La Halles aux cuirs

Hidden within the vibrant landscape of Parc de la Villette lies La Halles aux cuirs. It’s a place with a fascinating past. La Halles aux cuirs began its life in the early 1960s. It served a vital purpose for the nearby slaughterhouses of La Villette. The Halle processed and stored the animal hides. This industrial activity shaped the character of the surrounding area. The construction of the Parisian ring road in 1966 dramatically altered La Halles aux cuirs’ connection to the slaughterhouses. It became isolated. The slaughterhouses themselves closed in 1974. This marked a turning point for La Halles aux cuirs. In 1977, the renowned circus artist Annie Fratellini established a circus school near the Halle. This injected new life into the area. The school thrived until 2002. Then it relocated to Saint-Denis. The space transitioned once again. It became a hub for contemporary artistic creation. This included circus arts, puppetry, and street performance. La Halles aux cuirs found yet another purpose when Parc de la Villette opened in 1987. It became part of the park’s infrastructure. It served as a storage space for equipment used in cultural activities at the Grande Halle de la Villette and the Cité de la Musique. Despite its utilitarian role, it housed artists in residence and provided office spaces. La Halles aux cuirs continues to evolve. Today, it is a vibrant center for dance. It houses the IADU program (Initiatives d’Artistes en Danses Urbaines). This program, established in 1998, supports the creation of hip-hop dance. About twenty dance companies use the Halle each year. They rehearse and refine their choreographies, preparing for public performances. La Halles aux cuirs comprises two halls. A small and a large one, equipped with dance floors, seating, and other amenities. It provides a space for young artists to professionalize their craft. They receive artistic, technical, and administrative support. La Villette’s vision for La Halles aux cuirs extends beyond its artistic function. It aims to make it a vital part of the Grand Paris community. Located on the border of Pantin and Paris, close to the Canal de l’Ourcq, and accessible by tram, La Halles aux cuirs remains a dynamic space. It reflects the changing needs of the city and its artistic community.