Lord of the Dance

Wednesday July 9 was a sad day in the world of ballet and of performing arts in general, when Nicolas Le Riche, one of the most remarkable figures of his generation, graced the stage with his last performance as a member of The Paris Opera Ballet.

The event was the hottest ticket in Paris for months, and ended up being streamed live worldwide for fans of him and of rare talent in general.

Unfortunately I was not able to attend, however I was fortunate enough to have witnessed his extraordinary talent and outstanding technique exactly two years ago at Lincoln Center, including his performance of Béjart’s Boléro, which I understand was the highlight at the Palais Garnier as well. Created by Maurice Béjart in 1961 and set to Ravel’s famous score, Le Riche dances on a raised red table, with company members surrounding him. The piece starts with the dancer barely moving to one drum only, and gradually progressing to a full, even frantic sound and rhythm.

From the moment the curtain went up, I know I was looking at something special. The combination of elegance, finesse and brute physical strength is overwhelming and touching at the same time.

The Paris Opera Ballet has a mandatory retirement age for its dancers at 42, and Le Riche lobbied hard for the available position of artistic director. However the post was recently awarded to Benjamin Millepied, to great skepticism in the Parisian ballet and patrons circles.

Nicolas Le Riche has discreetly been venturing in a world outside of dance, with experience in film and drama, and even has performed No theatre in Tokyo.

Even though I expect that he will spend some quality time with his wife, fellow dancer Clairemarie Osta, and their two daughters, I am sure that we have not heard nor seen the last of him.

Meanwhile I recommend watching this unusual athlete and performer on YouTube.