© Kayin Luys
The Ethereal Paradox
What is understood by ‘beauty’ in the past, present, and future?
By looking at the aesthetic features one has, their other qualities seem to lose meaning.
How we look shapes how we experience the world. Attractiveness opens doors, but ‘pretty privilege’ comes with a downside. Those who fit the ideal beauty standard are often reduced to their appearance. At the same time, young people are increasingly struggling with unrealistic beauty norms—ever more extreme, ever less attainable.
The Ethereal Paradox is a three-part dance solo in which dancer Zoë Chungong explores the meaning of beauty. Each part highlights a woman presenting her body through the lens of a different era and dance style. From the roaring twenties to contemporary hip-hop culture, and into a future where beauty may exist only in the virtual realm.
In recent years, Zoë Chungong has performed in any attempt will end in crushed bodies and shattered bones by Jan Martens, What We Can Do Together by MonkeyMind Company (BE) and Unmute Dance Company (SA), and GAZE by Laura Neyskens & Raphaël Vandeweyer. This season, she also performs in the revival of THE DOG DAYS ARE OVER by Jan Martens.
concept & dance Zoë Chungong coaching Mercedes Dassy music Benz Pharaoh scenography & light design Caroline Mathieu production fABULEUS co-production STUK & Perpodium in collaboration with c o r s o with the support of de stad Leuven, de Vlaamse Overheid & de Tax Shelter van de Belgische federale overheid
