In To the Ones I Love, Thierry Smits puts nine dancers of African descent on the stage. More precisely, for this choice is a vital one, he uses nine dancers whose complexions hark back to Africa.
Thierry Smits's message is not political, however. It deliberately sets out to be aesthetic and refuses all concessions to exoticism. The principle is to set bodies used to "Western" choreographic techniques but nevertheless shaped by other traditions and dances in motion. They dance in a white decor and are literally transported by Johan Sebastian Bach's music, by its overflowing generosity and immense virtuosity. The challenge is obviously to manage the unexpected outcomes of the meeting of different cultural references.
Here Maxime Bodson, provides an exploration of J.S.Bach's shorter works of chamber music. There is no story, the message is not directed to the brain but to the senses. To the ONes I love talks about the body in movement, the pleasure of dancing, and wants to share loving energy to the spectator.