Stéphane Ricordel, trapeze artist and theater director, dies at 62

Stéphane Ricordel, a celebrated figure in French circus arts and theater, has died at the age of 62. His passing on Thursday, July 30, was attributed to a neurodegenerative disease.

Ricordel was widely recognized as a co-director of the Théâtre du Rond-Point in Paris and was a pivotal co-founder of the circus company Les Arts Saut. This troupe significantly impacted the world of performing arts, particularly by revolutionizing the art of the flying trapeze.

In his chosen discipline, the flying trapeze, Ricordel served as a "porteur" – the catcher who supports and propels the flyer. With his strong build, he played a key role in redefining trapeze artistry over roughly fifteen years with Les Arts Saut before moving into theater direction.

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When we left school, the trapeze was not a discipline that young artists were very interested in. We had the idea of a collective show that we would create based on a collective. Working collectively was one of our goals. The other two were to travel and to do trapeze artistically wherever our dreams took us.

His partner and fellow director at the Théâtre du Rond-Point, Laurence de Magalhaes, announced his death. Ricordel and de Magalhaes were an inseparable force in the performing arts world, having started their careers together. In 1993, they, along with other graduates from top French circus schools, aimed to elevate the trapeze beyond its traditional circus tent setting into a standalone art form.

Les Arts Saut toured globally for fifteen years, embodying a distinctive "French touch" in circus arts. Their nomadic lifestyle, which included their children and a dedicated teacher, led to over 1,500 performances. Despite facing challenges, including a severe accident involving a troupe member, the company concluded its trapeze performances in 2007.

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To fly like one swims, like one breathes, like one loves. to let oneself be carried by the wings of desire.