Adrien Rakotozafy, a choreographer and dancer with nearly 20 years of experience, has dedicated his life to promoting dance in Madagascar. He started dancing as a young boy, imitating Michael Jackson and Usher, and later specialized in hip-hop dance, specifically "danse debout" with robotic movements. Rakotozafy's unusual and disjointed movements often surprise his audience, whether he is performing in the street or on stage.
In 2014, Rakotozafy founded the platform "Madagascar Danse Debout" to promote talent and creativity among young people. The platform has hosted four editions, with the most recent one bringing together all the winners from previous editions. Rakotozafy's goal is to give more visibility to dancers who practice this discipline, which is slowly dying out. He believes that with more openness and encounters, these dancers can showcase their talents.
The platform has attracted nearly 300 people to each edition, and Rakotozafy emphasizes the importance of taking care of one's body as an instrument for dance. He shares his experiences in sophrology, which involves mental and physical accompaniment based on relaxation, well-being, and positive thinking. Rakotozafy offers individual and group programs, including for children preparing for exams or dealing with mental difficulties.
Rakotozafy's approach to choreography is based on sensations and feelings, but also depends on the moment and the context. He believes that dance is a form of transmission and education, and he wants to extend his platform nationally by organizing "battles" in different provinces. By doing so, he hopes to make dance a factor of development for young people in Madagascar.
Rakotozafy's passion for dance led him to pursue studies in marketing and strategic management in France, but he continued to participate in hip-hop events and exchange with young people. Upon his return to Madagascar, he created "Madagascar Danse Debout" to promote his vision of dance as a means of education and transmission.
Rakotozafy's sophrology programs aim to help people with various issues, such as concentration, creativity, and self-esteem. He demystifies this discipline by explaining that it has nothing to do with religion or esotericism. By sharing his knowledge and experience, Rakotozafy hopes to inspire a new generation of dancers and promote the importance of dance in Malagasy culture.
As Rakotozafy looks to the future, he is determined to make dance a viable career option for young people in Madagascar. He believes that dance can be a powerful tool for development and education, and he is committed to sharing his passion with others. With his platform "Madagascar Danse Debout," Rakotozafy is working to create a brighter future for dance in Madagascar.
Key points
- Adrien Rakotozafy founded "Madagascar Danse Debout" to promote dance and creativity among young people.
