Photographs by Anton Gottlob
Styling Ola Ebiti
Celebrating the new Valentino Garavani Rockstud Ballerina shoe and the movement it inspires, dance legend and fashion’s go-to movement director Les Child puts a troupe of London creatives through their paces.
Studying under influential British mime and dance teacher Lindsay Kemp – as had David Bowie and Kate Bush before him, Child was then snapped up by Michael Clark as principal dancer for his company throughout the 1980s, at the same, bringing ballroom to Britain by founding the country’s first voguing group, House of Child.
During his decade-spanning career, he has established himself as one of fashion’s pioneering and most in-demand movement artists for both runway and editorial, he’s collaborated with everyone from fashion industry juggernauts to music legends.
In this film by System and Anton Gottlob, we visit Les Child on set, where he tells us about his early career inspirations and how he infuses his work with his signature effortless gestures.
What was your first encounter with dance?
Les Child: I remember as a child, a very young child, I was awestruck by this image I saw on my parent’s black and white television. I saw this fluttering image of what I thought were butterflies. But they were ballerinas! And I just thought, that’s what I want to do. I want to be a fairy!
‘I saw this fluttering image of what I thought were butterflies. But they were ballerinas! And I just thought, that’s what I want to do. I want to be a fairy!’
What was it that excited you about dance when you first started?
It was freedom. It really is a hard thing to put into words. When I dance…I was just elevated to another consciousness. It sounds full of shit, but it’s the God’s honest truth. I lived for classes. I just love it. I loved it.
When it comes to choreographing, how would you describe your creative approach?
I do everything by instinct. I’m not saying it’s the best way, but it’s never caused me any problems. I’m more confident now. I’m at a point in my life now where I’m more confident in my approach and my outlook. I’ve been doing it for so long now.
How did you get involved in fashion?
Fashion’s always been there. But back then, people like movement directors or choreographers didn’t really exist.
What is it about dance that still excites you?
Of course, you become more seasoned as you get a bit older. More hypercritical. Because you probably have this sense of ‘oh I’ve seen this before’. When you see an incredible dancer, you’re just like ‘Oh my God, is that possible?’ You never stop being amazed by what the human body can do. It’s quite extraordinary.
Team credits:
Hair by Claire Grech
Make up Lauren Reynolds
Hand care by Emily Rose Lansley at The Wall Group using Byredo
DOP Alex Reid
Production 360PM
Executive Producer Azra Moraca
Senior Producer Chris Cowan
1st Ac / Focus Puller Tim Allen
2nd Ac / Dit Andrew Trewartha
Gaffer Kevin Mcmorrow
Spark Jack Knott
Created with Valentino