©Night of the Proms

Le Cygne - NOTP 2023

Night of the Proms 2023 is an exciting fusion of classical and contemporary music, featuring an amazing lineup of artists. The event, which tours various cities in Germany, includes performances by the legendary rock band Toto, pop and soul singer Anastacia, British singer-songwriter James Morrison, Danish pop singer Aura Dione, German synth-pop band Camouflage, and American cellist Nathan Chan

During the show, Denis Inghelbrecht and Nathan Chan performed a magical duet on "Le Cygne" from Camille Saint-Saëns. Denis portrayed a modern swan using street dance influences such as waving and gliding, while Nathan played the cello, creating a fascinating synthesis of movement and music.

Dancer

Choreographer

Nathan Chan and Denis Inghelbrecht performing the Swan in the streets of Munich

©Elias

Goal

NOTP has a history of blending pop with classical music. This year was no different. The organisation of NOTP approached me with the intention of breaking the status quo. Movement performed to a Cello is usually restricted to a classical approach, or at least that would be the obvious answer. NOTP wanted to shake things up by having a dancer with a strong foundation in illusionary street styles.

The idea was to incorporate illusionary movement such as glides and waves to portray a modern Swan. One that isn’t bound by perfect lines and repertoire. To find a familiar point of interest where the movement could meet the music and vice versa. An approach that would mould two widely separated context into one and find a common ground.

Experience

During the first rehearsal they asked me to freestyle to Nathan Chan playing Le Cygne by Camille Saint-Saëns. The organisation of NOTP immediately liked it and gave me carte blanche for the performance. I was humbled but at the same time aware of the responsibility that it carried.

Fortunately, Nathan and I connected quickly, both as artists and as individuals. This connection made it much easier for me to stay in my flow and trust my own intuition and skill set. Each night, our performance evolved adding new elements, making each show unique and magical in its own way.

The team at NOTP was incredibly professional and on point. The communication and care were exceptional. Special shoutout to Mira De Vyver for being such an amazing tour manager!

I've also connected with many talented musicians from the Antwerp Philharmonic Orchestra, each one amazing in their own right. I hope to work with some of them in the future. There is a certain magic to dancing to live music that I definitely want to explore further.

I'm incredibly grateful for being given this opportunity, 19 brief moments that I will cherish for the rest of my life.

NOTP 2023 - Tour Dates

24/11: Belgium - Antwerp
25/11: Belgium - Antwerp
26/11: Belgium - Antwerp
01/12: Germany - Mannheim
02/12: Germany - Dortmund
03/12: Germany - Oberhausen
05/12: Germany - Erfurt
06/12: Germany - Hannover
08/12: Germany - Hamburg
09/12: Germany - Hamburg
10/12: Germany - Bremen
15/12: Germany - München
16/12: Germany - München
17/12: Germany - München
19/12: Germany - Stuttgart
20/12: Germany - Frankfurt
21/12: Germany - Frankfurt
22/12: Germany - Cologne
23/12: Germany - Cologne

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