From & About Pascal Touzeau

I am Pascal Touzeau, a French choreographer with a rich legacy in contemporary dance that began at the Conservatoire de Bordeaux. My professional journey commenced in 1987, from the Opéra national de Bordeaux to the Ballet de Frankfurt directed by William Forsythe, where I spent a transformative decade. This background has profoundly shaped my artistic and leadership ethos, imbuing me with a distinct vision for ballet that integrates traditional finesse with avant-garde expression.

As a seasoned artist and director, I have developed a profound capability to set clear visions and directions for various performing groups, from large ensembles to individual solo performers. My extensive experience allows me to unlock the potential of each artist, pushing their limits in physicality and detail. I am committed to providing detailed guidance on movement quality, musicality, and overall performance, ensuring that every dancer achieves their highest level of technical virtuosity and artistic expression.

After my enriching tenure at Frankfurt Ballet, I eventually embraced the role of Artistic Director at Stadttheater Mainz, where I led the company for five seasons. This role allowed me to refine my skills in producing engaging and innovative ballet productions while managing significant logistical and budgetary responsibilities. My time in Mainz was characterized by a focus on deepening the artistic quality and broadening the repertoire to include both classical and contemporary works, catering to a diverse audience base.

Subsequently, and as an example, at Ballet Madrid in Spain, I directed ongoing performances, each crafted to challenge and expand the artistic boundaries of the company and its audience. In Madrid, my role expanded beyond choreography and direction; I was deeply involved in the creative aspects of production, including costume and set design, which enhanced the aesthetic and narrative impact of each performance.

My approach is underpinned by meticulous attention to detail and robust project management skills. I excel in orchestrating the creative aspects of productions, ensuring that all elements—from choreography to stage management—coalesce seamlessly to meet our artistic vision while adhering to scheduled timelines and budget constraints.

I pride myself on being an artistic visionary who is not afraid to push the boundaries of traditional and contemporary ballet. My productions are designed to challenge the status quo and are consistently well-received by audiences. I am eager to bring a diverse skill set in dance to Düsseldorf, introducing a new style and vocabulary that will not only enhance the company's aesthetic but also elevate its standing in the global dance community.

As the Artistic Director of Pascal Touzeau & Co., I am passionate about steering the company to a future where the rich traditions of classical ballet merge seamlessly with innovative contemporary expressions. By maintaining a repertoire that features classical ballet at its core, we honor Germany’s artistic heritage and cater to a broad spectrum of ballet enthusiasts who cherish timeless performances.

Our programming strategy can be further designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences—from traditional ballet aficionados to younger, more diverse groups interested in modern interpretations and themes. By featuring a blend of classical masterpieces and contemporary ballets that reflect current societal issues and cultural diversity, PT & Co. will engage with audiences on a more personal and relevant level. This approach not only enriches the viewer's experience but also broadens their understanding of ballet as a dynamic and evolving art form.

For our dancers, I would aim for PT & Co. to be a nurturing ground for growth and creativity. Each artist's individuality will be encouraged to explore their full potential through both solo and ensemble opportunities. The inclusion of diverse choreographic styles will challenge our dancers to develop versatility, precision, and expressiveness, making their performances more engaging and impactful.

By fostering collaborations with other theaters and cultural institutions, PT & Co. can enhance its programmatic offerings and extend its reach. Participating in joint productions, co-hosting festivals, and exchanging artists are just a few ways we can enrich our artistic network. These collaborations will not only provide our artists and audiences with fresh perspectives but also lead to PT & Co.’s role as a leader in the European cultural scene.

As the Artistic Director of my company, I would be committed to ensuring that PT & Co. remains at the cutting edge of the ballet world by embracing contemporary technologies and methodologies. My vision includes the incorporation of digital and multimedia elements into our performances to create more immersive and interactive experiences.

PT & Co. starts its commitment to fostering a vibrant artistic ecosystem through collaborative and dialogic methods with local artists in Düsseldorf, spanning the realms of visual and media arts. This initiative aims to integrate diverse artistic disciplines into our choreographic productions, creating a rich tapestry of expression that transcends traditional ballet. By inviting local visual artists and media artists to contribute to the staging, design, and narrative aspects of our performances. PT & Co. intends to cultivate a multidisciplinary approach that not only enriches our productions but also resonates deeply with our audiences. This collaborative spirit will not only enhance the visual allure of our performances but also strengthen the cultural dialogue between different art forms in Düsseldorf, promoting a dynamic interchange of ideas and innovations within the artistic community.

PT & Co.’s ongoing initiatives, such as solidarity rehearsals and public classes, continue to support its mission of making ballet more accessible and engaging. These efforts, along with the programming at ES365, which supports young creators and the independent artistic community, reflect PT & Co.’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering community engagement.

As we consider the recent activities and achievements of PT & Co., it becomes evident that the company has maintained a strong cultural identity while navigating the challenges and opportunities of the contemporary performing arts sector. This assessment reflects upon how effectively PT & Co. has engaged with its societal role, connected with audiences, and upheld its mandate as a public service institution.

One of PT & Co.’s core objectives has been to deepen its engagement with existing audiences while reaching out to new ones through decentralization and active participation. The company has made commendable efforts to extend its reach beyond traditional venues, bringing performances to a wider demographic. Moving forward, there is a significant opportunity to intensify these efforts by employing innovative methods of dialogue and interaction, utilizing digital platforms and community-based projects to forge stronger connections with the public.

Managing the careers of dancers presents ongoing challenges, PT & Co.'s takes strides in developing practices that support the professional growth and transition of its dancers will be supported further. However, as the landscape of dance continues to evolve, so too should the strategies for career management. Implementing a structured career development plan that includes continuous training, health support, and transition programs will be crucial. This approach will not only retain talent but also attract new artists who are seeking institutions that invest in their long-term success.

It is vital for the company to cultivate a strategic mindset that anticipates future trends and adapts accordingly. This involves not just maintaining the quality and innovation for which PT & Co. is known but also proactively integrating the artistic project more deeply into the broader performing arts community. By enhancing its strategic initiatives, PT & Co. can ensure its sustainability and relevance in an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing environment.

In conclusion, while PT & Co. has achieved significant success in maintaining its artistic integrity and engaging with a broad audience base, the path forward requires a reinforced commitment to strategic planning, enhanced audience engagement strategies, and robust talent management. As Artistic Director, I am deeply committed to advancing the company’s mission and upholding its esteemed legacy while steering the institution toward a vibrant and innovative future. My vision aligns with the company’s objectives to enhance artistic and technical levels across all aspects of production, broaden community relationships through diverse programming, and elevate our international presence.

I am particularly excited about the prospect of further integrating contemporary technologies and methodologies into our productions and educational programs to not only maintain but enhance PT & Co.’s status on the global stage. I also look forward to expanding our outreach efforts to cultivate new audiences, particularly among young people, and to deepen our commitment to cultural heritage through the preservation and innovative presentation of ballet.

I look forward to leading PT & Co. into an exciting new era of ballet in Düsseldorf and beyond.

Warm regards,

Pascal Touzeau