Festival dates and theme

The 35th edition of the Suresnes Cités Danse festival will run from January 8 to February 4, 2027. The festival focuses on openness and the power of the human body, guided by three principles: resist, amaze, and transmit.

Resistance and choreographic insurrection

Bouziane Bouteldja opens the festival with a conference titled "Dances and Struggles," highlighting how dance can be a joyful form of contestation. Marina Gomes contributes with "Rather Fire Than Tears," a performance involving eleven dancers that continues this theme of resistance.

Sense of wonder and strength

The festival also showcases pieces that evoke wonder and strength, such as Leïla Ka's "Lullaby Shot," Paradox-Sal collective's "Gentlewoman," and Sofiane Chalal's "XXL," which celebrates the beauty of non-standardized bodies through dance.

Intimate and anticipatory narratives

Dance is explored as a path to personal freedom through performances like François Lamargot's "My Movement Box" and Jacky Medefo's "A Turn for Jacky," staged by Magda Kachouche. Anna Beghelli and Maé Nayrolles take an innovative approach with "7 AM," an anticipatory narrative that challenges traditional storytelling in dance.

Roots and intergenerational transmission

The festival emphasizes cultural heritage and passing knowledge to future generations. Performances such as Sandra Sadhardheen's "Essence," which blends krump with Indian origins, and Julia Ortola's "Nexus," connecting three generations of locking, reflect this theme. RickySoul and LeeLa Petronio also contribute with pieces rooted in Afro-Caribbean and other cultural traditions.

Celebrating legacy and unity

Mourad Merzouki will recreate his iconic piece "Recital" for the 29th anniversary of the festival. The traditional "Battle Suresnes Danse" will conclude the event, bringing together diverse dance styles and generations in a spirit of unity and goodwill.