About
The Béjart Ballet Lausanne is one of the world's most renowned contemporary ballet companies, founded in 1987 in Lausanne by the legendary choreographer Maurice Béjart. Created as the successor to his Brussels-based Ballet du XXe Siècle, the company has preserved and continued Béjart's distinctive choreographic legacy while developing new works and introducing his artistic vision to audiences around the world.
Maurice Béjart, one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century, transformed the language of ballet by combining classical technique with elements of modern dance, theatre, music, philosophy, and traditions from different cultures. His choreography is known for its powerful physicality, dramatic imagery, ritualistic qualities, and ability to communicate across cultural boundaries.
The company's repertoire includes many of Béjart's most celebrated creations. Among them are Boléro, set to Maurice Ravel's hypnotic score; Le Sacre du printemps; L'Oiseau de feu; Bhakti; and Ballet for Life, created to music by Queen and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. These works have become landmarks of 20th-century dance and continue to be performed by the company on major stages worldwide.
Since Béjart's death in 2007, the artistic direction has been entrusted to Gil Roman, who worked closely with Béjart for many years. Under his leadership, the company has remained committed to preserving the choreographer's essential repertoire while supporting new artistic projects and ensuring that his choreographic language continues to evolve.
Based in Lausanne, the company maintains a strong connection with Switzerland while enjoying an exceptionally international presence. Its tours regularly take it to major theatres and festivals across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas, attracting audiences with performances that combine extraordinary technique, dramatic intensity, and Béjart's unmistakable theatrical vision.
The Béjart Ballet Lausanne occupies a unique position in contemporary dance: it is simultaneously a guardian of an extraordinary 20th-century choreographic heritage and a living company whose performances continue to introduce new generations to Béjart's revolutionary approach to ballet.