The Montpellier Danse festival was launched in 1981 and has been one of the most important events for contemporary dance in Europe. The festival has shaped how people think about modern dance in France and worldwide. Last year, a significant change occurred when long-term director Jean-Paul Montanari stepped down. He was replaced by a team of four: Hofesh Shechter, Jann Gallois, Dominique Hervieu and Pierre Martinez. Despite this leadership change, the festival continues its mission of bringing dance to every corner of the city, mixing experimental works with more accessible performances.
Among this year's highlights is Imminentes by Jann Gallois. The piece features six women performing for one hour in a dynamic and visually striking show. The dancers begin in gentle, intimate pairs before gradually merging into a unified group, their movements growing faster and more synchronized. A building soundtrack and increasingly powerful lighting support their physical energy. The performance sometimes leans toward spectacle over substance, but it succeeds in engaging its audience. More successful is Le Pas du Monde by Collectif XY, the acclaimed circus company known for their work at the 2024 Paris Olympics opening ceremony. The piece combines human towers, daring aerial work, and breathtaking acrobatics, yet transcends mere spectacle.