Mikael Fau explains the cancellation of the 2016 Summer Dance Festival

Why won't the Estivales take place this summer?

It was a difficult decision that I've been thinking about since last November. There's a lot to do, from grant applications to festival logistics, and the final assessments once it's over. I'd already made progress on the opening and closing shows, and on the workshop speakers. The festival requires a year-long investment! But with Tutu in particular, I have a very full schedule; I wouldn't be able to manage it or be present as I should. And I can't offload it onto Benjamin Dur and Mélissa Marie, who aren't paid for it. They also have their own projects and careers. Especially since the Arts65 association is also involved in other events, such as the wedding fair or an upcoming event for Guerlain.

Won't this be a smaller edition of the festival, but a complete postponement?

I also thought about holding a more modest festival this year, but that doesn't fit with what I want to do with the Estivales. I preferred to take a break this summer, to give myself time to put together the organization that will allow the festival to return in the summer of 2017. I met with the Mayor, Michel Garnier, and Stéphane Rigot, who completely understood the situation.

How will the 2017 festival be organized?

We need to restructure the organization of the Arts65 association. So far, we've been managing with a lot of volunteer work and a lot of small savings. We need to find the resources and people to take full charge of preparing the festival. This year-long break will allow me to move forward on this path.