“The artists who defend in France the dance jazz are not legion. Géraldine Armstrong counts among most committed, the best too. Two Masters are known to him: Matt Mattox who made of many disciples in France and Alvin Ailey, American figurehead. It is while remaining faithful to the lesson of these two artists that it built the repertoire of its company. In each one of its parts the same constant: to grant the primacy to the movement and the rhythm, to excite the bodies around the blues, of the swing or the gospel with an alternative wealth, a vibration, a sensuality irradiant. Its fine team of dancers interpreters does not have any evil to communicate with the public. ” (Jean-Claude Dienis)

CREDITS

Choreography by Geraldine Armstrong
15 mn - Solo and dance choral society

James Carles is a choreographer, researcher and lecturer. He received initial training in dance and music of Africa and its Diaspora and then trained with the great names of modern dance in New York and London mainly. Since 1992, he hired an artistic and analytical approach that explores the “places junctions” between the dances, rhythms and philosophies of Africa and its Diaspora with technical and western thoughts frames. To date, his company’s directory contains more than fifty pieces of his own creation and authors like Katherine Dunham, Pearl Primus, Talley Beatty, Asadata Dafora, Geraldine Armstrong, Rick Odums, Wayne Barbaste, Carolyn Carlson, Robyn Orlin, etc.

Dancer soloist and outstanding performer, James Carles was performer and artistic collaborator for not only numerous “all music” ranging from Baroque to contemporary music, through jazz; but also choreographers such as Carolyn Carlson, Robyn Orlin, Rui Horta, Myriam Naisy, etc.

Artist associated with Astrada- Jazz In Marciac 2012-2014, research associate in the laboratory of the University LLA Créatis Jean Jaures Toulouse, James Carles is particularly invests in heritage projects for diversity and diffusion of choreographic culture. He is also founder and artistic director of the festival “Dances and Black Continents”.

Since 2016, James Carlès has made the choice to make available to the public a selection of its videos.