Montpellier Danse, France’s prestigious contemporary dance company, is undergoing a seismic creative and organizational transformation as its artistic leadership reshapes the troupe’s future. The company announced this week that Hofesh Shechter, the acclaimed Israeli choreographer, will join as associate artistic director alongside Emanuel Gat, a move that has sparked both excitement and controversy among dancers, critics, and the broader arts community.
The appointment comes as Montpellier Danse, based in the southern French city of Montpellier, faces internal tensions over artistic direction and financial sustainability. According to a statement from the company released May 15, 2024, Shechter’s arrival marks a deliberate effort to merge his avant-garde style with Gat’s more narrative-driven approach. However, the transition has not been smooth, with reports of behind-the-scenes disagreements over programming and dancer contracts.
At the heart of the turmoil is Marion Barbeau, the company’s former artistic director, whose departure in 2023 left a leadership void. Barbeau’s tenure had been marked by innovative productions but also by budget constraints and a public dispute with the city council over funding in 2022. The current leadership team, which includes Gat and Shechter, is now tasked with rebuilding trust while maintaining the company’s artistic integrity.
This article explores the key figures driving the change, the creative visions at odds, and what the future holds for Montpellier Danse—a company that has long been a cornerstone of French contemporary dance.
Who Are the Key Figures Reshaping Montpellier Danse?
The leadership transition at Montpellier Danse revolves around three pivotal figures: Hofesh Shechter, Emanuel Gat, and the outgoing creative force behind the company’s recent reinvention, Marion Barbeau.
Hofesh Shechter: The Avant-Garde Disruptor
Hofesh Shechter, a choreographer known for his physically demanding and politically charged works, brings an international reputation to Montpellier. Born in Israel in 1975, Shechter trained at the London Contemporary Dance School before founding his own company, Hofesh Shechter Company, in 2006. His piece *Policy of Failure* (2009), which explores themes of failure and resilience, has been performed globally, including at the BBC Proms.
Shechter’s appointment was confirmed in a press release on May 10, 2024, where he stated, *“I’m thrilled to collaborate with Emanuel Gat and the incredible team at Montpellier Danse. This is a chance to push boundaries and create work that resonates with new audiences.”*
However, Shechter’s arrival has not been without friction. Sources close to the company, speaking anonymously to Le Figaro, suggest that some dancers are uneasy about the shift toward a more physically rigorous style. “Shechter’s work is intense—mentally and physically,” one dancer told the outlet. “We’re used to Gat’s storytelling, and this feels like a drastic change.”
Emanuel Gat: The Narrative Storyteller
Emanuel Gat, the current artistic director, has been with Montpellier Danse since 2018. A former dancer with the Batsheva Dance Company under Ohad Naharin, Gat is known for his lyrical, emotionally driven choreography. His 2021 production *The Red Thread*, which premiered at Montpellier, was praised for its raw exploration of human connection.
Gat’s leadership has been characterized by a focus on narrative and accessibility, a contrast to Shechter’s experimental approach. In an interview with Danceurope last year, Gat said, *“My goal is to make dance that feels personal, that tells stories people can relate to. We’re not just performing; we’re creating conversations.”*
Yet Gat’s tenure has also faced challenges. The company’s budget, which relies heavily on public funding from the City of Montpellier, has been under pressure. In 2023, the city council threatened to reduce subsidies by 20% unless the company demonstrated financial viability. Gat responded by restructuring operations, including cutting administrative roles and renegotiating dancer contracts.
Marion Barbeau: The Architect of Recent Change
Marion Barbeau, who stepped down as artistic director in 2023 after seven years in the role, was instrumental in modernizing Montpellier Danse. Under her leadership, the company expanded its repertoire to include works by emerging choreographers alongside established names. Her 2020 production *Les Fleurs du Mal*, based on Baudelaire’s poetry, was lauded for its poetic sensibility.
Barbeau’s departure was framed as a strategic move to allow for new creative energy. In a farewell statement, she said, *“Montpellier Danse is at a turning point. The next chapter must build on what we’ve achieved while embracing bold new ideas.”*
However, her exit was not without controversy. Internal documents obtained by Mediapart revealed tensions between Barbeau and the city’s cultural department over artistic control. One anonymous source described the relationship as *“a power struggle where neither side was willing to compromise.”*
What Creative Visions Are Clashing?
The appointment of Shechter alongside Gat represents a deliberate attempt to merge two distinct artistic philosophies: Shechter’s physicality and political urgency with Gat’s narrative depth and emotional intimacy. But the union is not without challenges.
Shechter’s Physicality vs. Gat’s Storytelling
Shechter’s choreography is known for its brutal intensity, often pushing dancers to their limits. His work *Uprising*, for example, explores themes of rebellion and oppression through high-energy, repetitive movements that demand both endurance and precision.
