Le sacre de Lila

Inspired by the Lila ceremonies—mystical and musical celebrations from his native Morocco—Ismaël Mouaraki explores the experience of trance in his latest work with a group of male dancers. Through their movements, he also retraces his own journey, offering it up to the audience.

In Arabic, lila means “night.” These ceremonies are night-time healing rituals blending song, dance, and music, traditionally held in parts of the Maghreb. Ismaël brings the rites and codes of these danced rituals to the stage, infusing them with his signature style of contemporary urban dance to reveal the sensitivity and sensuality of the male body. With the flavors and colors of Morocco woven throughout, the performers transform the show into a true celebration, where the exaltation of the body unfolds in a contagious, vibrant energy.

In 2023, Le Sacre de Lila was awarded the Prize for Best Choreographic Work at the Montreal Dance Awards, presented by the Conseil des Arts et des Lettres du Québec.