{"id":1536,"date":"2024-07-12T06:03:09","date_gmt":"2024-07-12T06:03:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/projects.ieimedia.com\/2024arles\/?p=1536"},"modified":"2024-07-18T10:42:11","modified_gmt":"2024-07-18T10:42:11","slug":"a-dangerous-dance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/projects.ieimedia.com\/2024arles\/a-dangerous-dance\/","title":{"rendered":"A dangerous dance"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Text and photos by Surya Vaidy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If there\u2019s one thing I can say about bullfighting, it\u2019s this: it is as beautiful as it is harrowing. It\u2019s a pas-de-deux between two individuals. One is dressed in an intricate uniform with a red muleta <\/em>(the large red flag carried by bullfighters) and sword; the other is hundreds of pounds of muscle and frustration crowned with wickedly sharp horns. Grim and brutal, but so elegant and vivacious at the same time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I did not expect to be granted a pass to the floor of the ancient Roman amphitheatre in Arles \u2014 a genuine stroke of luck that was a mixture of our guide, Marie-Anne Devaux, expertly convincing the officials and a heavy amount of begging on my part. I was standing with coaches, older bullfighters and the young novilleros<\/em> (bullfighters who have not yet earned official ranks). The young fighters were the stars of the show that night. <\/p>\n\n\n\n