Attend this unique performance in Mumbai that explores movement through hip-hop dance and rollerblades

Xuan Le in performance

Are you related to the Iyengar Yoga School?" comes a question, laced in an inimitable French accent, that leaves this writer embarrassed. As we admit our failure to be flexible, the Paris-born Xuan Le reveals, "That was the first thing I spotted in your name. I learned Iyengar Yoga when I had just begun to learn dance." This curiosity about India is an underlying theme to the conversation, too. Presented by the French Institute in India and the Alliance Française Network in collaboration with The Royal Opera House, the choreographer is the city to showcase his production, Reflet that explores the idea of movement and meditation through hip-hop dance, contemporary visuals and rollerblades.

Rolling along

The rollerblades might sound challenging to us, but Xuan Le does not overcomplicate it. "I was a skater before I was a choreographer. I picked up my first pair of blades at the age of five," he shares. Growing up in Paris, rollerblading on the streets was a pastime. "I won the national championship in 2009, and finished ninth on the world rankings," he shares.

Shih-Ya Peng with Xuan Le. Pics Courtesy/Compagnie Xuan Le

It was his ability to move on wheels that drew his attention to a French choreographer, who offered him a part in his production. "It kicked off my interest in movement and dance," says the choreographer. That's when the tryst with yoga began. "It taught me flexibility, and helped me understand my body. Through it all, I knew I wanted to include the use of roller skates as part of my practice," he adds. He even travelled to South India for a brush with Ayurveda for his back pain.

Eastern explorations

This is the choreographer's second trip to India since performing alongside Mourad Merzouki in 2023. "This show is the second part of a trilogy on the thematic triptych, Nous (Us). The first one was called Boucle - that means Loop," he reveals. Developed over the last year, it explores the idea of balance, meditation, and discovery of the ‘other' within yourself. Performed alongside Taiwanese choreographer Shih-Ya Peng, it is more than just a dance performance.

Xuan Le uses the sphere to complement his movements

"Dance is the main character, but as an artiste, I like to add layers. Light is extremely important because it creates another dimension," the Parisian explains, adding, "We use lasers to divide and separate the spaces between the two performers." The other dramatic element is his use of a large sphere, or a moon as he calls it, to alter the size and shape of his own physique. The music from Jules Evrard completes the piece.

Smooth operator

Recalling the physical memories of our own scraped knees from rollerblading, we ask if the rollerblades are truly necessary. "For me, rollerblading is like being on water. In dance, you are taught to reach out and extend beyond your body in every movement. With the use of wheels, the movement goes further. Moreover, it also has an impact on the audience who feel the dramatic illusion of the body's extension," he reiterates.

Shih-Ya Peng rehearses the routine with Xuan Le in France

The journey through India is more than just practice. He is already underway for the third part of the trilogy, Passage or passing, which will premiere in November 2026. "It will have an Indian connection. The third performance will be a bit of choreography, circus and visual arts. I plan to use ropes to express the idea of verticality," he says. It looks like another trip to India beckons.

ON December 4; 7.30 pm
AT Royal Opera House Theatre, Mama Parmanand Marg, Charni Road East, Girgaon.
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COST Rs 299 onwards