Malandain Ballet Biarritz

La Belle et la Bête

Based in the Basque coastal resort town of Biarritz in Southern France, Artistic Director Thierry Malandain has developed a very personal approach to dance that is rooted in classical ballet with a contemporary, full-bodied style. His company of 22 gorgeous dancers makes their Minnesota debut with an ethereal vision of Beauty and the Beast—unlike any other you have seen before. Revealing the humanity at the core of this well-known fairy tale, Malandain says, "I am searching for a dance that not only leaves traces of pleasure, but also revives the essence of the sacred as an answer to the difficulty of being." With ingenious stagecraft, elegant costumes, and a romantic score drawn from Tchaikovsky's symphonies, this unique, 70-minute version sweeps us toward an uplifting finale where goodness and love conquer fear and evil. 

“...The choreography—remarkably adapted to music that fits it like a glove—is brimming with amazingly inventive variations ...confirming the choreographer's acute sensitivity, wit and talent.” –Critiphotodanse