Timeline

Key figures

Origin and history

The Maison de la danse de Lyon was born in 1980 in the former room of the Festivals of La Croix-Rousse, carried by five Lyon choreographers (Claude Decaillot, Michel Hallet Eghayan, Lucien Mars, Hugo Verrecchia, Marie Zighera) and directed by Guy Darmet. This pioneering project, the first in France entirely dedicated to dance, is an immediate success. In 1984, the House launched the Dance Biennial, consolidating its role as regional network leader.

In 1992, the institution moved to the 8th Theatre, a building built in 1968 by Pierre Bourdeix, a student of Tony Garnier. This theatre, originally conceived as a versatile space (shows, exhibitions, receptions), had been criticized for its architecture deemed cold and unfriendly. After successive restructurings (1986 by Jérôme Savary, 1993 to adapt the scene to dance, 1999 by Pierre Maurice), it becomes an emblematic place with a gauge of 1,140 places and dedicated equipment (creative studio, video library of 1,000 shows).

The building, marked by Garnier's modernist heritage, favours traffic spaces and modularity. The 1999 renovations led by Guy Darmet transform public spaces (hall, video bar Ginger and Fred, Jorge Donn studio) and improve accessibility. In 2022, Tiago Guedes succeeded Dominique Hervieu in leadership, highlighting the vitality of this major institution for contemporary dance.

Architecturally, the 8th Theatre embodies Tony Garnier's principles: large volumes, apparent concrete, and integration of spectator flows. Despite initial challenges (complex orientation, difficult monitoring), the site is a model of cultural conversion, combining architectural heritage and stage innovation. The Maison de la danse also develops a documentary mission, with a unique video database in Europe.

Programming mixes international and regional emerging companies, while artists' residences and partnerships (such as the Biennale) reinforce its reach. The site also includes hybrid spaces, such as the laudable reception room or the Jacques Demy room dedicated to screenings, reflecting a desire for openness and diversity of audiences.

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