Brigel Gjoka

Choreographer
Albania

In 2021, Dance Reflections by Van Cleef & Arpels is supporting dancer and choreographer Brigel Gjoka for Neighbours, a duet performed with dancer Rauf “RubberLegz” Yasit and created in collaboration with William Forsythe.

Brigel Gjoka was trained at the Tirana School of Ballet in his native Albania and at the Rosella Hightower School of Dance in France. Between 2006 and 2010, he performed as a professional dancer in several prestigious institutions across Europe, in particular the Ballet de l'Opéra National du Rhin, the Staatstheater Mainz and the Nederlands Dans Theater.

In 2011, he joined the Forsythe Company, where for five years he took part in William Forsythe’s new creations and performed in a wide range of works from the American choreographer’s repertoire. In 2016, he participated in Life In Progress, Sylvie Guillem’s worldwide farewell tour, dancing DUO2015 by William Forsythe.

From 2013 to 2017, he received support from the Goethe Institut as a choreographer, and served as Artistic Director of Art Factory International Bologna between 2014 and 2020. He participated in A Quiet Evening of Dance, William Forsythe’s final production, which was awarded the 2018 FEDORA – Van Cleef & Arpels Prize for Ballet. A worldwide tour began thereafter and has been continuing since.

Brigel Gjoka teaches and lectures around the world. He also leads dance and choreography workshops based on his own work and inspired by William Forsythe.

Photo : Brigel Gjoka ©Armand Habazaj