Choreographer’s Unique Challenge at Roland Garros

Choreographer Benjamin Millepied prepared for an unusual assignment: designing two short dances for the finals at Roland Garros. The French Open tennis championship provided a distinct stage for his creative expression.

With eight days remaining before the tournament’s final weekend, Millepied directed his dancers through a unique rehearsal. They performed dynamic movements across an imagined tennis court with invisible boundaries. The music choice, Rosalía’s “Reliqua,” emphasized the intricate connections between dance and tennis.

Millepied’s task was to choreograph dances that would enhance the French Open’s final matches. The vision was ambitious, aiming to match the precision and fluidity seen in tennis. Amélie Mauresmo, overseeing the tournament’s ceremonies, sought innovative performances that would captivate audiences.

Millepied noted that both tennis and dance require quick direction changes and agility. These elements guided his creative process, ensuring each dance resonated with the essence of the sport.

The choreographer embraced this unique blend of art and athletics, crafting performances that sought to elevate the viewer’s experience of the finals.