What’s on in Cannes this January

30 December 2015

Attend Dance Performances & Leading Art Exhibitions During a Winter Stay at Amarante Cannes

Lined with palm trees and boasting views over the glittering Mediterranean Sea, the world-famous Boulevard de la Croisette is a must-see destination… and it’s made even more appealing by the array of galleries and leading entertainment venues that call it home. Located a mere 12 minute stroll from Hotel Amarante Cannes, these key cultural sites offer an outstanding programme of events throughout the year; including world-class dance performances and exhibitions of works by renowned artists this January. Use our guide to what’s on in Cannes to plan the ultimate cultural city break this winter.

National Ballet of Spain

Palais des Festivals 

1st January 2016

Start the New Year feeling awe-inspired with a visit to the grand Palais des Festivals where the National Ballet of Spain will be performing a breath-taking combination of classical ballet and traditional Spanish dances with contemporary flair. 40 artists will take to the stage of the large auditorium to showcase four choreographies; Ritmos (Rhythms) that involves castanets, Viva Navarra performed to stylised folk music, Bolero that incorporates elements of flamenco and an original piece called Alento (Encouraged) created by the school’s director Antonio Najarro as his own take on classical Spanish dance. Watch as white and red skirts gracefully swirl in coordination, feel the passion from fiery arm movements and admire precise, rhythmic footwork at what will be a truly glamorous New Year’s Day event.

Break The Floor International 

Palais des Festivals 

24th January 2016

Those seeking an edgier form of dance will be excited to discover Break The Floor International; one of the world’s most prestigious hip-hop dance events. The 10th edition will offer visitors the chance to watch as contenders battle it out at the international breakdancing competition on stage at the Palais des Festivals. Expect to see innovative ways to contort the body, creative techniques and energetic acrobatic performances. With the world’s most titled team, South Korea’s Jinjo Crew set to make an appearance, and sponsorship from Sidney Duteil, the former host of the world’s first nationwide weekly show dedicated to hip-hop culture ‘H.I.P.H.O.P’, this will be an unmissable event for anyone with a passion for music and performance.

Marc Chagall Exhibition 

Centre d’Art La Malmaison

Until 24th April 2016

The Centre d’Art La Malmaison is currently displaying 230 works by the renowned Russian-born artist Marc Chagall. Titled ‘Les Couleurs de la Vie’, ‘The Colours of Life’, the exhibition showcases lithographs, etchings, aquatints and test trials; including a 1960 piece depicting the Place de la Concorde on a background of yellows and pinks, and a 1961 green and blue overlay colour test called Chloe's Kiss that features nude figures. As well as being regarded as a pioneer of modernism, Chagall was admired for his use of colour; prompting a comment from Pablo Picasso in the 1950s that ‘when Matisse dies, Chagall will be the only painter left who understands what colour really is’. This talent, combined with poetic themes, has meant that his work is thought to be an integral part of the history of engraving during the 20th century. With a variety of subjects explored including imagery from the Bible, his first wife Bella and his native city of Vitebsk, this vast collection is unmissable for any art fan.

Salvador Dali Exhibition

Espace Miramar

Until 14th February 2016

The exhibition ‘Salvador Dalí, aux Frontières du Réel’, which translates as ‘Salvador Dalí, on the Borders of Reality’, launched in November as part of the 28th edition of ‘Les Recontres de Cannes’ festival. The month long programme of concerts, debates, screenings and much more was centred around the theme of borders, however the exhibition continues to showcase 64 engravings by the Spanish surrealist artist until February. Combining precise, realistic forms in abstract and seemingly strange compositions, Dalí managed to blur the borders between the dream-like and reality. Works featured include Memories of Surrealism, which focuses on a bust surrounded by butterflies, City of Drawers that showcases a nude female figure whose body is represented as a series of open drawers, as well as an array of obscure monochrome and colour sketches named The Dreams of Pantagruel. This unique collection is on show courtesy of Jean Ferrero and will provide an ideal day out during a cultural break in Cannes. 

From classical ballet to breakdancing, and exhibitions dedicated to two of last century’s leading artists, the galleries and events venues in Cannes can boast an outstanding line-up this January.