OPEN CALL: ALIEN CORPS DE BALLET
Masterclass with Benjamin Abel Meirhaeghe & Emiel Van den Berghe
During this masterclass, we will together build a (ballet) studio of the future. We start from a classical ballet class: rehearsal, discipline, music, repetition, and the body as part of a group. But we explore tradition as if it were being rediscovered by humanoids or aliens. What remains? And what new kind of dance emerges from it?
Under the guidance of Benjamin Abel Meirhaeghe (performer, singer, and director at Toneelhuis, Volksbühne, Opera Ballet Vlaanderen, Muziektheater Transparant), we crack open the classical dance language using voice, sound, and movement performances—think physical and vocal hybrid worlds featuring Meredith Monk, Arca, and Vivaldi. We explore how a group of futuristic bodies can collectively visualize a possible future. Together with ballet dancer and performer Emiel Van den Berghe (studied at the Royal Ballet School Antwerp and danced with English National Ballet, Badisches Staatsballett, Miet Warlop, Benjamin Abel Meirhaeghe), we will learn the basic principles and exercises of classical ballet.
At the center is the corps de ballet: the group of dancers that forms a single collective body in classical ballet. They move synchronously and together create patterns, imagery, and landscapes. We adopt this principle, but build an extraterrestrial corps de ballet. Together with a make-up artist, we will transform that corps even further. Think: flamboyant aliens.
For whom?
You absolutely do not need any ballet or dance experience. No perfect bodies required. We are looking for young people (m/f/x) from all disciplines who:
- Are curious about (classical) dance, performance, and music;
- Feel like working physically and collectively;
- Want to use their body and voice in a two-hour performative whole;
- Are open to experimentation—you don't have to prove anything.
What are we going to do?
- Classical ballet class and exercises with Emiel Van den Berghe
- Movement and performance coaching with Benjamin Abel Meirhaeghe
- Work around the corps de ballet / collective body
- Voice, sound, and movement performance
- Alienation, distortion, and future archaeology of classical repertoire
- Make-up class & transformation
- Together building an ALIEN CORPS DE BALLET
Practical information:
- Venue: Arts Centre VIERNULVIER, Dansstudio - Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 23, 9000 Ghent.
- Availability: You must be available on 13/10: 14:00 - 19:00 & 22/10: 15:00 to 22:00.
- On 22/10, you will be part of a public sharing moment as part of a larger presentation.
- questions: margo.temmerman@viernulvier.gent
- deadline open call: Friday 7/10/'26
We provide:
- A volunteering contract and payment for your participation
- Snacks, drinks, and a delicious vegetarian meal
Come as you are. Leave as a corps de ballet.