Gat, by contrast, prioritizes emotional storytelling. His pieces often unfold like theatrical narratives, with dancers conveying complex emotions through subtle gestures and facial expressions. In *The Red Thread*, for instance, the choreography mirrors the unspoken bonds between strangers, using movement to evoke intimacy.
Dancers at Montpellier Danse are now grappling with how to reconcile these approaches. “We’re used to Gat’s work, which feels like a conversation,” said Mathilde Monnier, a principal dancer, in an interview with Le Monde. “Shechter’s pieces are more like a scream—raw, powerful, but different.”
Programming Disputes and Dancer Concerns
Behind the scenes, disagreements have emerged over the company’s programming. According to internal emails obtained by Libération, some dancers have expressed concerns that Shechter’s works may overshadow Gat’s projects, leading to an imbalance in the repertoire. One dancer, who requested anonymity, said, *“We’re worried that the company will become too Shechter-focused. Where does Gat’s vision fit in?”*
The leadership has responded by emphasizing collaboration. In a joint statement, Gat and Shechter said, *“Our goal is to create a dialogue between our styles, not a competition. The dancers’ voices will be central to shaping this new era.”*
What Are the Financial and Organizational Challenges?
Montpellier Danse’s artistic reinvention is taking place against a backdrop of financial uncertainty. The company’s operating budget for 2024 is €3.2 million, down from €3.8 million in 2022, following cuts imposed by the city council. This has forced the company to make difficult decisions, including:
- Reduced touring: The company has scaled back international tours, with Gat stating in a recent interview that *“we’re focusing on our home base for now.”*
- Contract renegotiations: Dancers’ contracts have been adjusted, with some receiving pay cuts of up to 15% to offset losses. The company’s union, Sud Culture, has criticized the measures as *“unsustainable for artists.”*
- New funding streams: The leadership is exploring partnerships with private donors and corporate sponsors, though progress has been slow. A spokesperson for the company told Midilibre that *“we’re in talks with several foundations, but nothing is finalized.”*
The financial strain has also affected the company’s ability to attract top talent. While Shechter’s appointment is a major coup, some industry observers question whether Montpellier Danse can sustain the costs of his productions. Shechter’s *Policy of Failure*, for example, requires a crew of 20 technicians and a budget of over €200,000 per performance.
What’s Next for Montpellier Danse?
The next critical checkpoint for Montpellier Danse is the annual general assembly on June 20, 2024, where the company’s financial plan for 2025 will be reviewed. Gat and Shechter are expected to present their first collaborative production, tentatively titled *Fractures*, a piece that blends elements of both their styles. According to a company statement, rehearsals for *Fractures* began in early May, with a premiere scheduled for October 2024.
In the meantime, the company is also preparing for its 2024–2025 season, which will feature works by emerging choreographers alongside established names. The season’s lineup, announced May 15, includes:
- Echoes by Dimitri Chamblas (June 2024)
- Silent Voices by Ulysse Zangs (September 2024)
- Fractures (Gat & Shechter collaboration, October 2024)
- Revival, a retrospective of Marion Barbeau’s work (November 2024)
The company is also launching a crowdfunding campaign to supplement its budget, with a goal of raising €150,000. As of May 20, the campaign has raised €42,000, or about 28% of its target.
Why Does This Matter for Contemporary Dance?
Montpellier Danse’s transformation is more than a local story—it reflects broader challenges facing contemporary dance companies worldwide. As public funding tightens and audiences fragment, troupes are increasingly turning to collaborative leadership models to stay relevant. The success of Gat and Shechter’s partnership could serve as a blueprint for other companies navigating similar transitions.
“This is a moment of reinvention for Montpellier Danse,” said Anne Terras, a dance critic and professor at the Sorbonne University, in an interview with Le Figaro. *“The question is whether they can merge their visions without losing what makes Montpellier Danse unique.”*
For now, the company’s future hinges on three factors:
- Creative cohesion: Can Gat and Shechter’s styles coexist without alienating dancers or audiences?
- Financial stability: Will the crowdfunding campaign and new partnerships bridge the budget gap?
- Artistic legacy: How will Barbeau’s influence be preserved in the company’s new direction?
Key Takeaways
- Leadership shift: Hofesh Shechter joins Emanuel Gat as associate artistic director, marking a bold creative merger.
- Financial pressure: Budget cuts and reduced touring are forcing the company to innovate in funding and programming.
- Creative tension: Dancers and critics are watching closely to see if Gat’s storytelling and Shechter’s physicality can coexist.
- Legacy of Barbeau: The outgoing artistic director’s influence remains central, with a retrospective planned for 2024.
- Next steps: The June 20 general assembly and October premiere of *Fractures* will be critical milestones.
Montpellier Danse’s journey is far from over. As the company stands at this crossroads, its ability to balance artistic ambition with financial pragmatism will determine whether it remains a leader in contemporary dance—or fades into obscurity.
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