Mourad Merzouki brings hip-hop dance to the Olympic stage with 'Dance of the Games'

CRETEIL, France (AP) — In a sweltering enclosed stage, several dancers perform synchronized routines before scattering, as others practice twisting handstands and tumbles. Amid this, Mourad Merzouki directs them, ensuring their hip-hop moves are flawless.

It's the final day of rehearsals for the renowned French-Algerian choreographer and his energetic group of dancers who are preparing themselves for a huge Olympic Games festivity. Merzouki and his dance troupe will take center stage near the Eiffel Tower in Paris, showcasing the official dance of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games on Monday.

The four-day “Dance of the Games” marks a triumphant moment for Merzouki, 50, whose hip-hop style, once doubted 30 years ago, has now proven its lasting appeal.

“It's great to see that hip-hop dance will be one of the major events watched by the whole world,” said Merzouki shortly after rehearsals at a choreographic center in Créteil, a suburb of Paris. His showcase will be held at the Trocadéro Champions Park, a free access arena where his choreographed performance will feature 30 dancers and urban artists.

Merzouki's dance routine is one of three styles featured on the stage at Champions Park, where Olympic medalists arrive. His choreography blends the elements of martial arts, visual arts, circus, boxing and live arts, tailored to engage audiences of all ages and abilities.

Despite the weight of expectations, Merzouki remains confident in both himself and his dancers because of the positive message he's trying to convey.

“I have a lot of pressure, because I want everything to go right,” he said. “We want the message of generosity of this dance to raise awareness to as many people as possible. This moment should allow us all to connect.”

From humble beginnings to a global platform, Merzouki’s innovative style took some time to gain widespread appeal. He started his dance company in 1996, naming it after his inaugural piece, Käfig, which means “cage” in Arabic and German. Merzouki was told his dance style wouldn’t resonate or maintain the attention of large audiences in Europe.

However, he received a different response while dancing in the United States, in cities such as Miami, Los Angeles and New York, the birthplace of hip-hop. In America, Merzouki’s his unique style was widely embraced, and he could have thrived there. But he chose to return to France to challenge doubters and break down barriers.

Merzouki eventually succeeded in doing just that. His company has had more than 4,000 performances in France and more than 60 other countries in a three-decade span.

“I think that this recognition is due to these 30 years that we have all spent fighting, holding on, believing in our dreams,” he said. “It’s so that precisely this dance can have a place like any other dance in the choreographic landscape.”

Throughout the years, Merzouki has kept his routines fresh with an open mind while selecting dancers — even asking those interested to submit dance videos via YouTube. He’s worked with reliable dancers and inserted new ones too with backgrounds in hip-hop, contemporary, classical and circus.

“It's a a sign that this dance can be addressed to all audiences,” he continued. “With this competition, I think we can say that it's an honor and that it's encouraging for the future of this dance.”

French dancer Joël Luzolo called Merzouki an influential figure who brought his dance style from the streets to the theater. He said many dancers wouldn't have sustainable careers without Merzouki's impact.

“Back then, it was way hard than now,” said Luzolo, 30, who has danced for Merzouki for five years. “Every year, he tries to raise the level even higher to make people understand what hip-hop is and what it can be. He's been a really great influence. It can help dancers with having a career and life.”

Merzouki is grateful for the reemergence of the breakdancing culture, which is debuting as competitive event during the Paris Games — though some in Paris' local breaking scene were skeptical of the subculture being coopted by officials, commercialized and put through the rigid judging structure.

“Some were for it, some were against it. But I think it’s very good news that breaking was propelled to the forefront into such an important event,” he said. “The DNA of breaking and hip-hop dance is competition. It was battles. It’s a continuation of this great story of hip-hop. I hope the visibility will allow this dance to be better recognized and reach a larger, wider audience.”

After the Olympics showcase, Merzouki will focus on his new show called “Beauséjour” in Lyon, France. He has upcoming projects with different orchestras, collaborating with several artists and just creating as much as possible.

With grand plans up his sleeve, Merzouki is ready to present his artistic dance to the Olympic world.

“I hope that the public, who thinks hip-hop dance is not for them, can discover a new discipline they necessarily didn’t know,” he said. “This is a great moment of visibility. ... The symbolism is strong. It’s an artistic recognition. French youth from working class neighborhoods, dancing in the heart of Paris.”

AP Summer Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/2024-paris-olympic-games

French-Algerian choreographer Mourad Merzouki guides his dancers as they rehearse for "Dance of the Games" at the concert hall in Creteil, east of Paris, Wednesday July 31, 2024. Merzouki is bringing hip-hop dance to the Paris Olympics. The French-Algerian choreographer is the creator of the “Dance of the Games.” Merzouki's showcase at the Trocadéro Champions Park kicks off Monday Aug. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Dancers rehearse for "Dance of the Games" at the concert hall in Creteil, east of Paris, Wednesday July 31, 2024. Mourad Merzouki is bringing hip-hop dance to the Paris Olympics. The French-Algerian choreographer is the creator of the “Dance of the Games.” Merzouki's showcase at the Trocadéro Champions Park kicks off Monday Aug. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Dancers rehearse for "Dance of the Games" at the concert hall in Creteil, east of Paris, Wednesday July 31, 2024. Mourad Merzouki is bringing hip-hop dance to the Paris Olympics. The French-Algerian choreographer is the creator of the “Dance of the Games.” Merzouki's showcase at the Trocadéro Champions Park kicks off Monday Aug. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Dancers rehearse for "Dance of the Games" at the concert hall in Creteil, east of Paris, Wednesday July 31, 2024. Mourad Merzouki is bringing hip-hop dance to the Paris Olympics. The French-Algerian choreographer is the creator of the “Dance of the Games.” Merzouki's showcase at the Trocadéro Champions Park kicks off Monday Aug. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

