Ihsan Rustem

A British–Swiss choreographer born in London, Ihsan Rustem trained at the Rambert School of Ballet and Contemporary Dance before embarking on an international performing career. He danced with companies such as the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève, Ballett am Rhein in Düsseldorf, and Bern Ballett, developing a solid grounding in contemporary and neoclassical repertoire. These years as a performer deeply shaped his understanding of the body, musicality, and the stage—elements that have become central to his choreographic work.

Artistic Director of the Swiss dance company Cie. La Ronde until 2025, which he co-founded in 2020 with choreographer Cathy Marston. From 2015 to 2025, he also served as choreographer-in-residence at NW Dance Project in Portland, Oregon (USA), where he has created 14 works since 2010. His work has received numerous international accolades, including the Sadler’s Wells Global Dance Contest and the Audience Award at the Hanover International Choreography Competition for State of Matter, as well as the Dance Magazine Readers’ Choice Award for Carmen.

From 2016 to 2023, he served as Artistic Director of Bern Ballett, where he developed an ambitious repertoire and contributed to the company’s growing visibility on the European stage. During this period, he created several landmark works and initiated numerous artistic collaborations, asserting an open and contemporary vision of ballet. His work is regularly presented in international theatres and festivals, where it is praised for its stage intensity and its ability to resonate with wide audiences.

Beyond the stage, Ihsan Rustem is deeply committed to transmission, teaching and mentoring emerging dancers and choreographers. He now continues an independent creative practice, developing projects for various companies while further refining a strong and distinctive choreographic voice.