Background

Established in 1980
The first Maison de la Danse in France was opened in Lyon on 17 June 1980. It was the culmination of a slightly crazy challenge taken up in 1977 by four choreographers of Lyon who stood together in support of dance, protagonists who were campaigning for something that did not exist at that time - a space dedicated solely to this art. The City of Lyon and its Deputy Minister of Culture Joannes Ambre became interested in the project and granted them an old community hall at Croix-Rousse. Guy Darmet was made artistic director. The success of the first season was beyond the most optimistic of forecasts. The Minister of Culture and Communication, the Rhône-Alpes Region and other partners joined the City of Lyon and the Rhône Departmental Council in their support. The importance of the need for a space for dance had been made clear. The public, professionals, institutions and the media all demonstrated their interest in the originality of this enterprise with national and international resonance.

A new location
One of the great moments in the setting up of the company was the move from the Théâtre de la Croix-Rousse to the Théâtre du 8e (8th arrondissement) in September 1992.   This was a great display of the confidence of the City of Lyon and the Minister of Culture in this project and here, the company found a stage and a 1,100 seat theatre for its use. Since its installation, the Maison de la Danse company has made the Jorge Donn studio of 300 sq m available for rehearsals and residence for guest companies.