Femme Sauvage, Bénédicte Morel-Cathelin
Dancer, creative, Bénédicte Cathelin-Alcala has many strings to her bow…
Having settled in Marseille a few years ago, she surprised everyone with a wellness center, "Je suis io", like no other.
This cozy and relaxed living space brings together sports activities, some quite unique like cloud yoga and bungee jumping – an amazing form of elastic cord work – as well as art exhibitions and performances. A bold and sensitive melting pot that reflects the influences dear to Bénédicte.
Bénédicte, what does it mean to be a wild woman today?
To preserve its wild and profound nature.
Every woman carries within her a creative force. An animalistic quality. I'm thinking of an example inspired by Clarissa Pinkola Estés's book, "Women Who Run With the Wolves." To paraphrase her, every woman possesses a wolfish nature, which, fueled by the animal's vitality and generosity, proves to be a giver of life.
To be wild is to embrace a radical approach, but also a natural and healthy lifestyle. It's about protecting others like an animal in a pack, but also knowing how to protect oneself. It's about embracing one's personality, being comfortable in one's own skin without feeling out of sync with others.
How does this aspect manifest itself in you?
By reconnecting with my true nature. After studying classical dance, I moved towards jazz and contemporary dance, favoring that primal, animalistic side I mentioned earlier. I love the connection to the ground, which isn't present in classical, aerial dance. You take flight. This journey has led me to interact with the elements, in connection with Pina Bausch's work, in a telluric aspect that is precious to me.
Being wild also means giving your body freedom, in an inner movement, a vibration that obeys only itself. I feel this bubbling. You have to let it stir, come out, and express itself. Dancing is about finding your center, being true to yourself, neither above nor below yourself. You achieve aesthetics through balance and hard work. As a dancer, I'm also aware of what the stage entails, the differences with real life. It's always a context that requires not being obsessed with control. You have to deconstruct the myth of perfection. The body changes, my body changes—that's something to accept. Being wild is synonymous with being free. Freedom in everyday life, in your movements, in sexuality. Nothing is more erotic than letting go, breaking free from constraints. Even if it's not always easy to follow your impulses.
What is your relationship to fashion, clothing, and adornment? Does being wild imply a style off the beaten track?
We're inevitably influenced by trends. But my independent nature allows me to sense what suits me and what doesn't, to make choices. It all depends on the circumstances. One thing is certain: I love being feminine, but it's possible to be feminine in many ways, from jeans and a white shirt to a dress.
It's interesting to find what suits us without disguising ourselves. Monica Bellucci embraces this wild side beautifully, as does Emmanuelle Béart. Each in her own way!
MAEVY develops the concept of free movement. Is this an inspiration?
Feeling comfortable is a given. Movement always takes precedence. Which doesn't preclude feeling out of place.
Sometimes I'm surprised that nothing goes as planned. It's a feeling I don't dislike.
Interview by Fabienne Berthet.
