Julie Bour
Julie's path began with rigorous training at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Paris, where she had the privilege of learning works from influential choreographers such as Dominique Bagouet, Maguy Marin, Claude Brumachon, Carolyn Carlson, Jennifer Muller, Alwin Nikolais, and Viola Farber.
Her performing career reached its zenith during her eight-year tenure with Ballet Preljocaj in France, from 1994 to 2002. Julie's exceptional talent and dedication earned her the prestigious "Bessie Award" for Best Performance of the Year, solidifying her status as a renowned artist in the dance world.
Julie's artistic journey continued to evolve when she joined the Inbal Pinto/Avshallom Pollak Company in Israel, where she collaborated with actors, adding depth to her creative exploration. Following this enriching experience, Julie had the privilege of working alongside visionary opera director Julie Taymor in the United States, setting the stage for her subsequent achievements.
From 2007 to 2012, Julie delved into choreography in the vibrant dance scene of New York City. Collaborating with celebrated dancers, she crafted innovative projects that pushed the boundaries of dance, receiving international acclaim and gaining recognition not only in the United States but also in her native France.
In parallel, Julie co-founded The Flying Mammoth, a venture committed to breaking down barriers between art forms and exploring innovative creative approaches.
Julie's dedication to her art extended beyond the stage, as she served as an assistant to choreographer Angelin Preljocaj in prestigious institutions like New York City Ballet, Ballet de Bordeaux, Teatro del Maggio, Ballet de Bordeaux and Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet. She also conducted professional training at esteemed institutions such as Juilliard School, Alvin Ailey Fordham School, Interlochen School of the Arts, Wayne State University, Ohio State University, Mason Gross School of the Arts, Joffrey Ballet School, Master in Creation at University Paul Valery in Montpellier, Rambert Ballet in London and many more.
In 2012, Julie and her family relocated to Los Angeles, embarking on a new chapter in her artistic journey. Immersed in the vibrant entertainment industry of LA, she showcased her versatility as an artist by applying her creative talents to film and music videos. Notably, her choreographic expertise left an indelible mark on "La Danseuse," a film nominated at the Cannes Festival in 2016, where she collaborated with esteemed artists such as Soko and Lily-Rose Depp. Since 2014, Julie has been a full-time faculty member at the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts). Her teaching encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including contemporary technique, composition, improvisation, partnering, and interdisciplinary practices. Currently she serves as the MFA in Choreography Program Director at CalArts.
Julie's mission is to breathe new life into the art by crafting fresh contexts and content that empower both participants and viewers, leading to meaningful and perspective-shifting experiences. Her ongoing cross-disciplinary explorations at CalArts defy conventional boundaries between life and dance, broadening her visionary outlook on the world.