Pierre Rigal, Scandale, Sadler's Wells

Pierre Rigal is a man of many parts. A sprint runner and mathematician with a degree in Cinema, he also trained as a dancer, and Sadler’s Wells audiences are about to get acquainted with his work as a choreographer.

Naturally, for a man with so many distinct interests, he has an inquisitive mind; and his work Scandale investigates the beginnings of choreography, with particular reference to one question: ‘Is Music or Movement the Mother of Dance?’

His exploration of the subject is done through the language of hip hop.

Six dancers come together against a simple background and unsettled lighting. The sound score ranges between extremes, and includes cries, words and scandalous chants. It all begins as a mess – albeit an exhilarating mess – before coalescing into organised choreography and a hip hop show.

Scandale is brought to us by Breakin’ Convention, a Sadler’s Wells project that celebrates and promotes hip hop dancing, and is currently concentrating on showing full-length works by the world’s elite companies.

Whether Pierre Rigal succeeds in answering the original question that gave rise to Scandale, we don’t know… you’ll have to find out for yourself!

Booking opens on 27 July at 10 am