Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on January 2010

Kiyonori Hasegawa

Former Paris Opera Ballet star Manuel Legris offers a program entitled “Magic Moments from Past and Present” in a tour organized by the Japan Performing Arts Foundation. Having just accepted mandatory retirement at 44, Legris is known for his extraordinary musicality and natural coordination. He follows a number of retired stars in using his popularity in Japan as a mandate to put on programs of his choosing. The first performance, “Legris x de Bana x Tokyo Ballet Super Collaboration,” sees him presenting pieces with frequent collaborator, Nigerian-German dancer/choreographer Patrick de Bana. The second, “Legris and a Shining World of Stars,” includes selections with fellow former Paris Opera Ballet principal Sylvie Guillem, among others.

Manuel Legris: Magic Moments from Past and Present
Former star of Paris Opera Ballet performs his original work. Feb 3-9, various times, ¥4,000-¥14,000. U-Port Hall, Gotanda. Tel: 03-3791-8888.