Through her project “Rodo,” dancer Julie Iarisoa explores the virtues of traditional healing dances and their connections with contemporary choreographic practices.
The Malagasy choreographic heritage is crossing borders and fueling new forms of artistic expression. In Reunion Island, Julie Iarisoa brings together heritage and contemporary creation through “Rodo,” a project presented as part of the seventh edition of the Souffle de l’océan Indien (Souffle O.I #7) festival. The Malagasy dancer explores the links between healing rituals and current choreographic research.
At the heart of this approach are two traditional dances: the Rodoringa, originating from southern Madagascar, and the Rodona, practiced in the Center-East. Associated with healing ceremonies, they rely notably on the energy of movement and sound vibrations. The artist reclaims and transforms these elements in her creations to give new resonance to these ancestral practices.
With “Rodo,” Julie Iarisoa questions the power of movement on the body and mind. “Dance is not limited to aesthetic research or physical performance. It also constitutes a space for healing, reconnection with oneself, and well-being,” the artist confides. The choreographer thus establishes a dialogue between Malagasy cultural heritages and contemporary expressions, while exploring the therapeutic dimension of dance.
Her participation in the festival also includes a shared practice workshop with Low Kaf, a hip-hop specialist. Scheduled for today at the Ravine Blanche urban park in Saint-Pierre, this workshop will create a dialogue between contemporary dance inspired by the Maray technique, led by Julie Iarisoa, and the world of hip-hop.
Through these spaces of exchange, Lalanbik, the National Choreographic Development Center (CDCN) – Indian Ocean, based in Saint-Pierre, Reunion, encourages meetings between amateur and professional dancers and promotes the circulation of choreographic practices in the Indian Ocean. This initiative contributes to bringing disciplines closer together and highlighting the diversity of dances in the region.
Captured & Published at: 2026-11-04 05:38:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/11/danse-julie-iarisoa-fait-dialoguer.html