The Béjart Ballet Lausanne successfully closes its historic series with Ballet for Life
Last night, the curtain fell on an exceptional series of performances of Ballet for Life at the Beaulieu Theater in Lausanne. 13,000 people attended the performances, from December 13 to 20, to celebrate Maurice Béjart‘s timeless legacy and be part of a historic moment for the company.
Over eight sold-out performances, including one dedicated to schoolchildren, the Béjart Ballet Lausanne delivered a vibrant show of emotion, poetry and virtuosity. This series ended on a special note: Julien Favreau is stepping down from the stage 30 years after joining the École-Atelier Rudra Béjart, to focus entirely on his role as Artistic Director of Béjart Ballet Lausanne.
A major work masterfully performed
Created by Maurice Béjart in 1997, Ballet for Life is a poignant tribute to Queen’s iconic leader Freddie Mercury and dancer Jorge Donn. This ballet is set to a soundtrack combining the powerful music of Queen and the timeless compositions of Mozart, celebrating life, love and resilience in the face of loss. The costumes are designed by Béjart‘s lifelong friend and couturier, Gianni Versace. The show’s eight performances featured eight different casts. Freddie Mercury’s iconic role was played by three exceptional dancers: Julien Favreau, Angelo Perfido and Antoine Le Moal. Each brought new life to this legendary character with their own sensitivity and charisma, magnifying each performance with an unforgettable presence.
A popular success and a mission for young people
A highlight of the series was performing for schools on December 19, allowing many young people to discover this unique artistic universe. This is an important initiative for the Béjart Ballet Lausanne, which is committed to transmitting the beauty and depth of dance to the new generation.
A memorable sendoff
Emotions were running high during the final performance. Besides the final standing ovation, the audience gave Julien Favreau a long round of applause for his exceptional career. He leaves the stage to fully embrace his role as Artistic Director, writing a new chapter in the history of the Béjart Ballet Lausanne, while staying true to Maurice Béjart‘s visionary and innovative spirit.
The Béjart Ballet Lausanne once again presented a series of performances that perfectly blend beauty, emotion and artistic power. On its 2025 tour, which already includes many stops around the world, the Béjart Ballet Lausanne will present this ballet during two exceptional series: in April in Amsterdam and in May in Antwerp. The tour will then continue with other shows, before the company returns to the Beaulieu Theater in June 2025 to present its new program Béjart, 3 Regards. Tickets are available.
