Hans van Manen - Portrait & Vladimir Malakhov

The artistic partnership between choreographer Hans van Manen and dancer Vladimir Malakhov represents one of the most celebrated collaborations in contemporary ballet. Malakhov has long regarded performing Van Manen's work as a distinct honor, drawn to what he describes as its "effervescent and intricate structure." Central to this partnership is The Old Man and Me, a key piece in Van Manen's repertoire that explores themes of human relationships, humor, and sensuality — qualities that align naturally with Malakhov's expressive range as a performer. Their collaboration has been a recurring highlight across major international galas, including Malakhov's celebrated Malakhov and Friends events, where Van Manen's choreography consistently features alongside works by other defining figures of 20th-century ballet. Van Manen's artistic vision, as brought to life through Malakhov's performances, is defined by a commitment to clean lines, refined simplicity, and a deliberate absence of excess ornamentation. This aesthetic philosophy demands a dancer of exceptional discipline and nuance — qualities Malakhov embodies — allowing the choreography's underlying intelligence to speak without distraction. Together, they demonstrate how the relationship between choreographer and interpreter can elevate a work beyond its original conception, with each performance breathing new life into Van Manen's precise compositional structures. Through galas and international appearances well into 2018 and beyond, their ongoing collaboration has helped cement Van Manen's legacy as one of the defining choreographic voices of his generation.