Van Cleef & Arpels has long been celebrated for its exquisite high jewelry, but the Maison has also made significant strides in the world of dance through its initiative, Dance Reflections. Launched in 2020, this platform not only champions choreographic innovation but also honors the rich heritage of dance. By connecting contemporary artists with global audiences, Dance Reflections aims to inspire and uplift the next generation of dancers and choreographers.
We sat down with Serge Laurent, Van Cleef & Arpels’ Director of Dance and Culture Program , to discuss the initiative’s goals, its impact on the dance community, and how it aligns with the Maison’s artistic vision.
“The Maison has a long history and relationship with the world of dance,” Laurent begins. “It is a source of inspiration for our high jewelry creations. Additionally, thanks to the meetings between Van Cleef & Arpels and choreographers like George Balanchine in the 1960s or, more recently, Benjamin Millepied and his company, L.A. Dance Project, this relationship was further strengthened. Launched in 2020, Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels is today our way of continuing to write this story of passion between a high jewelry Maison and the world of dance.”
Laurent highlights how the legacy of the Maison inspires their current work. “We are a creative Maison, and a long-standing dialogue has been established with dance. Our wish today is to support contemporary creation in dance and to give back to an art that inspires us. The context and history of Van Cleef & Arpels, of course, influence our approach to dance today. Through Dance Reflections, we aim to showcase contemporary artists who are enriching the dance repertoire and driving its evolution.”
The initiative aims to create opportunities for emerging dancers and choreographers. “For an artist to grow, it is essential that the works meet the public,” he emphasizes. “Through our choices and collaborations, we want to mediate between artists and a large audience. My duty as head of Dance Reflections is to identify artists, support creation, and facilitate the presentation of the contemporary repertoire in collaboration with our partners.”
Laurent also discusses the importance of bringing contemporary dance to new regions. “Since 2020, we have supported dance companies in creating and presenting works on an international scale. We also organize the Dance Reflections Festival twice a year in different cities. Our efforts reflect our commitment to creation, transmission, and education, carried out in collaboration with 55 partners in 16 countries. The festival features a diverse range of choreographic works, from classical to avant-garde, as we aim to provide a holistic vision of choreographic art for a better understanding of today’s art. I strongly believe that art serves as a gateway to the world, offering a beautiful means of fostering dialogue between diverse cultures.”
A highlight of this year’s program is Sol Invictus, a significant work by Hervé Koubi. “This is the second time we have supported the NYU Abu Dhabi Center for the Arts in presenting the work of Hervé Koubi, which we will also be presenting with the Joyce Theater in New York this season,” Laurent shares. “Contemporary dance is nourished by multiple influences, and this is what makes it so rich. Thanks to his two cultures, Hervé Koubi invents a choreographic language that I feel is essential to present to a wide audience. The message he delivers is that art can facilitate possible encounters between people.”
Speaking about Sol Invictus, Hervé Koubi added, “The life we are a part of is only a fragile and ephemeral spark to which the universe is probably and will remain indifferent. The only way to overcome this unbearable condition would be to find meaning in it. And since, for me, Dancing and Loving are part of the same whole that is life, each performance on stage is a chance to let a spark shine, a spark as bright as a life filled with the joy of dancing together. Thanking the jeweler, he said, “We are grateful to Van Cleef & Arpels for allowing us to make this spark shine at the Arts Center of the New York University of Abu Dhabi.”
Looking to the future, Laurent expresses excitement about Dance Reflections’ growth. “Our network of partners is already large, and this is essential to concretely support the world of dance and creation internationally. Among the regions with which we work, the Middle East is an important partner, and we want to develop our collaborations there, as well as in South America. We are also developing partnerships for the organization of artist residencies, workshops, and master classes for amateurs.”
When asked about historical figures in dance, Laurent shares his admiration for those he currently works with. “I am already lucky enough today to work with great artists such as Bob Wilson, Lucinda Childs, or Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker. Dance Reflections also supports dance companies that perpetuate the repertoire of artists who have unfortunately passed away, such as Trisha Brown or Merce Cunningham. It’s really important for us to stay connected to recent history.”
In closing, when reflecting on the legacy Dance Reflections hopes to leave, Laurent states simply, “Van Cleef & Arpels’ loyalty to dance and creation, the desire to share a passion.” This commitment ensures that the world of dance will continue to flourish and inspire for generations to come.
Apart from Sol Invictus, Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels is bringing Romeo & Juliet by L.A. Project to the Dubai Opera on October 17 and 18 and In the Fall by Trisha Brown and Noe Soulier to the NYU Arts Center, Abu Dhabi on November 15.
ALSO READ: VAN CLEEF & ARPELS IS BRINGING ITS DAZZLING DANCE FESTIVAL TO THE UAE.
