Image from new Pascal Rioult piece Symphony of Psalms
Pascal Rioult Dance Theatre builds on tradition, expanding the definition of contemporary dance. Known for his daring and imaginative explorations of classical scores, Pascal Rioult creates new work that brings fresh perspective to timeless themes, flawlessly blending his European sensibilities with a strong background in American modern dance. The company was honored to be the Théâtre de Saint Quentin en Yvelines resident company for the Temps de Danse Festival, where it premiered The Ravel Project, which has subsequently toured to 25 cities in Italy, France, Switzerland, Belgium and Luxembourg. Other tour highlights include the premiere of Firebird at the American Dance Festival in Durham, NC, and appearances at the Annenberg Center in Philadelphia, PA, Cal Performances in Berkeley, CA and the New York City Center Fall for Dance Festival. Next to Rioult’s vibrant choreography, the company’s ten dancers are considered its greatest artistic resource. They reach beyond their polished technique to shine in solo roles and perform as one body in the ensemble choreography.
Born in Normandy, France, Pascal Rioult earned a Master’s degree in science education from the University of Paris, and in 1981 was awarded a fellowship from the French Ministry of Culture to study dance in New York City. After performing with the companies of May O’Donnell and Paul Sanasardo, Rioult joined the Martha Graham Dance Company in 1986, as a principal until 1994. While still dancing with Graham, Rioult began choreographing in 1989, founding the Pascal Rioult Dance Theatre in 1992. He produced his first concerts at the Theatre of the Riverside Church in 1991 and 1992. Rioult’s Narayama and Harvest were performed by the Graham Company during its City Center seasons in New York. The Pascal Rioult Dance Theatre has performed its repertory of over 20 works throughout the United States as well as abroad. Rioult’s work has been commissioned in both the United States and Europe by such presenters as the American Dance Festival, Cal Performances and Théâtre de Saint Quentin en Yvelines. The recipient of a 1998 and 2002 Choo-San Goh Award for Choreography, Rioult has also been awarded grants from National Endowment for the Arts and The New York State Council on the Arts, among numerous other institutions and foundations.
