Compagnie Montalvo-Hervieu

Artistic Direction: José Montalvo, Dominique Hervieu

Creation: 1988

In 1981, José Montalvo – choreographer – met Dominique Hervieu – dancer – and began to choreograph short playful pieces, kinds of choreographic aphorisms, of which she is the principal performer. They devised a characteristic form of movement together, built of fluidity, rapidity and precision, which was to lend a distinctive style to their productions. 1986-1988: José Montalvo’s choreographies won several international awards, all performed by Dominique Hervieu. This was the beginning of an artistic adventure and a deep understanding, which led to the founding of the Compagnie Montalvo-Hervieu in 1988. In 1993, they created “Double Trouble”, an inaugural piece, in which the technological image and the physical presence of the dancers’ bodies are set against each other. So it was that the two partners embarked upon the production of a set of works that, while autonomous, might one day be understood as a whole, like some huge baroque fresco. With “Paradis” (1997) and “Le jardin io io ito ito” (1999), the originality of their approach was praised and rewarded the world over. José Montalvo and Dominque Hervieu have also choreographed for the étoiles of the Paris Opéra and the opening of the 53rd Cannes International Film Festival.  Alongside their choreographic work on new pieces, in 1989 they began devising in-situ community events. In June 1998, they were appointed directors of the Centre Chorégraphique National de Créteil et du Val-de-Marne. In June 2000, José Montalvo and Dominique Hervieu were nominated respectively Dance Director and Director of Young Audience Mission and Outreach Projects at the Théâtre National, Chaillot. They have also been awarded the distinction of Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres. Since 2002 Dominique Hervieu has co-written the company’s shows with José Montalvo. In May 2004, they choreographed and directed Jean-Philippe Rameau’s opera “Les Paladins”, under the musical direction of William Christie. In November 2004 they devised a choreographic trail at the Louvre museum. In January 2005 they composed “On Danƒe”, and adapted this for young audiences under the title “La Bossa Fataka De Rameau”. In 2006 Dominique Hervieu produced a set of interactive teaching DVDs dealing with cultural diversity. In 2008, they created « Porgy and Bess » at the Opera de Lyon and « Good Morning, Mr. Gershwin ». The same year, the French Ministry of Culture appointed them directors of the Théâtre National, Chaillot, which became a venue exclusively dedicated to choreographic art.

Sources: Maison de la danse show program ; “Panorama de la danse” (Rosita Boisseau); Théâtre National de Chaillot ‘s website