An open choreographic language, rooted in a commitment to people and places.

 

From his beginnings in breaking in 1997, Mohamed Rouabah has been a pioneer of hip-hop in Rhône-Alpes and an active figure in the dance scene of Saint-Étienne and the Loire. His artistic journey combines deep local roots with international encounters and collaborations.

 

His hip-hop foundations are enriched by extensive practice in martial arts and gymnastics, and sustained study of contemporary dance, jazz and theatre. He holds the French State Diploma in contemporary dance teaching and has passed the jazz Technical Aptitude Examination. He is completing his State Diploma in jazz. Theatre workshops at La Comédie de Saint-Étienne have also informed his approach to performance and stage presence.

 

This knowledge, developed through practice, training and teaching, shapes his choreographic vision. Attentive to the foundations of each discipline, he explores how different aesthetics meet and transform one another. His research centres on the texture of movement, presence and the distinctive identity of each performer.

 

Career and creations

 

Mohamed Rouabah performed for several years with Mourad Merzouki’s Compagnie Käfig, notably in Terrain vague, Récital and Diversion, as well as adaptations of the repertoire. He also collaborated with Compagnie Malka and Jérôme Savary, including on La Mascotte, and was a reserve artist for Cirque du Soleil.

 

Artistic director of Compagnie Métamorphoz since 2010, he develops work in which physical commitment meets sensitivity and theatrical expression. Productions including Ballet2Rue, Jazz and Feng Shui bring choreographic and musical cultures into dialogue. His career has taken him to the Croisements festival in China and the Karavel festival in the Lyon metropolitan area.

 

He champions ambitious work that can connect with audiences of different backgrounds. Encounters with spectators and opportunities to share artistic practice extend the work beyond the stage.

 

MZDS: creation and transmission

 

Since 2015, Mohamed Rouabah has directed the MZDS choreographic centre in Andrézieux-Bouthéon. With over 450 regular students and a technical and competition class working towards professional pathways, the centre supports new generations of dancers.

 

MZDS also hosts companies in residence and helps them develop their projects, combining artistic guidance, scenographic research and administrative support. Public presentations offer artists opportunities to share work with professional audiences, schools and community organisations.

 

A team and a shared artistic vision

 

Under Mohamed Rouabah’s artistic direction, the Métamorphoz team designs and delivers arts education projects with primary and secondary schools, higher education institutions and cultural organisations. Guided by a shared artistic vision, these projects combine practice, creation and encounters with artworks. The team’s complementary skills support programmes developed in dialogue with each partner, taking account of local contexts and participants.

 

Mohamed Rouabah also serves on juries for national and international competitions, continuing his commitment to supporting and recognising artistic development.

 

Through Compagnie Métamorphoz and MZDS, he leads a project bringing together creation, training and dissemination. The teams around him support artists, develop choreographic work and connect it with audiences.