Benjamin Millepied
Closer is an intense and sensual duet by choreographer Benjamin Millepied, where two bodies engage in a delicate dialogue of tension, carried by the hypnotic music of Philip Glass.
Danced to Mad Rush by composer Philip Glass, Benjamin Millepied's duet Closer was created in 2006 for Céline Cassone and Sébastien Marcovici (principal dancer of the New York City Ballet). Presented and acclaimed on numerous stages around the world, Closer proves to be a voluptuous and rhythmic exchange, with a simple but intense sensuality, that of the tension between two bodies.
For about twenty minutes, Céline is carried, dragged, lifted, with movements of crystal-clear beauty and delicacy, gripping the emotions of the audience, who are in turn transported into the passionate story of the couple. This performance is accompanied by the vibrant melody of Mad Rush , resonating throughout the hall and highlighting the purity of the dancers' feelings.
This work benefited from the invaluable support of Mr. Uriel G. Luft.
“This immense phrase, carried by two hypnotic performers, guest artists Céline Cassone and Alexander Hille, showcases Millepied’s talent for duets and the exploration of love through dance. (…) The nooses of a pas de deux are constantly renewed by a seamless flow of energy. A dream of organic, even idyllic, partnership, conveying a certain idea of romanticism between equals in soft, nuanced lighting. Closer elicited a standing ovation from the audience.”
- Rossita Boisseau, Le Monde (Paris, France)
2012
year of creation
17
minutes
2
dancers
Choreography by Benjamin Millepied
Music by Philip Glass
Lighting by Daniel Ranger, based on the work of Roderick Stewart Murray
Costumes UNTTLD, Simon Bélanger and José Manuel St-Jacques
World Premiere Montreal, Canada, September 2012
Duration 17 minutes
