every_body

In every_body, choreographer Alexander Vantournhout, alongside collaborator Emmi Väisänen, delves into everyday movements. They elevate simple actions like handshakes and walking into a complex canvas of bodily dynamics. The duet transforms an ordinary handshake into an intricate choreography of arms, elbows, and shoulders, while a seemingly endless walk showcases the versatility of leg and footwork. In every_body, the duo crafts a tapestry of choreography, turning even the subtlest of movements into something remarkable.

The performance is further enriched by the sonic landscape created by composer and guitarist Geoffrey Burton. Fashion designer and scenographer Tom Van der Borght designs both the costumes and the surreal setting where every_body takes place.

Over the last decade, Alexander Vantournhout has built a diverse oeuvre. His work includes ensemble pieces like Foreshadow (2023) and SCREWS (2019), as well as solos VanThorhout (2022) and ANECKXANDER (2015). Every_body (2024) is his fourth duet, following projects like Through the Grapevine (2020), La Rose en Céramique (2018), and Raphaël (2017). The new creation marks the next step in his journey to dissect and reinterpret everyday movements, continually challenging and redefining the limits of human physical expression.

“A pas de deux literally unfolds on the treadmill and challenges the form of the classic duet. The performers are dressed in colorful, androgynous costumes that are almost identical, making them appear to form one body. This effect is enhanced by the compelling materiality of the narrow treadmill: to fit on it, they must walk arm in arm. “ — Etcetera

Concept: Alexander Vantournhout

Choreography: Emmi Väisänen & Alexander Vantournhout

Performed by: Charlotte Cétaire & Chia-Hung Chung or Emmi Väisänen & Alexander Vantournhout (discover the cast)

Costumes & scenography: Tom Van der Borght 

Music: Geoffrey Burton

Dramaturgy: Rudi Laermans & Katherina Lindekens

Light design: Bert Van Dijck

Rehearsal director: Esse Vanderbruggen & Anneleen Keppens 

Research collaborator: Esse Vanderbruggen, Charlotte Cétaire, Chia-Hung Chung

Constructions: Simon Callens, Tom de With & Willy Cauwelier

Tour management: Frans Brood Productions

Company management: Esther Maas

Technical coordination: Bram Vandeghinste

Production & tour management: Janne Coonen & Kiki Verschueren

Communication: Kiki Verschueren

Production: Not Standing

Co-production: Kunstencentrum VIERNULVIER, Ghent (BE), La Soufflerie, Rezé (FR), Plateforme 2 Pôles Cirque en Normandie / La Brèche à Cherbourg & le Cirque-Théâtre d’Elbeuf (FR), Theater op de Markt - Dommelhof, Neerpelt (BE), Theater Freiburg (DE)

Residencies: Turku.Dance, Turku (FI), Kunstencentrum VIERNULVIER, Gent (BE), Theater op de Markt - Dommelhof, Neerpelt (BE), 2 Pôles Cirque en Normandie / La Brèche à Cherbourg & le Cirque-Théâtre d’Elbeuf (FR), Wood Cube, Roeselare (BE) & CC De Schakel, Waregem (BE)

Special thanks to Kalle Nio, Chris Pype

every_body is created with the support of the Tax Shelter of the Belgian Federal Government, via Flanders Tax Shelter.

Not Standing is supported by the Flemish Government.

Alexander Vantournhout is artist-in-residence at Kunstencentrum VIERNULVIER in Ghent and associated artist of le CENTQUATRE Paris. He is cultural ambassador of the city of Roeselare and is also supported by Fondation BNP Paribas for the development of his projects.