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Hofes Shechter knighted at the Paris British Embassy i
Celebrating Artistic Excellence: Hofesh Shechter Honoured by the French Ministry of Culture
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05 February 2026
London / United Kingdom
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Hofesh Shechter Company
Hofesh Shechter Company - 4
Hofesh Shechter Company - 1
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Hofesh Shechter Company - 2
FEDORA proudly highlights a major milestone in contemporary dance, as Hofesh Shechter has been appointed Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture, one of France’s highest distinctions for artistic achievement.
The honour was bestowed by Her Excellency Hélène Tréheux-Duchêne, who praised Shechter as “one of the most outstanding and influential choreographers of his generation,” recognising a visionary career that has profoundly shaped the contemporary dance landscape.
Hofesh Shechter Company was awarded the prestigious FEDORA – VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Prize for Ballet 2020 for LIGHT: Bach dances, a major work that premiered at the Royal Danish Theatre from 30 April to 15 May 2021.
France has played a central role in Shechter’s artistic journey, from early institutional support to major collaborations such as the film En corps, and his recent co-directorship of Agora, Cité Internationale de la Danse in Montpellier.
This distinction celebrates his lasting contribution to the arts and his enduring impact on cultural life in France and internationally.
LIGHT: Bach dances
Bach’s cantatas, Hofesh Shechter’s profoundly affecting choreography and audio testimony of people facing death come together in a moving, thought-provoking and life-affirming dance, music and theatre piece. Only by dancing in the abyss can we celebrate the LIGHT.
