The Moving Goodbye to Jean-Paul Montanari
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Montpellier Pays Farewell to Dance Icon Jean-Paul Montanari
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MONTPELLIER, France (AP) — teh dance and culture community bid a fond farewell to Jean-Paul Montanari, a Commander of Arts and Letters, at a ceremony Tuesday, April 29. montanari, an emblematic figure, elevated the Montpellier Danse festival to international acclaim. Emotion filled the air in Grammont, as evidenced by the heartfelt gestures and speeches, including one from Mayor Michaël Delafosse, who lauded Montanari as both a director and a friend.
A Life Dedicated to Dance
Montanari died April 25 at the age of 77, succumbing to illness after his retirement. His legacy now rests with the new leadership of Montpellier Danse: Dominique Hervieu, Hivesh Schechter, Jann Gallois, and Pierre Martinez. This quartet will carry on the work of Montanari, known as “the man in black,” who embraced Montpellier after moving from Lyon to work alongside Dominique Bagouet.
Montanari: A Survivor’s Story
During the ceremony were he received the Commander of Arts and Letters medal on June 23, 2023, Montanari reflected on his life with poignant words.He described himself as a survivor, having witnessed the loss of many friends to disease. He also spoke of the “wounds of the world,” revealing his humanist viewpoint.Montanari acknowledged his mother, expressing hope that her love had saved him from banality.
“In Montpellier, Jean-Paul traced the furrow of a utopia.”
montpellier Danse: A Lasting Impact
Montanari prepared the 45th edition of the Montpellier Danse festival (June 21 – July 5, 2025), a highlight of his career. He viewed the festival as a sanctuary, a place to preserve humanity. He often said, “I think only artists can save the world.”
A Complex Legacy
Montanari welcomed artists from around the globe, fostering dialog through dance.Delafosse noted that Montanari “drew the furrow of a utopia” in Montpellier. While known for his demanding nature, Montanari earned the admiration and respect of his collaborators.He was a man of culture who devoured books and followed sports and pop culture. Montpellier Danse was his family, and he was an integral part of it. Those who knew him recognized him as a complex man,capable of inspiring both love and frustration.
Montpellier Pays Farewell to Dance Icon Jean-Paul Montanari: A Q&A
Q: Who was Jean-Paul Montanari, and why is his passing so significant?
A: Jean-Paul Montanari was a highly influential figure in the world of dance and culture.He was a Commander of Arts and Letters and, most notably, the driving force behind the Montpellier Danse festival, which he elevated to international acclaim. His death on April 25th, at the age of 77, marks the end of an era, as it represents the loss of a visionary who significantly shaped the landscape of contemporary dance. His farewell ceremony took place on Tuesday, April 29th in montpellier.
Q: What were some of the key achievements and contributions of jean-Paul Montanari?
A: Montanari’s primary achievement was undoubtedly his leadership of the Montpellier Danse festival. He transformed the festival into a world-renowned event, attracting artists from across the globe and fostering dialog through the art of dance. He also played a significant role in creating a space for preserving humanity through the art of dance, as he viewed the festival as a sanctuary. Furthermore, Montanari prepared for the 45th edition of the Montpellier Danse festival (June 21 – July 5, 2025) before his passing, a testament to his enduring commitment.
Q: What was Montanari’s vision for the Montpellier Danse festival?
A: Montanari envisioned the Montpellier Danse festival as more than just a performance; it was a place to preserve humanity. He famously stated, “I think only artists can save the world.” He created a collaborative and inclusive environment, welcoming artists from diverse backgrounds. Mayor michaël Delafosse recognized Montanari as a visionary who “drew the furrow of a utopia” in Montpellier.
Q: How was Montanari remembered by those who knew him?
A: Those who knew Montanari recognized him as a complex figure, capable of inspiring both admiration and frustration. He earned the respect of his collaborators despite his demanding nature. He was deeply passionate about culture, devouring books and following sports and pop culture. For Montanari, Montpellier Danse and his collaborators were like family, and he was an integral part of it.
Q: Who is carrying on Montanari’s legacy with Montpellier Danse?
A: The new leadership of Montpellier Danse now consists of Dominique Hervieu, Hivesh Schechter, Jann Gallois, and Pierre Martinez. This quartet is responsible for continuing the work of Montanari.
Q: What role did Montanari’s personal experiences play in his life and work?
A: during a ceremony on June 23, 2023, where he received the Commander of Arts and Letters medal, Montanari revealed himself as a survivor who had witnessed the loss of many friends to disease. He also spoke of the “wounds of the world,” revealing his humanist viewpoint. He acknowledged his mother, expressing hope that her love had saved him from banality.
Q: Where can I find the location of Agora in Montpellier?
A: The Agora in Montpellier can be found at the following location: