Choreography for a special program of the Thuner Stadtorchester
The Thuner Stadtorchester and the Joshua Monten Dance Company are collaborating in launching the “Ravel tanzt” project, bringing together musicians, professional dancers, and amateur dancers from the Thun region.
As part of the symphony concerts on March 20 and 21, 2027, the TSO will perform two masterpieces by Maurice Ravel—”Valses nobles et sentimentales” and “Boléro”—works that have served as spirited dance music for nearly a century. This time, however, the steps will be a little different…
First, four professional dancers from the Joshua Monten Dance Company take the stage—or rather, the spacious floor area directly in front of the stage, where the first rows of seats are usually placed. To the strains of “Valses nobles et sentimentales”, group dances alternate with solos — sometimes lyrical and sweeping, sometimes swift and acrobatic — always in dialogue with the evocative music.
As this piece draws to a close, the unmistakable snare-drum rhythm of “Boléro” begins. The atmosphere shifts instantly. The choreography becomes symmetrical and intensely rhythmic — moving in circles and squares, always with a keen sense of form. Initially, the four professional dancers perform in perfect synchronization. Gradually, a large movement choir joins in, forming additional circles around the central group.
Thus, the “Ravel Dances” project culminates in a rhythmic, ritualistic flash mob that fills the Schadau Hall’s floor with dancing bodies. With the musicians in the background and the dancers in the foreground — in immediate proximity to the audience — a rich, holistic work of art emerges, full of depth and flair. Through this highly rhythmic, large-scale staging, we take a fresh look at Ravel’s music while creating a convivial dance event.
CHOREOGRAPHY
Joshua Monten
CHOREOGRAPHIC ASSISTANCE
Larissa de Villa
PROFESSIONAL DANCERS
Cyr Bezuijen
Gianmarco Martini Zani
Winter Wieringa
Jack Wignall
COSTUME DESIGN
Sandra Klimek
LIGHTING DESIGN
Mirjam Berger
APPRENTICE
Romain Robert
PERFORMANCE HISTORY
19-20 March 2027 (2x) — Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Thun, Thun (CH)