DIAVOLO: Architecture in Motion returns to The Soraya for its fifth engagement, this time with ESCAPE, a visceral and heart-pounding live show following a group of humans as they struggle to break free from the chaos around them, ultimately escaping into a surreal landscape of infinite possibilities. ESCAPE features a collection of the company’s most famous architectural structures, some of which Soraya audiences may recognize from the 2024 Soraya-commissioned Existencia, and gravity-defying moves by the company’s dynamic performers.
This program is made possible through the generous support of Christopher Sales.
“To say that the show was engaging, or spectacular is an understatement in that the simple title of the show belies the subtle complexities of its application to humanity’s predicament at the present time.”
– LA Dance Chronicle
Media
ESCAPE follows a group of humans as they struggle to break free from the chaotic world they live in. With resiliency and collaboration, they escape from their ordinary lives into a surreal landscape of infinite possibilities. Along with DIAVOLO’s signature movement aesthetic, ESCAPE features a collection of the company’s most famous architectural structures; each evoking a story unique to its design.
About the Artist
Jacques Heim, Founder and Creative Director
Jacques Heim founded DIAVOLO | Architecture in Motion® in 1992 and has choreographed and directed the company’s work ever since. His work has been featured on international stages, major broadcast platforms, and large-scale public events. He has developed a globally recognized aesthetic distinct in its fusion of architecture, acrobatics, dance, and everyday movement. Heim’s career includes landmark projects with Cirque du Soleil, global television productions, and award-winning community-based initiatives.
He was named after his grandfather, the late and revolutionary fashion designer, Jacques Heim, who in 1946, launched the first ever two-piece bathing suit called Atome (later renamed The Bikini), and invented le prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear).
Just as his grandfather broke ground into the fashion industry, Jacques tries to continuously challenge the conventional wisdom surrounding dance by pursuing new, innovative ways of storytelling and developing my unique, multi-genre movement language. This is the basis for DIAVOLO’s incomparable aesthetic.
Most recently, you may have seen his work with DIAVOLO opening the 2024 GRAMMYs with Dua Lipa. Other recent projects include EXISTENCIA (2024), a special commemoration of the Northridge earthquake in collaboration with The Soraya, Antonio Sánchez (4-time GRAMMY winner), and Thana Alexa (GRAMMY nominee). DIAVOLO is often recognized for our appearance on America’s Got Talent which aired on NBC in 2017. DIAVOLO advanced to AGT’s finale, which was performed at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood. That same year, he directed DIAVOLO for a special appearance on Le Plus Grand Cabaret du Monde’s New Year’s Eve (2017), one of the most watched TV shows in France and Francophone countries. Similarly, DIAVOLO appeared on Helene Fischer’s Christmas Spectacular (2017).
Independently, Jacques also choreographed KÀ (2004) for Cirque du Soleil at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas. This destination show is still a staple on the strip, featuring apparatuses inspired by DIAVOLO structures and architecture. In 2005, he was the Artistic Director for the Taurus Stunt Awards and returned in 2007 to stage a movement/stunt piece, “The Car”. With Center Theater Group, Jacques created choreography for the stage play, The Stones (2006). On television, his work has appeared on BBC America’s Dancing with the Stars and Bravo’s Step Up and Dance. In 2010, he was invited to be a Creative Director for the Opening Ceremony of The 16th Asian Games, in Guangzhou, China. Jacques also worked with Guy Caron and Michael Curry as consulting choreographer on Ice Age Live!, a “mammoth” arena show which had its world premiere at London’s Wembley Stadium in November 2012, before touring all over Europe.
In 2016, Jacques started working with the Military Veteran community. He created movement workshops under a new branch of DIAVOLO, called The Diavolo Veterans Project, which remains a core of our programming to this day. His mission is Restoration. His work is to restore the Veterans’ emotional, mental and physical strength. Their workshops culminate in a live show featuring Veterans and Civilians (i.e. dancers) moving together. This series of shows, “S.O.S. Signs of Strength,” has performed all over the country, including the historic Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. In October 2022, Jacques was awarded the U.S. Army’s Meritorious Civilian Service for his work in the Veteran community.
In addition to three USA Fellowship nominations and four Alpert Award nominations, he has received the Martha Hill Choreography Award of the American Dance Festival, the Special Prize of the Jury at the 6th Saitama International Dance Festival, a Brody Arts Fund fellowship, and a James Irvine Foundation Fellowship.
