[New partner] The BNP Paribas Foundation supports the MazelFreten dance company: a fresh approach to dance that fuses excellence, inclusion and urban action
This Friday, May 17th2025, MazelFreten will be opening the 4th edition of ‘1 KM de la Danse’, a participatory initiative across France to make dance accessible to all. In keeping with the Foundation’s mission to support artistic creation, the BNP Paribas Foundation is proud to support the dance company MazelFreten, founded by Brandon Masele and Laura Defretin, major figures in urban dance in France and internationally.
Thrilling young people with the rhythm of hip-hop
He’s a world vice-champion electro dancer; she’s a hip-hop dancer.
Brandon Masele and Laura Defretin, the dancers behind MazelFreten, offer a hybrid choreographic style rooted in urban culture but open to all influences. Their creations reflect a quest for dance that is powerful, accessible and deeply connected to its time.
From stages to the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, the duo is bringing their art to viewers in France and abroad and gaining recognition as they increase their reach.
MazelFreten also bridges the boundaries between stage and street, between genres and generations. The company strives to pass on hip-hop culture in all its forms, through shows, battles and workshops for young people. Its artistic approach has a strong social objective, driven by a commitment to inclusion, representation and the emancipation of talent.
Being part of this big family [of inspiring artists supported by the BNP Paribas Foundation] is very powerful and will allow us to inspire other young choreographers in turn.
Committed for inclusion and transmission
The support for this dance company is also an inter-foundations initiative.
In January 2025, the BNP Paribas Foundation joined forces with the EDF Foundation as part of its ‘Dans(e) la Lumière’ season. Co-organised with the French University Sports Federation and David Bérillon (who created the only secondary school course in France that includes a specialisation in hip-hop dance at Lycée Turgot in Paris), the evening ‘Battle Connexion: Scolaires vs Universitaires’ saw secondary and university students face off in a dance battle: the most emblematic and creative form of competition in the world of hip-hop.
In line with our shared commitment to promoting access to culture for all, inclusion, equal opportunity and urban culture, the BNP Paribas Foundation offered the winners a one-of-a-kind opportunity: an exclusive workshop with the MazelFreten company.
This unique occasion enabled these talented students to benefit from the expertise of respected professionals, reinforcing our commitment to support the transmission of knowledge and empowerment through culture.
You have to believe in your dreams and work to make them come true. Don’t be afraid to try new or different things. There’s a place for everyone – you just have to grab it.
A video message from MazelFreten during their masterclass with the winners of ‘Battle
Connexion’.
‘1 KM de la Danse’ now in 10 cities and rural areas across France
This year is the 4th edition of ‘1 KM de la Danse’ and will be held in 10 cities and rural areas throughout France.
In 2024, Pantin in greater Paris, Sète, Château-Thierry and La Rochelle joined the movement. In 2025, Falaise, Belfort, Saint-Pierre de La Réunion, Orléans, Clermont-Ferrand and Uzès are stepping up: each of these cities will participate in the nationwide festive, participatory event that puts dance at the heart of the city.
Dance is the second most popular amateur sport in France, but a major dance festival on a national scale was lacking in the cultural landscape. Today we have ‘1 KM de la Danse’, where professionals and amateurs alike come together to celebrate all forms of dance across the country. – Rachida Dati, French Minister of Culture
Step up to dance from 17 May to 8 June in these 10 cities:
- Saturday, 17 May
- in Pantin with the Centre National de la Danse ; direction: Catherine Tsekenis
- in Falaise with CDCN Chorège ; direction: Vincent Jean
- in Belfort with CCN Viadanse ; co-direction: Héla Fattoumi and Éric Lamoureux
- Saturday, 24 May, in Sète with the Scène Nationale Archipel de Thau-Théâtre Molière ; direction: Sandrine Mini
- Sunday, 25 May, in Saint-Pierre de La Réunion with CDCN Lalanbik ; direction: Valérie Lafont
- Sunday, 1 June, in Orléans with CCN d’Orléans ; direction: Collectif ÈS
- Saturday, 7 June
- in Château-Thierry with CDCN L’Echangeur ; direction: Christophe Marquis
- in Clermont-Ferrand with CDCN Boom structur’ ; co-direction: Sylvia Courty and Cyril Crépet
- in Uzès with CDCN La Maison Danse ; direction: Emilie Peluchon
- Sunday, 8 June, in La Rochelle with CCN Mille Plateaux ; direction: Olivia Grandville
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