Ballet Preljocaj is a contemporary ballet company based in Aix-en-Provence, France with a passion for original works and sharing dance with communities all over the world.
Created in December 1984 by Angelin Preljocaj, the Preljocaj company became the National Choreographic Centre of Champigny-sur-Marne and Val-de-Marne in 1989. In 1996, the ballet was welcomed at the Cité du Livre in Aix-en-Provence and became Ballet Preljocaj – National Choreographic Centre of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region, the Bouches-du-Rhône Department, the Pays d’Aix Community and the City of Aix-en-Provence.
Since founding his company, now composed of 24 dancers, Angelin Preljocaj has created 50 choreographic works, ranging from solo to larger formations. The Ballet performs about 100 dates per year on tour, in France and abroad. Angelin Preljocaj has multiplied his collaborations with other artists such as Enki Bilal (Roméo et Juliette, 1990), Air (Near Life Experience, 2003) Granular Synthesis (« N », 2004), Fabrice Hyber (Les 4 saisons…, 2005), Jean Paul Gaultier (Snow White, 2008), Constance Guisset (Le funambule, 2009), and Azzedine Alaïa (The Nighs, 2013).
His creations have been restaged by numerous other repertory companies, from which he also receives requests to create new pieces, including La Scala in Milan, the New York City Ballet, the Staatsoper in Berlin and the Paris Opera Ballet.
Beyond the repertory performances, Ballet Preljocaj has worked to bring dance to Aix-en-Provence and neighboring communities. The outreach has included lectures on dance interpretation through video, open public rehearsals, contemporary dance classes and workshops, and dance interventions in urban public space – all means of viewing and understanding dance from different perspectives.
In 2006 Ballet Preljocaj moved into a new home in Aix-en-Provence, The Pavillon Noir. The space was designed by the architect Rudy Ricciotti exclusively for dance and allows artists to experience the entire creative process, from workshops and rehearsals to staging and performance. The Pavillon Noir opened its doors on October 20, 2006. Performances are programmed year round, both artistic director Angelin Preljocaj’s creations and from other invited companies.
