VIDF to Present Par B.L.eux's SNAKESKINS, 3/12-14

The Vancouver International Dance Festival (VIDF) presents Par B.L.eux's provocative Snakeskins from March 12-14, 2015 at 8pm at Roundhouse Performance Centre. Described as a 'fake solo' by Montréal-based choreographer and performer Benoît Lachambre (the artist is accompanied on stage by dancer Daniele Albanese and musician / multi-instrumentalist Hahn Rowe), the multimedia work is a visually spectacular meditation on new growth through the shedding of old skin.

"Benoît is a fascinating artist whose choreographic vision extends far beyond the physical body," says Barbara Bourget, Artistic Director of VIDF. "Snakeskins is an award-winning creation from his company Par B.L.eux. In it, he uses hundreds of feet of rope, a monstrous jigsaw puzzle, and metal scaffolding to create a playground for compelling, complex imagery."

Having enjoyed its premiere at Germany's PACT Zollverein in 2012, Snakeskins has since toured throughout Europe and been presented at special engagements in Montréal and Brazil. The centerpiece for the performance is a set of metal scaffolding on which Lachambre is suspended by a leather harness around his neck. Sixty white ropes radiate out from the structure, thrumming with vibrations as the performer writhes, undulates, and ripples at the core.

Lachambre's highly physical performance is supported by musician Hahn Rowe (who also composed Snakeskins' score), with participation by fellow dancer Daniele Albanese. The costumes and props were created by Alexandra Bertaut, with lighting design by Yves Godin.

Lachambre is a Montréal-based choreographer, dancer, improviser, teacher, and artistic director of his own company Par B.L.eux founded in 1996. Benoît has been a part of the international dance community for the past 30 years. He began his career in jazz and modern dance with companies including Les Ballets-Jazz de Montréal, Pointépiénu, and Toronto Dance Theatre before he moved to New York and danced and studied with Stéphanie Skura and Nina Martin, among others. In 2013, he was awarded the Grand prix de la danse de Montréal for his presentation of Snakeskins.

Lachambre devotes himself to an exploratory approach of movement and its sources, seeking authenticity of motion. In his works, he explores the dynamics of communication and perception, coupled with elements of the visual and performance arts. Par B.L.eux is devoted to contemporary and interdisciplinary choreographic creation, and the close connection to an international network of artists.

In addition to his work for his own company, Lachambre is an in-demand choreographer with 25 commissioned works since the formation of Par B.L.eux, including pieces for Louise Lecavalier and Stockholm's Cullberg Ballet.

Tickets for Par B.L.eux's Snakeskins can be purchased at: VIDF.ca.

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