Van Cleef & Arpels are the exclusive sponsor of Dubai Opera

  |   25-07-2016

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In celebration of the enduring bond between Van Cleef & Arpels and the world of dance, the Maison proudly announces its partnership with Dubai Opera, exclusively supporting the genre of ballet and dance arts. 

Alessandro Maffi, Managing Director of Van Cleef & Arpels Middle East & India said: “ Femininity and grace have always provided constant inspiration for our creations, giving rise to various artistic collaborations. We are proud to embark on a new friendship with  the Dubai Opera , in bringing the art of ballet and dance to the Emirate.”

Dubai Opera will offer a variety of spectacular dance shows and ballets at the multi-format performing arts theatre located in the heart of Downtown Dubai. The venue, which has 2,000 seats, will stage its first two classical ballets Coppélia on the 15th and 17th of September and Giselle on the 16th September both performed by the Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia. Further captivating dance performances in 2016 includes Sara Baras, Spain’s most prevalent flamenco dancer, from 13th-14th October, and Ballet for Life and a Ballet Gala from Béjart Ballet Lausanne on the 21st and 22nd October.

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Van Cleef & Arpels is reowned for featuring a radiant homage to the art of dance within each season of creations. Van Clef & Arpels has made dance one of its major sources of inspiration. The Maison’s first ballerina clips were created in 1940s in New York, at the request of Louis Arpels, a great ballet and opera lover. Highly sought after by collectors, these creations soon became a signature of Van Cleef & Arpels.

Not long afterwards, these links with the world of dance were strengthened by a decisive encounter. In New York, where Louis Arpels had settled in 1939, Claude Arpels (Louis’ nephew) met George Balanchine, the well-known choreographer and co-founder of the New York City Ballet and invited him to the 5th Avenue boutique. Their shared passion for gems blossomed in the Balanchine ballet Jewels. Inspired by emeralds, rubies and diamonds it was first displayed in New York in April 1967.

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[Image: Alessandro Maffi and Jasper Hope.]

The duet continues in the shape of this collaboration with Benjamin Millepied, previously principal dancer at the New York City Ballet and founder of L.A. Dance Project in 2012. The Maison’s attachment to dance and creativity also found the expression in other projects, such as its patronage of the Opéra National de Paris’ 3e Scéne and the Prix Fedora – Van Cleef & Arpels pour le Ballet. The Maison’s friendship with the Dubai Opera adds a new and enthralling chapter to Van Cleef & Arpels’ enduring links with ballet and dance.

Jasper Hope Dubai Opera Chief Executive said: “Van Cleef & Arpels has such a incredible affinity with ballet and dance which stretches back decades. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with Van Cleef & Arpels.”