As reality bites and we have already started nostalgically reminiscing about the holiday fun and frolic we all had I can't help but think back on what was most definitely one of the highlights of my holiday, this spectacular dance performance I saw in Greeceland. "Sacred Monsters" is a modern dance masterpiece choreographed by Akram Khan who joins forces with undoubtedly the best ballerina of our time, the graciously elastic Sylvie Guillem. A study on human relations that left me in an ecstatic state. Though I live in the land of dance (Belgium), a performance like this comes along and reminds us what greatness really is. A must see if you ever get the chance!
Je suis émerveillée!
Sacred Monsters, Akram Khan Company from Akram Khan Company on Vimeo.
“Sacred Monsters. Monstres Sacres. The
term was used for the first time in France in the 19th century as a nickname
for the big stars of the theatre, such as Sarah Bernhardt. It marks the birth
of contemporary stardom in which the icons of the arts and sports world are
given divine status by their audience and the media. Sacred Monsters is first and foremost the meeting and
exchange of two such 'stars' of the present day dance world: Sylvie Guillem and
Akram Khan. But there is also a flip side to stardom. Having to live up
to the expectations of your audience to be perfect, positive, good (at), …
There is no more room for failure, imperfection, to express one's real feelings
and emotions. The divine status becomes inhuman, monstrous."
