INTERVIEW
The general public knew him when he was a dance teacher at Star Academy . But previously, Kamel Ouali had already choreographed the musical of the Ten Commandments . From the Sun King to Dracula , he multiplied the big posters. And it is from now on to another genre that the artist attacks: that of the cabaret.
From May 2, the Parisian public will be able to attend L'oiseau paradis , the show he has mounted in Latin paradise around a leader of a magazine also known to the public: Miss France and Miss Universe Iris Mittenaere. Together, they were the guests of the program Not Just a Life in Life . The choreographer took the opportunity to trace his career through dance and unveil his ambitions.
According to his father, dance "is not for boys"
The dance makes a sensational entrance into the life of Kamel Ouali at 11 years old. In La Courneuve, where he lives with his eleven brothers and sisters, he takes his first dance class. "Before I went, I had never even been attracted to dance." He is conquered. Not his father, who refuses to dance because "it's not for boys". It is his mother who comes to his aid: "You will take dance classes, you will tell your father that you will do karate," she slips. A destiny to the Billy Elliot who also makes the photographer smile: "He stole my story, this one", fun the artist. "I was very moved when I saw this film, he lives in a fairly modest environment, he has a passion for dance, he finally manages to do what he has always dreamed about."
"Billy Elliot stole my story"
But Kamel Ouali's dream was not to dance, but rather to choreograph. At age 15, he teaches hip hop classes. Not even major, Mariah Carey sees him coach an artist for M6 just before one of his rehearsals and offers to work with her. At age 24, he stops being a dancer to devote himself entirely to choreography. "It was not even thoughtful," said Kamel Ouali.
"The adventure of my life"
Since then, he has chained the musicals, been among other jurors of France has an incredible talent . But he still has a few checkboxes left. Like that of designing the opening and closing ceremonies of the Paris Olympics in 2024. "It would be my absolute dream, it would be the adventure of my life," he confides, before conveying his enthusiasm: "I could I'm already going to a prep meeting with lots of people, it's something that has been going on for many years. "
The people he works with usually see him in two projects: a show in Vegas or the Olympics. "The show in Vegas, I did not do it for a problem of timing and I was very upset, maybe it will be reiterated The Olympics, it's really something of heart. I dream of it, then, if it is done, it will be the adventure of my life and if it does not happen, I will do something else, "he reassures himself, philosopher. The message has passed.