Dancers on deck: Ponant launches its first artists in residence this summer, with three internationally renowned classical dancers embarking aboard “Le Bougainville”
A first. PONANT launches its first artists in residence this summer, with three internationally renowned classical dancers embarking aboard Le Bougainville, including the ballerina Eugénie Drion.
In the Aegean, spray from waves dances like ancient muses. If we listen carefully, can we catch the echo of one of Zeus’s daughters? Will Terpsichore, the dancer who makes the heart rejoice, inspire the artists in residence on “Le Bougainville”?
This summer in mid-August, Le Bougainville will be the theatre of an unprecedented performance, a creative break to witness a unique work being imagined and produced.
Dancers on deck
Dancers Eugénie Drion, Isaac Lopes Gomes and Tristan Ridel, with photographer and artistic director Albane Drion, will not just be putting on a show.
They will be immersed in creating a work in the true sense of the word. As the days and encounters go by, the artists will be working on an original choreography, a digital dance in video format which will be auctioned as an NFT (Non Fungible Token), with all proceeds going to two associations, including Independanse founded by Eugénie Drion.
“The light in Greece is sublime, I can’t wait to dance with Isaac and Tristan in front of Albane’s camera, in these magical places so steeped in history, myths and life. I love the idea of leaving a part unknown, I am sure we are going to meet interesting people, be inspired, be transported,” says Eugénie Drion, who has trodden the boards of the great opera houses.
Ballet and sunsets
An inspirational odyssey, at the crossroads of art and travel. From Istanbul to Athens, this unique, innovative and modern project will come to life under the attentive eyes of guests. Aboard Le Bougainville, in the spirit of sharing cherished at the Marseille-based company, guests will have a front row seat, invited to attend the filming at sunset on deck and an artists’ work session. It promises a unique and intimate approach to the age-old art of dance.
“One aspect I love about art is that we can reach society in different places. First there’s the intimacy, the emotional reaction of each spectator. Then there are the values defended by the work, the questions it raises, the attention paid and the protagonists’ discourse and vision. It could be clear or very complex, all this also impacting on the way the underlying messages are received. And finally, an aspect that NFTs have brought to light and strengthened, is the ability to raise funds and help NGOs and associations to respond in a tangible way to current issues. In our case, it’s our shared intention with PONANT to protect the oceans which could benefit directly from the fruits of this residence,” adds Eugénie Drion.
Anyone can follow this project on Eugénie Drion’s social networks throughout the voyage.
Treasures of the Aegean Sea
Istanbul – Athens on Le Bougainville, 11 to 18 August 2022, 8 days – 7 nights
From €4,090.
ABOUT EUGÉNIE DRION
A dancer since the age of 5, Eugénie Drion trained at the Paris Opera School of Dance until, with hard work and determination, she won the Prix Jeunes Espoirs 2014. She has performed in the big classical ballets, including Swan Lake and Giselle, and in world premieres like Forsythe’s Blake Works I. Always keen to share her craft with others, she founded the association Independanse in 2018, an artists’ collective whose aim is to promote classical and contemporary dance to the young and populations who are too far away for whatever reason to have access to dance.
(Ponant)
