Charles Brecard + Manuel Roque

Born in Kanaky/New Caledonia, from the Vietnamese diaspora, Charles Brecard trained at the École de danse contemporaine de Montréal (EDCM) and now lives in Montréal (Tio’tia:ke/Moonyiang). He collaborates with several artists, such as AP&A, Lilith&Cie, Parts+Labour_Danse, Animals of Distinction, Grand Poney, Skeels Danse, Autels Particuliers, Bradyworks, and Nelson Henricks. His infinite curiosity led him to develop FLUIDIFY, a practice influenced by urban, traditional and contemporary dances, and also by his profession as a sports massage therapist. He shares his practice during festivals, in cultural mediation contexts, or through educational courses (Festival Quartiers Danses/Canada, Akropoditi/Greece, Sinedomo/Italy, RQD training classes, Concordia University, EDCM… His choreographies, imbued with great physicality, poetry and a touch of activism, brought him to local and international stages. His solo SOLILOQUY notably received the prize for Best Interpretation in 2021. He is co-initiator of the Bercail, a nomadic place of practice, sharing, and research. He recently obtained a residence at the Cité internationale des arts in Paris in order to deepen his process. An enthusiastic researcher, he aims to approach his practice in a systemic way, thus aspiring to a political, poetic and spiritual revolution of bodies and minds.

Trained in circus, theatre and music, Manuel Roque has been working in contemporary dance as a performer, choreographer and teacher since 2005. His interest in the body in movement is based on the notions of integrity, curiosity, attention, benevolence to others and to oneself, and generosity in physical engagement. His research reflects political and social concerns that are also poetic, formal, or sensory. His approach tends to prioritize process over performance, and places practice and exercise at the heart of the work.