Toronto Premiere
Presented in collaboration with The National Ballet of Canada’s CreativAction Programme, with support from DanceWorks.
Citadel Spring Mix Presents
L’appel des braises (The call of the embers)
Choreographed and Performed by Charles-Alexis Desgagnés
Charles-Alexis Desgagnés, a choreographer, performer and teacher, reveals himself and surrenders in a vibrant solo performance titled L’appel des braises (The call of the embers). On stage, it is his presence and incredible ability to inhabit the space that first strikes the audience. Through the modulation and tension of his body states, he pushes his limits. In the span of a dream, we witness the transformation and journey of a being who reinvents themselves and ultimately seeks to break free from societal codes and identities. This virtuosic composition skillfully blends conversations about solitude and our divine essence, immersing us in a sensory experience of lights and costumes. Alternating between dizzying vulnerability and a viscerally animalistic physicality, this unpredictable dance performance takes us to a place where the heart allows the body to overpower the mind.
Approximate run time is 55 minutes.
Meet the Artists
Photo by Marc Antoine Hallé
Charles-Alexis Desgagnés
Choreographer and Performer
Charles-Alexis Desgagnés is a queer choreographer, dancer, and multidisciplinary performer. Self-taught and curious, he explores the realm of dance, improvisation, film, and teaching. His company, Personne Danse, which translates to “Nobody Dance,” reflects his unconventional path and his desire to bring together and celebrate unique journeys. The company’s focus is on embracing individuality and vulnerability.
Read more +As a finalist on the show Révolution in 2018, Charles-Alexis saw this opportunity as a way to popularize contemporary dance among a broader audience. In 2022, his group piece J’ai pleuré ce matin dans le métro (I cried this morning on the subway) brought him further media recognition. Currently, he is working on the short film La peau de l’autre (The skin of the other) with director Vincent René-Lortie, and he is presenting a 55-minute solo work for the stage titled L’appel des braises (The call of the embers). The Agora de la danse presented this piece as a world premiere in October 2023. Known for his embodied strength and sensitivity, Charles-Alexis Desgagnés develops an artistic vision centered around the human experience.
Show Credits
Choreographer: Charles-Alexis Desgagnés in collaboration with the creative team
Performer: Charles-Alexis Desgagnés
Rehearsal Direction and Dramaturgy Advisor: Sophie Michaud
Lighting Design and Technical Direction: Claire Seyller
Music and Sound Design: Mada Mada
Scenographic Design: Olivia Pia Audet
Costume Design: Amélie Charbonneau
Choreographic Mentor: José Navas (Flak Company)
Sporadic External Gaze: Harold Rhéaume and Janelle Hacault
Photographer: Damian Siqueiros
Production Management: Charles-Alexis Desgagnés and Géraldine Lavoie-Dugré
Coproduction: Agora de la danse
Agent: Agence Mickaël Spinnhirny
Career Partner: With Sheila
Residency Partners: Agora de la danse, École supérieure de ballet du Québec, Circuit-Est center chorégraphique, La Rotonde, José Navas / Compagnie FLAK and Ottawa Dance Directive / Dance 10 Series.
Financial Support: Council of Arts and Letters of Quebec.
Artist Notes
A big thank you to all the creative team involved, to my agents, to my mentor José Navas to the board of directors of the company and to the presenters who believed in me, Francine, Lana et Laurence. Un gros merci