The Basel choreographer Johanna Heusser presents “Valse Valse Valse” at the Far ° Festival and manufacture of living arts Nyon (VD), meeting of the arts of the contemporary scene from August 7 to 16. Or when a traditional dance turns out to be revolutionary and sensual.
A waltz would that tempt you? The musical trio has just settled by the stage. A cello and two violins. Faced with the public, a tray with chairs and curtains. The atmosphere is muffled, the ceremonial a bit stowed. Then, here are the protagonists of this little ball: varnish shoes, hair plated in a ponytail for the two ladies, proud and right port for the two gentlemen. Later there will be XXL wigs and dresses of dresses, just to remind us of the golden age of the waltz, in the 18th century.
The looks are looking for, the invitations to dance are as discreet as they are formal. It’s about choosing your partner or your partner and not risking the slightest camouflet. The first waltz carries the signature of Strauss, of course. At first glance, “Valse Valse Valse”, creation of Johanna HEUSER, seems to be put on the tradition with hints of anti -mite. His show will of course not stop there. Humor and a certain sense of chaos will disturb this beautiful prescription and prevent this ball from going in circles.
The rebellious and revolutionary power of the waltz
But what does this noble dance do in a contemporary creation festival like the far ° do? Basel choreographer, Johanna Heusser explores this step steeped in history to restore her rebellious and revolutionary power. Revolutionary, the waltz? It was once prohibited because it is deemed indecent. By dint of turning, turning and turning, it would cause a kind of perfectly erotic trance. Let us remember Giselle, this brave young girl who dances to die of love and desire until it becomes a nymph of the woods in one of the most romantic ballets there is.
>> To listen to, a walking walk with Johanna Heusser in the streets of Basel:
Little recently, Johanna Heusser had filled her sawdust dance set. His show “Dr Churz, Dr Schlungg und Dr Böös” revisited with muscle and malice the tradition of Swiss struggle and alpine myths. Today, “Valse Valse Valse” operates a similar diversion, maliciously dancing with the codes of theater, dance and social conventions.
And then, the orchestra is much more naughty than it seems, sliding rock covers in its three -stroke repertoire. It is also necessary to give back to the waltz its formidable attraction. Impossible to watch “waltz waltz” without having ants in the legs.
Thierry Sartoretti/mh
41st edition of Far ° Nyon (VD), from August 7 to 16, 2025.