See You | LIGHTFOOT

This choreographic creation is inspired by the life and work of a dancer. Using the performance as a metaphor, I wanted to pose the question, where and when does our show begin or end? Dancers careers are swift and vulnerable as a butterflies wings. The intense environment of the studio, an emotional microcosmos often where love and relationships develop.

The music plays and we dance out our fleeting artistic existences. When the curtain falls is that truly our finale, or simply a veil signifying that another space awaits?

I chose two contrasting musical stars orbiting this piece: On one side, music from the unique imagination of Kate Bush. Her passionate songs navigate us through a labyrinth of poetry, absurdity, and darker dreams. On the other, the heartfelt compositions of Max Richter played live. His spiritual and melancholic music remind us of the universe surrounding within its purity.

 

Theatres are our temples of living art. The stage retaining umpteen untold stories and energies… none more so than “Salle Garnier”, which has been inspirational in exploring the past and the present within this ballet.

The title “See You”, is an everyday form of saying goodbye, yet also holds a promise to find one another again at some point. At this juncture of my life, I find myself contemplating all the years. Feeling small and insignificant within our mighty cosmos. Yet also aware of how the power of love, and compassionate actions towards one another can still positively affect our world.

When the time comes in my life to return to the place I came from, I know that I shall be filled with gratitude, choosing to remember all the beautiful moments…. just like now. “See You” is a celebration of countless extraordinary times.

When the time comes in my life to return to the place I came from, I know that I shall be filled with gratitude, choosing to remember all the beautiful moments…. just like now. “See You” is a celebration of countless extraordinary times.

Paul Lightfoot

SEE YOU | PAUL LIGHTFOOT
Choreography: Paul Lightfoot, assistant choreographer: Mikaela Kelly
Musics: Max Richter, And Some Will Fall, Dream 3, Love Song (After Je), Late and Soon, Kate Bush, The red shoes, Jig of Life, Waking the witch, Wuthering Heights (performed by Cecile McLaren-Salvant), This Woman’s Work, Cloudbusting
Sets & Costumes: Paul Lightfoot, supervision of the costume design: Joke Visser in collaboration with the Costume Department of the Ballets de Monte-Carlo
Lighting: Paul Lightfoot, realization: Samuel Thery
Duration: 50 min

Premiere by Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo on October 23rd 2025, Salle Garnier Opéra de Monte-Carlo. Ballet dedicated to Sol León.