Empty moves

Empty moves is composed of actions and movements inspired by the words and phonemes read by John Cage at the Teatro Lirico in Milan, recorded live on December 2. 1977. The notion of the alienation effect, of the disintegration of the movement and of a new manner of choreographic phrasing takes precedence over their meaning and essence. Through these means this dance work connects with the text by Henry David Thoreau which was John Cage’s starting point, and attempts to reach the unflappable pugnacity of the mastermind behind that evening in Milan.

Angelin Preljocaj is choreographer and Artistic Director of Ballet Preljocaj – National Choreographic Center in Aix-en-Provence. Preljocaj has background from both ballet and contemporary dance. In 1980 he studied in New York under Zena Rommett and Merce Cunningham. He continued his studies in Paris, with among others Viola Farber and Quentin Rouillier, and he started his career as a dancer in Cie Dominique Bagouet. In 1984 Preljocaj established his own company Ballet Preljocaj and all together he has created over 45 productions. Preljocaj has received numerous awards including “Grand Prix National de la Danse” given by Le Ministère de la Culture in 1992.