YMA

• 2012
• France

The spark of inspiration from which a show is born can come from almost anywhere, but music, light and video are always a key part of their creative process. The aim is to stimulate the senses, awaken perceptions and expand upon the choreography and its intimate interaction with the music.

Finely attuned to the power of silence and slowness, Chloé and Orin attach great importance to the precision of each movement and gesture. Breathing in unison harmonises these movements, uniting performers and audience on a journey through their collective and individual memories. A sensory world revealed by the secrets of bodily expression.

Chloé and Orin have been artistic partners since meeting at the Conservatory of Toulouse, and going on to study at the National Centre for Contemporary Dance in Angers. They collaborated on a series of choreographed projects as part of the CdansC collective, also appearing as performers. They then decided to unite their creative destinies and experiment with the – constantly evolving – possibilities of artistic synergy within a shared project: Compagnie Yma.

The company set up home in Mézin, Lot-et-Garonne, in 2012, aiming to become an integral part of the local cultural scene and run a centre where creativity would be the driving force, hosting artists in residence and organising exhibitions, screenings, concerts, performances and all manner of other artistic projects. The former chapel that houses this shared space, located in the centre of town, provides an inspiring backdrop conducive to creativity. All of the association’s activities – from the creation of choreographed performances to the art workshops and courses, not to mention the 2012 and 2013 editions of the Art Maniacs festival with their blend of dance, music and performance – are informed by the ideals of openness and shared creativity which define the company’s work.

Yma’s repertoire includes six original choreographed performances: three solo pieces (Here comes the Chaos, L’Homme assis and Circle Mood) a series of short duos and solos (Next Couple), a show for younger audiences (Livres in Love) and a performance piece for six dancers (Les Pétitions du Corps).