Maguy Marin, born in Toulouse in 1951, is one of the leading figures of the nouvelle danse française. After her dance studies, she joined Mudra, the school and choreographic residence created by Maurice Béjart in Brussels in 1972. She joined the Chandra group under Micha van Hoecke’s direction. From 1974 to 1977, she joined Les Ballets du XXe Siècle, performing repertoire works and new creations, including her choreography, Yu-Ku-Ri (1976).
In 1984, Marin founded Compagnie Maguy Marin, based in various locations, including the Centre Chorégraphique National de Créteil and Rillieux-la-Pape (Lyon). Since 2015, the company has been based in Ramdam, an artistic hub in the Lyon region, where Marin developed the ambitious project Ramdam, un centre d’art.
Marin is renowned for creating iconic works such as Babel Babel (1976), Cendrillon (1985), Coups d’état (1988), Made in France (1992), Aujourd’hui peut-être (1996), Quoi qu’il en soit (1999), Pièces détachées (2002), Umwelt (2004), Turba (2007), and Salves (2010). However, May B (1981), inspired by the literary universe of Samuel Beckett, remains her most celebrated masterpiece, continuously performed worldwide.
Marin choreographs all works for her company. She has also created dances for prestigious companies such as the Dutch National Ballet, Nederlands Dans Theater 3, the Paris Opera, and the Lyon Opera Ballet.
Her numerous honors include being named Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters in France (1998), the American Dance Festival Award (2003), and the Bessie Award in New York for Umwelt (2008). In 2016, she received the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice Biennale of Dance.
Maguy Marin’s work consistently explores the human condition, bringing life to characters that highlight grotesque and essential aspects of humanity. Her creations are powerful, ironic, and often fiercely honest.
PHOTO Tim Douet
