Centre chorégraphique national • Ballet de l’Opéra national du Rhin (CCN BOnR)

Direction Bruno Bouché

Bruno Bouché was a dancer at the Opéra de Paris for more than 20 years. From a very young age, he discovered a vast array of techniques and aesthetics from the choreographic scene, influenced by artists like George Balanchine, Maurine Béjart, Jiří Kylián, José Martinez, Rudolf Noureev, Roland Petit, Angelin Preljocaj, Laura Scozzi, Tino Sehgal, Saburo Teshigawara, William Forsythe and finally Pina Bausch, who greatly shaped his vision of dance when he was just 18.

Bruno Bouché has always cultivated his knowledge as an engaged spectator with a broad appreciation for choreographic arts, ranging from classical to iconoclastic works. His interest also extended beyond dance to encompass other art forms as well.
With his company, Bouché developed a singular approach that integrated dance academic language as a tool to explore the world. He blended theatrical elements, visual arts, music, and contemporary materials in his work. Constantly looking for a laboratory for his creative endeavours, Bouché was appointed director of the CCN • Ballet de l’Opéra National du Rhin (BOnR) at the age of 38.

Under his leadership, he guided the company along his own aesthetic path and challenges: how can we explore alternative creative pathways, while using a vocabulary that is rooted in tradition? Inspired by William Forsythe, Bouché utilised this language to convey emotions and situations, and tackle current issues.

The CCN • Ballet de l’Opéra national du Rhin’s mission is to nurture a new generation of choreographers, while critically examining the institution to transform it into a relevant and contemporary ballet company. Bruno Bouché has also delved into narratives and drama in dance. In keeping with the operatic nature of the venue, he initiated a project that integrates major musical compositions into contemporary choreographic art creation processes. The goal is also to address the 21^st century repertoire, by inviting renowned choreographers to the CCN, so that dancers learn how to seamlessly transition between different aesthetics. Finally, his approach also includes a political dimension, exploring how dance can address citizenship-related issues. One of the creations resulting from this initiative is inspired by a piece frequently performed at the CCN • Ballet de l’OnR: La Table verte by Jurt Jooss. This creation is named Spectres d’Europe (Spectres from Europe), and showcases the continent through the lens of history