Paris: Choreographer Blanca Li unexpectedly leaves the presidency of La Villette

A surprising departure. Franco-Spanish choreographer Blanca Li has decided to step down as president of the Parc et la Grande Halle de La Villette in Paris, a position she has held for just over a year, the Ministry of Culture announced in a press release on Friday, July 11.

Appointed by the State in April 2024, the 61-year-old multidisciplinary artist completed the term of her predecessor Didier Fusillier until July 8 but does not "wish to be renewed" at the head of this Parisian institution, which offers dance, circus, theater and open-air film festivals, the press release indicates.

According to the ministry, the choreographer decided to leave her post to "dedicate herself fully to her artistic activities and to the national and international influence of her company."

Shortly after her appointment, Blanca Li had nevertheless expressed her ambition to continue to make La Villette, born in the 1980s, a place for "sharing cultures" and "free, festive popular events" .

In March, she was even appointed by the Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, to oversee the Maison des cultures urbaines , which is due to open at the start of the school year within La Villette.

Pending the appointment of her successor, Blanca Li will act as interim director in order to ensure "business continuity" at the La Villette Public Establishment, the ministry said.

In the press release, Rachida Dati praised the work of Blanca Li, "who notably successfully managed the Olympic and Paralympic Games period and developed an original and innovative project in the Parc de la Villette."