DANCE MUSIC
Artsource The Music Center’s Study Guide to the Performing Arts
TRANSFORMATION
ENDURING VALUES
Title of Work: Tete en l’Air
Creator: Artistic Director of Diavolo: Jacques Heim (1964 -)
Background Information: Jacques Heim was born in Paris, France in 1964 and discovered dance through Parisian street theatre. He formed his first theatre group, Artichoke, in 1981 before his passion to study movement took him to England and then to America. Jacques wanted to create dances that shed light on the relationships between people and their physical surroundings. He was driven to discover how people survive, adapt and ultimately remain free in the modern world. His desire to “try to convey an appreciation for movement via a vocabulary based on everyday activities” led him in 1992 to create Diavolo, a company of dancers, gymnasts and actors who collaboratively develop work around outrageous sets and structures. In Jacques’ hands, the extreme physicality of Diavalo is used to explore the ways we cope with an increasingly dangerous world. Jacques cites the 1994 Northridge earthquake as a source of inspiration. He states, “For me, I had the best time after the earthquake when everybody started to share. When chaos and a state of survival happen, people come together. The work with the company is like that.” His work has received international critical acclaim and established him as a compelling and ground-breaking choreographer and director. Jacques was even named one of the “100 Coolest People in L.A.” by Buzz Magazine. He has received numerous awards and grants and was invited to choreograph for Cirque du Soleil.
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ARTISTIC PROCESSES
TRADITIONAL CLASSICAL
1. CREATING (Cr)
CONTEMPORARY
2. PERFORMING, PRESENTING, PRODUCING (Pr)
EXPERIMENTAL
3. RESPONDING (Re)
MULTI-MEDIA
4. CONNECTING (Cn)
FREEDOM & OPPRESSION
THE HUMAN FAMILY
THE POWER OF NATURE
About The Artwork: In 1993, Jacques created Tete en l’Air, which means “head in the sky.” Inspired by the structure of a large wooden staircase, the dancers stream down, under and even through it, via a series of ingenious trap doors. As “citizens of the world” they portray a sense of bewilderment and wonder as they explore endless commuting and relocation possibilities. As the piece progresses, the staircase seems to take on a life of its own. Indeed, it is a story in and of itself; the dancers become the luggage they carry. As their destination is unknown, they are driven to bring a sense of home with them. At times the piece is tense and overwhelming in its physicality, but there is always an underlying current of wit and play as sleds, skis and auto tires add bizarre variations to the dancers’ journey.
Process of the Artist or Culture: The essence of Jacques’ material includes architecture, geometric shapes, mechanical functionality and landscapes. Although no two pieces are developed identically, Jacques usually begins by finding or constructing a setpiece. From here, he begins a lengthy process of improvisation and collaboration with his dancers and designers. Photo:Ed Krieger
“Movement becomes the metaphor for the struggle for survival in the world and in the self.” Jacques Heim California