The very first show by Boris Charmatz and Dimitri Chamblas, À bras-le-corps heralded the emancipation of choreographic codes when it premiered in 1993. Boris was 19, Dimitri 17. Both had trained at the Conservatoire in Lyon, and both were eager to break free from rigid physical norms, to eliminate the divide between performer and choreographer, and to bridge the gap between stage and spectator. They injected their rebellious youth into an innovative dance show, performed in a square surrounded by chairs. Since then, the piece has toured relentlessly. Over thirty years, it has carried all kinds of emotions and been performed on countless stages. The dancers’ agility has evolved, their strength matured. Audiences have changed, but they’ve remained close. Today, in this ring where the two dancers clash, play and juggle, there’s a thrilling, enduring energy that continues to defy both time and gravity.