Jiří Kylián – The Knight of Choreography

Official inauguration of choreographer Jiří Kylián to Académie des beaux-arts. By becoming a member of this prestigious French institution Jiří Kylián has been awarded one of the greatest prizes in the field of arts and culture.

The ceremony took place in the Coupole of the Palais de l’Institut de France and many famous personalities from the world of ballet and dance were present: Nacho Duato, Mats Ek, Jean-Christophe Maillot, Reid Anderson, Aurélie Dupont, Paul Lightfoot or Ivan Liška. They all came to congratulate Jiří Kylián.

Watch the video: An official footage broadcast in the Czech television news.

At the inauguration every new member is presented with a sword that is supposed to symbolize his profession. The sword, as attribute of the newly elected member of the Academy, is a weapon to be used in defence of arts and culture. Furthermore, it should express the specific universe of the artist.

Caroline, the Princess of Hanover, handed Jiří Kylián the sword of his own original design. The handle of the sword portrays a female dancer – a „bird lady“– standing on silver bird wings constituting the guard: The art of choreography has been elevated to a new level.

The Czech National Ballet rejoices with Jiří Kylián. Congratulations!