Mission - Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels

About

Van Cleef & Arpels' close ties with the world of dance date back to the 1920s. This relationship grew stronger in 2020 with the launch of Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels, a program supporting contemporary dance. Developed in collaboration with international partners, this initiative reflects the Maison's commitment to supporting choreographic heritage, nurturing contemporary creation and bringing this artistic universe to the widest possible audience.

CREATION TRANSMISSION EDUCATION

Anchored in the values of creation, transmission and education dear to the Maison, Dance Reflections' mission is to support artists and institutions in the preservation of choreographic heritage while encouraging new productions.

Since its launch, the program has supported numerous dance companies in their creations as well as multiple institutions in the presentation of their works on the international stage.

The initiative is reinforced each year by major events, such as the Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels Festival, the first editio of which was held in London in March 2022. To promote the transmission of choreographic art, these events are enriched by a cultural program aimed at the widest possible audience, professionals and amateurs alike.

“THROUGH THIS PROGRAM, THE MAISON AIMS TO SUPPORT MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY DANCE, AND ENCOURAGE NEW CHOREOGRAPHY.”

“Dance has been a significant field for the Maison throughout its history, exemplified by the encounter between Claude Arpels and George Balanchine in the 1960s, the partnership with Benjamin Millepied’s L.A. Dance Project (LADP), collaborations with various companies and operas across the world and the FEDORA – Van Cleef & Arpels Prize for Ballet. In 2020, we wished to take things a step further by uniting our activities in this domain. With the program Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels, the Maison aims to support modern and contemporary dance, and encourage new choreography.”

Nicolas Bos

Former President of Van Cleef & Arpels

“DANCE BRINGS ALL THE ARTISTIC DISCIPLINES TOGETHER … IT IS A FASCINATING ART FORM AND AN INCREDIBLE FIELD OF EXPRESSION.”

“Dance brings all the artistic disciplines together: it can incorporate music, the plastic arts, costuming, lighting, set design, graphic design and even jewelry. It is a fascinating art form and an incredible field of expression. That is why it can appeal to such a wide audience. I’d like to encourage spectators to admire the works freely, with no preconceptions.”

Serge Laurent

Van Cleef & Arpels' Director of Dance and Culture Programs

The Maison and Dance

Van Cleef & Arpels created its first Dancer clips in 1941, inaugurating a tradition for the High Jewelry Maison.

Archive d'un gouaché d'un clip Danseuse de Van Cleef & Arpels

Clip Danseuse de Van Cleef & Arpels représentant une ballerine en diamants

Photo de la danseuse Suzanne Farrell entourée de Claude Arpels et George Balanchine

In 1967, Balanchine's ballet Jewels is premiered in New York. Each of this non-narrative triptych's act associates a gemstone with a composer: Emeralds, Gabriel Fauré; Rubies, Igor Stravinsky; and Diamonds, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. The piece is said to have been inspired by the encounter between Claude Arpels and George Balanchine in the late 1940s.

Gouaché d'un clip Van Cleef & Arpels représentant une danseuse vue du dessus dans une robe rouge en forme de pivoine

Gouaché d'un clip Van Cleef & Arpels représentant une danseuse dans une robe verte

Gouaché d'un clip Van Cleef & Arpels représentant une danseuse dans une robe en diamants

In 2006, the Maison presented the Ballet Précieux High Jewelry collection in homage to Balanchine's Jewels.

Photo d'une représentation du ballet Joyaux montrant deux danseurs face au public avec d'autres danseuses en arrière-plan

Photo d'une représentation du ballet Joyaux montrant un groupe de danseurs en costumes rouges

In 2007, Van Cleef & Arpels supported the Royal Opera House in London for the presentation of a new production of Jewels on the occasion of its 40th anniversary. This event marked a turning point in the Maison's commitment to building close ties with world-renowned institutions.

Photo d'une représentation du ballet Joyaux montrant un danseur entouré de danseuses en costumes verts

In 2012, the Maison initiated a collaboration with Benjamin Millepied, former New York City Ballet dancer and founder of L.A. Dance Project. This new encounter inspired the trilogy Gems, started in 2013.

Photo d'une représentation du spectacle Reflections montrant deux danseurs sur un fond rouge et blanc

Photo d'une représentation du spectacle Mont Ventoux Kor'sia montrant une danseuse allongée au premier plan avec deux autres danseurs en arrière-plan

Since its launch in 2015, the FEDORA – Van Cleef & Arpels Dance Prize recognizes the excellence and inventiveness of a new choreographic piece.

Photo d'une représentation du spectacle Romeo & Juliet Suite montrant un danseur portant une danseuse

With the Maison's support, Benjamin Millepied began work on Romeo & Juliet Suite in 2019. The same year, Van Cleef & Arpels presented the Romeo & Juliet High Jewelry thematic collection.

In 2020, the Maison strengthened its ties with contemporary dance with the launch of Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels. The program is dedicated to supporting artists and institutions in both transmitting choreographic heritage and promoting new productions.