“360”, an overly demonstrative “dance concert” by Mehdi Kerkouche

The "dance concert" , with the audience standing, is gaining ground on contemporary stages. After that of the singer-songwriter Hervé with the electro company MazelFreten, presented in February and currently on tour, Chaillot-Théâtre national de la danse is betting on the same concept with 360 , by Mehdi Kerkouche, director of the National Choreographic Center of Créteil, with electro sounds by Lucie Antunes. The aim of this show for eight dancers, which was very applauded on Thursday, May 15, is to free the audience from its seated and supposedly passive position to make it spring up and move, even dance in tune with the performers.

And forward, to the attack on the Firmin-Gémier hall! As with Hervé, the stands have been evacuated, the venue emptied. A circular stage topped with a cage-like metal belvedere is planted in the center. The imposing arrangement attracts the 600 spectators who immediately stick to it and take up positions. Whereas, during Hervé's performance, it was necessary to weave between the crowds to have a chance to catch the performers' movements—unless you came only for the music and referred the dancing to a friendly assistant!—the 360° visibility promises to be impeccable.

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