Michel Kelemenis

After practising gymnastics as a child, Michel Kelemenis discovered dance at the age of 17. He began his career in 1983 working with Dominique Bagouet at the Centre Chorégraphique National de Montpellier, where he developed a unique vision of movement. In 1987, he founded his own company, which he set up in Marseille 2 years later, and embarked on a prolific career, with creations marked by refined, poetic compositions exploring the emotions and musicality of gesture. His dance is recognised for its distinctive style, combining elegance and expressiveness.

As well as creating works for his own company, ranging from intimate duets to large ensembles, the Marseille-based choreographer has written works for prestigious companies such as the Ballet de l’Opéra national de Paris, the Grand Théâtre de Genève, the Ballet National de Marseille, the Ballet du Nord, the Ballet du Rhin… In 2011, on the initiative and following the concept of Michel Kelemenis, KLAP Maison pour la danse was inaugurated, a 2. 000 square metre complex dedicated to the creation, dissemination and exchange of dance, reinforcing Marseille’s place in the international choreographic landscape. A committed teacher and passionate artist, he continues to pass on his art through the invention of new works that appeal to a wide range of audiences, both in France and abroad.

His most recent creations: 2021 – LÉGENDE, a quartet for young audiences / 2023 – MAGNIFIQUES for 9 performers & LOIN TAIN for the Ballet du Capitole de Toulouse / 2024 – VERSUS, a duo of four-body magnets