Episode 24: Louise Lecavalier

Québécois dancer and choreographer Louise Lecavalier joined choreographer Édouard Lock’s company La La La Human Steps in 1981. Known for its energetic, acrobatic style involving fast-paced and athletic physical contact, La La La is regarded as one of the most prominent contemporary dance company of the late 20th Century. Louise became one of its key figures, and was well known for mastering La La La’s signature barrel jump. During her 17 years with the company, Louise danced in seminal works including ‘Human Sex’, 'Businessman in the Process of Becoming an Angel’, and ‘Oranges’, and took part in groundbreaking collaborations with the likes of David Bowie and Frank Zappa. In 1999, she left La La La to pursue alternative projects. Since then, she’s danced with Tedd Robinson, Benoît Lachambre, and Crystal Pite, and started creating her own work under the umbrella of her company Fou Glorieux.

Last month, Louise premiered her new solo, ‘Minutes Around Late Afternoon’ at Sadler’s Wells as part of Elixir Festival, which challenges perceptions around dance and age. Before the show, I sat down with Louise to find out more about what she’s working on and reflect on her amazing career.