Myriam Gourfink's performances begin in Paris

Myriam Gourfink, a prominent contemporary dancer in France, will begin a series of performances on November 3 at the Petit Odéon. These performances are known for their extreme slowness and focus on subtle movement.

Program features past and new works

The program includes the acrobatic solo Almasty (2014), danced by Deborah Lary, the duo Arche (2021), and a new piece titled Frissure. In Frissure, Gourfink herself explores complex emotional and physical states through a solo performance.

Gourfink's artistic influences and style

Over thirty years, Gourfink has developed a gestural language that transforms the perception of space and time. Her work draws inspiration from yoga and postmodern choreographers such as Steve Paxton and Simone Forti.

Emphasis on breathing and environment

Gourfink’s compositions emphasize variations in breathing and increased awareness of performers' feelings and environments. This focus aims to create a deeper connection between the dancer and the surrounding space.

Venue and audience experience

The performances will take place in the gallery of the Petit Odéon, a space typically used for theater. The limited number of spectators will allow for a "microscope view," enhancing the experience of the nuanced dance movements.

Concept behind the slow movement

Gourfink explains that her focus on the floor as a space for resistance against the dominant standing position and the slowness of movement is a counter to contemporary time as a tool of efficiency and productivity. This approach aims to propose an alternative relationship to the environment, considering gravitational forces and surrounding life forms.