On September 9, 2018, at Paris City Hall Square, the performance 'ka.da.ma.ti' was presented as part of the World War I Peace Day commemorations.
Curated by the Théâtre de Ville de Paris and choreographed by renowned British modern dance artist Akram Khan.
A total of 700 amateur dancers participated in the performance.
Despite the orderly arrangement, they danced with vibrant energy to the almost transcendent rhythm of the music.
Under the duet's beat and evolving physical vocabulary, the piece offered a poetic and sensual feast.
In an interview, choreographer Khan stated: 'There are too many walls between people; dance can help us reunite and tear down those walls.'
The square was packed to capacity, demonstrating the allure of modern dance.
Even the fountains on both sides were lined with spectators watching the dance.

Text and photos by Chen Chi-Hsiang. Having just finished the holiday season and the start of school, the French are still lingering in the afterglow of their holidays. On the first Sunday after school begins, despite the fine weather, shops and department stores in central Paris were closed, yet the streets remained crowded with people. At 3 p.m., an unprecedented and grand outdoor modern dance event was held at Place de l'Hôtel de Ville. The entire square was packed to capacity, demonstrating the charm of modern dance.

The "ka.da.ma.ti" project, organized as part of the World War I peace commemoration activities, was curated by the Théâtre de la Ville in Paris and choreographed by the renowned British modern choreographer Akram Khan. It featured 700 amateur dancers (from across the Greater Paris area, regardless of age or ability). Dressed in black, they danced energetically and orderly to a transcendent musical rhythm. Under the beat of duets and evolving physical vocabulary, they presented a poetic and sensual feast. In an interview, choreographer Khan stated, "There are too many walls between people; dance allows us to reunite and tear down those walls." He added that this action recalls "fraternity, rebirth, struggle, purification, and instills confidence in human life," thus marking the end of the summer vacation.

Paris frequently uses art activities to provide artistic cultivation and enhance the public's humanistic literacy. Art becomes a mass movement, integrated into daily life, serving as positive social energy. Art and humanities are Paris's most important tourism assets. Thus, it is no wonder that Paris remains the world's premier destination for tourism pilgrims.

09-09-2018 Paris