’Renissance’ Balmain x Opéra de Paris

To celebrate the upcoming collaboration between two historic Parisian institutions—Balmain and l’Opéra de Paris—James Bort has filmed a group of Premier and Étoile dancers, (Amandine Albisson, Audric Bezard, Dorothée Gilbert, Nais Duboscq and Thomas Docquir) as they perform a series of pas de deux from “Renaissance,” a new ballet from choreographer Sébastien Bertaud. Filmed inside the incomparable Opera Garnier, the video—like Bertaud’s creation—relies on the haunting notes of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto No. 2 and highlights the beautiful costumes designed by Balmain’s Creative Director, Olivier Rousteing. Rousteing’s creations reflect both the acclaimed savoir-faire of Balmain’s atelier and the recognizably modern style that the designer has imposed upon the house in recent years. Impressive golden and silver embellishments cover flesh-colored performance pieces, with rhinestones and pearls embroidered directly onto bodysuits, tights and draped tees. A similar treatment has been given to the dancers’ spencer coats, cardigans and fringe skirts. Bertaud and Rousteing—both thirty years old and natives of Bordeaux—may be young, but the two creators share an appreciation for the singular history and traditions behind both Balmain and The Paris Opera. “Of course, it is an amazing honor to partner with the Paris Opera,” notes Rousteing. “There are few institutions that so embody the essence of French culture and creativity. As someone who has always been fascinated by the technique, beauty and power of dance, this project was a joy to work on, giving me the unique opportunity to learn from and share ideas with a group of incredibly talented artists and craftsmen for whom nothing seems to be impossible.” “Renaissance” pays tribute to the refinement of the Ecole de danse Française—from the Versailles of Louis XIV to the Opéra Garnier of today. Since the Bertaud’s goal was to create a “classical ballet for our times,” a collaboration with Balmain was the most logical choice. “For me, Olivier is the only person today who shares the same approach of innovating while respecting traditional techniques,” the choreographer explains. “Renaissance“ will be performed at Paris’ Opera Garnier from June 13th through June 18th as part of the 350-year-old institution’s celebration of emerging talents entitled Bertaud/Bouché/Paul/Valastro.