‘My residency at the Plus Petit Cirque du Monde (PPCM) as part of the Odyssée residency programme was a very enriching experience, characterised by a warm welcome and stimulating creative opportunities. Here is a detailed account of this period, which marks an important stage in the development of my artistic project.

Even before my arrival in France, I was supported in the preparation of this residency. Upstream meetings allowed the logistical details of my trip to be planned and the foundations laid for a smooth process. When I arrived, everything was well organised, which allowed me to start this residency with complete peace of mind. I received a warm welcome from the PPCM team, who showed me the workspaces and the centre, as well as introducing me to the team members. This kind introduction helped me to quickly feel at ease in this environment.

The first few days were characterised by a period of adjustment. As it was my first residency abroad and my first solo residency, I felt a certain initial blockage that pushed me to focus my efforts on writing and searching for ideas during the first week. This allowed me to lay the foundations of my project and to begin an in-depth reflection on its content and direction.

At the same time, I attended several shows and events organised by the PPCM. These moments were a great source of inspiration, allowing me to discover a variety of approaches.

I met artists from different backgrounds and realised that the circus encompasses much more than acrobatics: it is a multidisciplinary art form rich in creative possibilities. These exchanges fuelled my reflection and broadened my perception of my own practice.

The second week was quieter on a personal level, but it was marked by the arrival of ExOss, with whom I quickly developed a good working dynamic. While he started his own creative process, I continued to enrich my content and structure my ideas. These interactions reinforced my enthusiasm and pushed me to explore new avenues.

From the third week onwards, I started to work directly on stage. I explored more structured ideas and concretised the directions taken during the first weeks. I also benefited from outside perspectives, particularly from my friends, who offered me valuable feedback to refine my work.

This residency was an essential step in the development of my piece. It allowed me to explore new aspects, to meet inspiring artists and to lay a solid foundation for the continuation of my work. However, I feel the need to continue this reflection and exploration.

I aspire to continue the development of this piece in Madagascar, drawing inspiration from the richness of local traditional dance. Integrating these influences could bring a unique cultural dimension to my work. In addition, I would like to explore lighting and set design in greater depth, aspects that I was unable to fully develop during this residency. These elements will play an essential role in the maturation of my creation.

In conclusion, this residency at the PPCM was a memorable experience, rich in learning and encounters. It was a decisive step for me as an artist and made me want to continue developing this piece in France and abroad. I would like to extend my warmest thanks to the PPCM team for their welcome, their support and the opportunities offered throughout this residency."

Also discover in pictures the residency of Chaminna Myria Sakina during which the artist invited the inhabitants of Bagneux onto the track for a Vendredi Baraque (Friday at the Barracks)!