With R.ONDE.S, Pierre Rigal transforms an ancient dance gesture—the circle dance—into a choreographic and collective experience, at the intersection of contemporary dance, ritual, and electronic music. Born out of a workshop with students, the project explores the symbolic power of the circle: a space of equality, listening, and shared energy, where every movement resonates throughout the entire group.
At the heart of a circular, immersive setup, eight dancers and two musicians—Gwenaël Drapeau and Mélanie Chartreux—create a hypnotic trance that blends acoustic sounds with electronic loops. The lighting itself, fluid and soft, accompanies the group’s movements and creates a shifting space of shared celebration.
R.ONDE.S is also an invitation to join the dance: with humor, poetry, and passion, Pierre Rigal reinvents an imaginary folklore to celebrate the power of community, the beauty of connection, and the simple joy of being together, in rhythm.
A co-production by Compagnie Dernière Minute / Pierre Rigal, Centre des Monuments Nationaux, Le ZEF, National Theater of Marseille, L’Usine, National Center for Street Arts and Public Space in Tournefeuille, Malandain Ballet Biarritz, National Choreographic Center of Nouvelle-Aquitaine in Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Tandem, National Theater of Arras/Douai, National Theater of Essonne, Agora-Desnos
With the support of ADAMI, the City of Toulouse, and the Occitanie Region as part of their creation grants.
Acknowledgments Residency hosts: La Nouvelle Digue - Cie 111 Aurélien Bory, Le Théâtre de la Cité - CDN Toulouse Occitanie, La Place de la Danse CDCN Toulouse Occitanie
The Compagnie Dernière Minute receives support from the Occitanie Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs and the City of Toulouse.
Starting with the 2022-23 season, Pierre Rigal will join the company at ZEF, the National Theater of Marseille.
Secondary credits
Last Minute Company
- Pierre RigalConcept, choreography, and direction
- Mélanie ChartreuxArtistic collaboration
- Ismaël Belabid, Camille Hinsinger, David Mazon, Camilo Molina, Maé Nayrolles, Jacob Neff, Léa Pérat, Emma RouaixPerformers
- Gwenaël Drapeau & Mélanie ChartreuxOriginal music
- Pierre-Louis MasciaCostumes
- Victor DeneumoustierCostume Assistant
- George DysonSound Engineering and Stage Management
- Christophe BergonLighting Design
- Suzanne Maugein and Nathalie VautrinProduction Management