William
Forsythe

Choreographer
United States

Photo William Forsythe © Dominik Mentzos

In 2026, Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels is supporting the Lyon Opera Ballet for the creation of Before the storm, a program presenting Actus... by Lucinda Childs, The Grey Area by David Dawson and Enemy in the Figure by William Forsythe.

William Forsythe has been active in the field of choreography for over 50 years. His work is acknowledged for reorienting the practice of ballet from its identification with classical repertoire to a dynamic 21st century art form. Forsythe danced with the Joffrey Ballet and later the Stuttgart Ballet, where he was appointed Resident Choreographer in 1976. In 1984, he began a 20-year tenure as director of the Ballet Frankfurt after which he founded and directed The Forsythe Company until 2015. Forsythe's deep interest in the fundamental principles of organisation of choreography has led him to produce a wide range of projects including installations, films, and web-based knowledge creation. While his work for the stage resides in the repertoire of ensembles worldwide, his installations are presented internationally in exhibitions and museums. Forsythe has been the recipient of numerous awards, which include the Golden Lion of the Venice Biennale, Der FAUST German Theatre Award and the Kyoto Price, all for lifetime achievement. 

Shows

Ballerina en pointe with a male dancer in a lunge, both in white leotards

Before the storm
Lucinda Childs
David Dawson
William Forsythe

Creation supported by Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels

Dance duet.

Quintett, Trio and Enemy in the Figure
William Forsythe
Opéra national du Rhin Ballet

Presentation supported by Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels

Forsythe and his dancers in rehearsal

Undertainment
William Forsythe
Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company

Creation supported by Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels

Two dancers jumping.

Undertainment | Lisa
William Forsythe | Ioannis Mandafounis
Dresden Frankfurt Dance Company

Presentation supported by Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels