Thibaut Cherradi

I went to see Aterballetto at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York City in 2005. My teacher, Alphonse Poulin, was teaching class for the company while they were in town. He arranged for a few of the Juilliard seniors to take class with the company. That is when I first saw Thibaut. In class, you see him right away. His technique is excellent. Beautiful lines and extensions. Fantastic turns and jumps. A real clean classic technique… it is not often you see someone of this level. When I saw him I thought… I better step it up! After class, Mauro invited a few of us to take class in Italy, where he could see us for a few days and spend more time working with us. I was so happy to be selected, but I had never been to Europe before… I was terrified! Mauro invited us to the performance that night and we could see the company and Thibaut on stage live. The company looked great. Thibaut stood out as a great mover and a good partner, even in a group he steals your attention. He was a star.

With the help of my angels, I arrived in Italy and I went to take class with the company. After watching us in class, Mauro took us to a studio where Thibaut was waiting for us. Thibaut explained that he would teach us movement from the repertory and Mauro would come back and watch. Mauro walked out and Thibaut went to work! He is great! We were lucky to have him. He was a great coach and teacher. He was very helpful and clear. He also added moments of improvisation, which I loved. He pushed us to be big in our movement. He was straight to the point. I appreciated that. He was also very supportive! He wanted us to do well. I left full of inspiration.

Two years later, to my surprise, Thibaut came to Stuttgart to set Mauro Bigonzetti’s “Pression”. It was so exciting to work with him again and this time in more detail. We had a great time learning this piece and we worked hard! Thibaut demanded excellence and the movement required intense focus. It was challenging! It was a great piece. Thibaut left us with so many positive words and we learned so much. He searches for quality. A great artist.

Thibaut is from France. He studied at the Conservatoire national superieur de Lyon, and the School of ballet de l Opera de Paris. He was awarded a gold medal at the Conservatoire regional de Nancy and he was a finalist in the 1994 competition in Paris. Thibaut has performed with the English National Ballet, Ballet Du Capitole De Toulouse, and Aterballetto. He has appeared in many festivals and galas throughout Europe such as The Holland Dance Festival, The Steps Festival in Switzerland, The Ninjinsky Gala in Hamburg, Germany, as well as galas in France, Germany and Kiev, Ukraine. Thibaut also did performances with Sylvie Guillem in William Forsythe’s “Steptext”.

Thibaut has performed works by Mauro Bigonzetti, William Forsythe, Glen Tetley, Hans Van Manen, Sir. Fredrick Ashton, Robert North, George Balanchine, Jocapo Godani, Jiri Kylian, Ohad Naharin, Michelle Abbondanza and Antonella Bertoniand. Thibaut worked as assistant to the choreographer, Mauro Bigonzetti with companies such as Ballet Gulbenkian, Gauthier Dance, Aterballetto, Augsburg Ballet, National Ballet of China, and The Rotterdam Dance Academy. As of 2009, Thibaut is Ballet Master at Basel Ballet under the direction of Richard Wherlock. He has rehearsed repertory from choreographers such as Ohad Naharin,Jiri Kilian, Johan Inger, Angelin Prejlocaj, Nacho Duato, Jorma Elo and Mauro Bigonzetti.

It has been almost 9 years I have known Thibaut. He has given me great advice and support over the years. He continues to inspire me everyday. Thank you, Thibaut, for your inspiration.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? Did you always want to do what you’re doing now?

No. I wanted to be a Veterinarian. To work with wild animals.

Thibaut’s Favorite Things

Favorite Things to eat?

Truffles with a good red wine. Preferably Barolo, or Romanée-Saint-Vivant. Fish with a nice dry white wine. Like Riesling or Puligny-Montrachet.

Favorite Books?

“Pendolo di Foucault” by Italian writer and philosopher Umberto Eco.

Favorite Movies?

“In the Mood for Love”. Directed by Wong Kar-wai in 2000.

Favorite Dance Piece?

Petite Mort by Jiří Kylián. Mozart and Kylián… a must.

I like dancers who…

…find the balance between instinct and reason.

I am afraid of…

…losing my sincerity.

Something you like to do other than dancing?

Observing nature, Wine Tasting, and Fishing.

One of the happiest moments of your life?

The birth of my son, Jules.

Who has been the most influential person/people in your life? or Career?

Mauro Bigonzetti

One of the hardest things about your transition from Dancer to Ballet Master?

To gain the respect of the dancers through your work. The process of achieving this is difficult.

Three words to describe yourself….

Shy, driven, and sincere.

Dear aspiring artists,

Stay humble and keep your curiosity.

–Thibaut Cherradi

Photo Journal

Pression by Mauro Bigonzetti with Adrien Boissonnet

Adamo by Michelle Abbondanza and Antonella Bertoni

©A.Anceschi-0007 with the lovely Mascha Daudel

Minus 16 by Ohad Naharin ©A.Anceschi w/ Valerio Longo

Photo by Antonio Agostini

Have you seen Thibaut perform? Have you worked with him? Share your stories in the comments below!