Béjart! Vous avez dit Béjart?

Portrait of the choreographer Maurice Béjart

Maurice Béjart (1927-2007)

Béjart's signature piece was Russian composer Igor Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring", which in 1959 was his first production with Belgium's Monnaie Theatre.
In sleek, shiny tights, the dancers created an erotic aura with impulsive, natural movements that would become a standard for his interpretations.
His Ballet of the 20th Century, formed a year later, became hugely successful on the back of his provocative choreography, helping to raise annual attendance at the Brussels theatre from 40,000 to 250,000.