bodies (TORDRE, 2014) and sporting challenges (Corps extrêmes, 2021), fearlessly confronts the memory of war and exile (Loin, 2008), and the fate of young migrants (Franchir la nuit, 2018). He also headed the Centre chorégraphique national de Grenoble (CCN2) from 2016 to 2021.

Building on his rich experience as well as the unique history and location of an institution under the twin authority of the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Finance, the new director engages with the Chaillot House “with a different mindset.” Advocating a spirit of sharing, he is committed to fostering hospitality “from within and out” and intends to bring art to “people’s everyday life.” Following in the footsteps of his illustrious predecessors Jean Vilar and Antoine Vitez, Rachid Ouramdane bridges the gap between sophistication and popular culture, which requires opening up and mixing art forms. His “necessary”, generous and unifying dream translates into the commitment of a team of more than 125 permanent staff. It breaks down into several areas comprising various structured programs.