Dancer Fumiyo Ikeda honoured with Career Award

'Fumiyo Ikeda has left an unmistakable mark on the Belgian performing arts for more than 40 years,' the jury of the Gala of the Auras states. 'From her defining work with Rosas to her own creations and collaborations with several generations of makers.'

It is remarkable that a dancer primarily known for her work as a performer should receive this Career Award. In doing so, the jury highlights Ikeda’s exceptional craftsmanship.

'Her presence on stage is unique and instantly recognisable. She has the rare ability to step completely into the world of another maker. With generosity, a sharp dramaturgical instinct and an incredible mastery of her craft.'

WHO IS FUMIYO IKEDA?

Ikeda is originally from Osaka, Japan, and moved to Belgium in 1979 to study at MUDRA, the ballet school in Brussels founded by Maurice Béjart. During her training, she met choreographer Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker, with whom she went on to found Rosas and collaborate for many years.

Since 2007, the dancer has also been developing her own artistic practice as a choreographer. Today, Ikeda teaches the early works of Rosas to a new generation of dancers.

In the upcoming production A Wave, she will deconstruct her monumental scenes from the 1980S and 1990s together with choreographer Zoë Demoustier, both with their gaze fixed on the future. Discover more about the production below.

ANOTHER WINNER

Courtney May Robertson was also among the winners for her performance in A rite of spring by Benjamin Abel Meirhaeghe, which premiered at Opera Ballet Vlaanderen last season.

The jury was impressed by Courtney May Robertson’s 'immense ritual storytelling power'. 'With mastery and control, she explores physical and personal extremes. Fearlessly, she transforms them into a powerful, highly distinctive physical language,' the jury stated.