I have enjoyed following NYC-based dance artist Manon Bal’s journey, as she continues to contribute to the NYC dance scene with care, fortitude, and passion. Manon, originally from Marseille, France, studied at the IFPRO in Paris and at The Ailey School in New York. She has danced with Ephrat Asherie Dance for a decade, in addition to working with a wide array of esteemed choreographers throughout her career including Ronald K Brown, Tweet Boogie, Jon Rua, Rick Odums and Miki Tuesday.
I had the honor to chat about Manon’s celebratory year, as well as what is coming up next for her. Manon is currently touring Ephrat Asherie’s “Shadow Cities” (2025) with Ephrat Asherie Dance, a work created in collaboration with Grammy Award-winning pianist and composer Arturo O’Farrill. The “Shadow Cities’” tour will occur throughout the US, including at the prestigious Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival from August 5 th-9 th, 2026. In addition to touring “Shadow Cities,” Manon is touring in “The Center Will Not Hold,” a Dorrance Dance Production, choreographed by Ephrat Asherie and Michelle Dorrance, where Manon has had the honor of being Dance Captain. This tour began in Princeton,NJ, and will continue to Cologne, De; London, UK; and Fairfax, VA. Manon reflects on her career highlights: “Touring internationally with Ephrat Asherie Dance to Mexico, Korea, and Spain [was incredible.]
I also appreciated being part of the development of “The Center Will Not Hold,” from Fall for Dance at New York City Center to performances across the US, including Jacob’s Pillow and Vail Dance Festival, and internationally with Stuttgart, Germany. Serving as Dance Captain has been so special.” In tandem with performing, Manon also creates her own work, as she is the co-founder of Maley Company with Dhele Agbetou. “Recently, we created a piece titled ‘Paying Tribute to Jazz’ in memory of our dear mentor, Rick Odums,” Manon explains. “It is a work that celebrates jazz, our school, our mentors, and the lasting impact of their guidance. Moving forward, our goal is to continue developing the piece and expanding it into a full evening-length production.”
Manon also works as a Teaching Artist with New York City Center, where she leads school residencies and creates original dance pieces for the students. Looking ahead, Manon shares her aspirations for the future: “I want to keep building, performing and touring, continuously creating, choreographing, and pushing myself.”
By Kristen Hedberg
