The Choreography Centre boasts many specific architectural and technical features. The building which officially opened in March 1997 is home to a full spectrum of dance-related activities: experimentation and exploration, rehearsals, creation and performance of dance shows. The overall surface area is 3,200m².
The building is composed of two main sections; a new, fully refurbished and shamelessly modern wing rubs shoulders with a renovated more ancient wing. The coupling of the two architectural styles has been carefully administered, combining stone and glass, metal and wood, to produce a technically high-performance ensemble. The new wing comprises a dance studio, which is able to welcome an audience thanks to tailored mechanics: removable seating transforms the studio (originally 300m²) into a 120-person performance venue, fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology (control room, machinery for sets, sound and lighting, air conditioning). This new studio (the Bagouet studio*) is located in the former convent courtyard and is named after choreographer and founder of the National Choreographic Centre of Montpellier, Dominique Bagouet.
Three rehearsal studios: the Gert studio**, — otherwise known as the Chambre d'écho, has become an exhibition space dedicated to visual creation mixed with choreography — the Yano studio*** and the Atelier Buffard, are all located in the refurbished, ancient part of the building along with dressing rooms and offices.
Overall, this gives the Choreographic Centre a total surface area of 700m² of studio space for professional dancers to work in daily and for public performances. There is also an on-site costume workshop. A large glass roof connects the different parts of the convent together around a spacious lobby.
* Dominique Bagouet (1951-1992): Dancer, choreographer, and founder of the National Choreographic Centre of Montpellier.
** Valeska Gert (1892-1978): German dancer, mime-artist, actress and cabaret performer. From the start of her career, she broke away from what she called “aesthetic dance so appreciated by middle-class culture”.
*** Hideyuki Yano (1943-1988): Japanese dancer and choreographer.