This December, the Monaco Dance Forum returns with an impressive lineup of international dance companies and celebrated choreographers, set to dazzle audiences with performances ranging from classical ballet to contemporary works. The annual event, presented by Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, will be held from Wednesday, December 11 to Wednesday, December 18, with shows at the Grimaldi Forum and Théâtre des Variétés, bringing together a global selection of talent.
Opening the festival on December 11, Belgium’s Peeping Tom Company will stage Diptych, a thought-provoking piece that delves into themes of memory, time, and personal illusion. The characters navigate flawed narratives and explore existential themes that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Following this, the legendary flamenco artist Israel Galván takes the stage on December 12 with La Edad de Oro, a tribute to flamenco’s golden era. The show, blending powerful dance with traditional guitar and vocals, promises a passionate homage to the Spanish art form’s emotional intensity.
On December 13, the Staatsballet Wiesbaden partners with renowned choreographer Ohad Naharin for Last Work, an abstract exploration that centers on a dancer running continuously onstage while the world around them becomes a chaotic storm. Known for its powerful symbolism, Last Work is set to be one of the festival’s highlights.
For a change of pace, a screening of Silk Stockings will offer a touch of classic Hollywood glamour on December 15. The 1956 film, starring Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse, features music by Cole Porter and is celebrated as one of the golden era’s iconic musicals.
Family audiences will enjoy Akram Khan Company’s Chotto Desh on December 16, a touching narrative following a young boy’s journey across Britain and Bangladesh. Known for his imaginative storytelling, Khan brings a cross-cultural tale of memory and identity to Monaco.
Dance Marathon by La Compagnie Eugénie Andrin on December 17 pays homage to the endurance contests of 1930s America, embodying resilience during the Great Depression through movement and dance.
Closing the festival on December 18, Norway’s Jo Strømgren Kompani will present Made in Oslo, a contemporary triptych that examines facets of modern life through inventive choreography.
The Monaco Dance Forum offers an extraordinary celebration of dance’s diverse forms and themes, making it a must-see for dance enthusiasts. Full event details and tickets are available through the official Monaco Dance Forum website.
