In The Goldberg Variations, dancers Oskar Stalpaert, Michiel Vandevelde, and Audrey Merilus get to work with Bach’s famous music and Steve Paxton’s iconic dance solo from the 80’s.
The polyphony that speaks from the numerous variations in Bach’s music returns in the different layers of this dance performance. It is a reflection on the state of dance today, on the state of democracy, on the past and the future, and on different forms of physicality.
Bach on the accordion
The music is performed by Philippe Thuriot. Bach’s music was written for the harpsichord, but Thuriot translated it to the accordion. Check out a preview of his performance here.
A dancer to keep an eye on
“It’s my first dance production and I find it quite exciting. I still wonder why Michiel asked me.” – Oskar Stalpaert
Oskar Stalpaert is a dancer with Down syndrome and has been a part of Platform-K for two years. A video of him dancing in a public square in Ghent (Belgium) went viral on the internet. As soon as you see the video, you’ll know why Stalpaert was asked: he is a natural talent.
About the makers
Michiel Vandevelde started his dance career as a youngster at fABULEUS and afterwards studied at P.A.R.T.S. He is a choreographer, curator, programmer, writer and opinion-maker. His political and artistic activism is the common thread running through everything he does.
Platform-K makes professional dance productions with dancers with and without disabilities. They give dancers with a disability a contemporary dance education. With this they fill a blind spot in the Flemish stage landscape.
Choreography: Michiel Vandevelde
Dance: Oskar Stalpaert, Audrey Merilus en Michiel Vandevelde
Live music: Philippe Thuriot
Costumes: Tutia Schaad
Costume assistant: Camil Krings
Dramaturgy: Kristof van Baarle
Scenography: Michiel Vandevelde, met steun van Tom Callemin
Light advice: Tom Bruwier
Production: Platform-K
Coproduction: Voo?uit en KAAP
With support of: the Flemish Government, Nationale Loterij, Stad Gent, Konekt and de Koning Boudewijnstichting
Choreography: Michiel Vandevelde
Dance: Oskar Stalpaert, Audrey Merilus en Michiel Vandevelde
Live music: Philippe Thuriot
Costumes: Tutia Schaad
Costume assistant: Camil Krings
Dramaturgy: Kristof van Baarle
Scenography: Michiel Vandevelde, met steun van Tom Callemin
Light advice: Tom Bruwier
Production: Platform-K
Coproduction: Voo?uit en KAAP
With support of: the Flemish Government, Nationale Loterij, Stad Gent, Konekt and de Koning Boudewijnstichting