French-Algerian choreographer Mourad Merzouki, right, guides his hip-hop dancers through a rehearsal for the "Dance of the Games", at the concert hall in Creteil, east of Paris, Wednesday July 31, 2024. Mourad Merzouki is bringing hip-hop dance to the Paris Olympics. The French-Algerian choreographer is the creator of the “Dance of the Games.” Merzouki's showcase at the Trocadéro Champions Park kicks off Monday Aug. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Dancers rehearse for "Dance of the Games" at the concert hall in Creteil, east of Paris, Wednesday July 31, 2024. Mourad Merzouki is bringing hip-hop dance to the Paris Olympics. The French-Algerian choreographer is the creator of the “Dance of the Games.” Merzouki's showcase at the Trocadéro Champions Park kicks off Monday Aug. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Dancers rehearse for "Dance of the Games" at the concert hall in Creteil, east of Paris, Wednesday July 31, 2024. Mourad Merzouki is bringing hip-hop dance to the Paris Olympics. The French-Algerian choreographer is the creator of the “Dance of the Games.” Merzouki's showcase at the Trocadéro Champions Park kicks off Monday Aug. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

French-Algerian choreographer Mourad Merzouki guides his dancers as they rehearse for "Dance of the Games" at the concert hall in Creteil, east of Paris, Wednesday July 31, 2024. Merzouki is bringing hip-hop dance to the Paris Olympics. The French-Algerian choreographer is the creator of the “Dance of the Games.” Merzouki's showcase at the Trocadéro Champions Park kicks off Monday Aug. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

French-Algerian choreographer Mourad Merzouki guides his dancers as they rehearse for "Dance of the Games" at the concert hall in Creteil, east of Paris, Wednesday July 31, 2024. Merzouki is bringing hip-hop dance to the Paris Olympics. The French-Algerian choreographer is the creator of the “Dance of the Games.” Merzouki's showcase at the Trocadéro Champions Park kicks off Monday Aug. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

Hezbollah pounded northern Israel with 140 rockets Friday, a day after the militant group’s leader vowed to retaliate against Israel for a mass bombing attack, the Israeli military and the militant group said.

Israel’s military said the rockets came in three waves Friday afternoon targeting sites along the ravaged border with Lebanon.

Israel's military said it carried out a “targeted strike” on Beirut on Friday afternoon. It offered no further immediate details, but explosions could be heard from the city’s southern suburbs.

In Gaza, Palestinian authorities said 15 people were killed overnight in multiple Israeli attacks.

An airstrike early Friday morning in Gaza City hit a family home, killing six people including an unknown number of children, Gaza’s Civil Defense said. Another person was killed in Gaza City when a strike hit a group of people on a street.

Israel maintains it only targets militants and accuses Hamas and other armed groups of endangering civilians by operating in residential areas. The military, which rarely comments on individual strikes, had no immediate comment.

Gaza’s Health Ministry says more than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in the territory since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack. The ministry does not differentiate between fighters and civilians in its count but says a little over half of those killed were women and children.

Israel says it has killed over 17,000 militants, without providing evidence.

Hezbollah began striking Israel almost immediately after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack that sparked the Israel-Hamas war. They have come close to a full-blown war on several occasions.

Here's the latest:

Israel carried out what its military called a “targeted strike” on Beirut on Friday afternoon.

It offered no further immediate details, but explosions could be heard from the city’s southern suburbs.

Beirut-based Al-Mayadeen TV reported that a drone fired several missiles on the heavily-populated area known as Dahiyeh.

Hezbollah told The Associated Press that an airstrike struck the area without giving further details.

The strike came after Hezbollah pounded Israel with 140 rockets earlier Friday and tensions threaten to spill into all-out war.

Palestinian authorities say 15 people were killed overnight in the Gaza Strip in multiple Israeli attacks.

An airstrike early Friday morning in Gaza City hit a family home, killing six people including an unknown number of children, Gaza’s Civil Defense said. Another person was killed in Gaza City when a strike hit a group of people on a street.

In Beit Hanoun, north of Gaza City, another person was killed and several others injured when a vehicle was hit by an Israeli strike, the Civil Defense said.

Late Thursday, six more people were killed in a strike that hit a home in the center of Gaza City, while another was killed in Beit Lahya, north of Gaza City.

Israel maintains it only targets militants and accuses Hamas and other armed groups of endangering civilians by operating in residential areas. The military, which rarely comments on individual strikes, had no immediate comment.

The war has caused vast destruction and displaced about 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million.

Israel's foreign ministry said Friday it submitted two legal briefs in response to the International Criminal Court prosecutor’s request for arrest warrants against the country's leaders.

The court’s prosecutor is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as top Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and other Hamas leaders. One of them was since assassinated in what was believed to be an Israeli strike.

The foreign ministry said it has submitted two legal briefs challenging the court’s jurisdiction to arrest Israeli leaders and claiming the court did not provide Israel the opportunity to investigate itself before requesting the warrants.

“No other democracy with an independent and respected legal system like that which exists in Israel has been treated in this prejudicial manner by the Prosecutor,” wrote Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein on the social media platform X. He said Israel remained “steadfast in its commitment to the rule of law and justice” and would continue to protect its citizens against militancy.

Israel is not a party to the court. Rights groups say the country has struggled to investigate itself in the past. Netanyahu has brushed off calls for a state investigation into the failings that led to the Oct. 7 attack.

BAGHDAD — A leader of an Iranian-backed Iraqi militia was killed Friday in a strike in Syria, a war monitor and a militia official said.

Iraq’s Kataeb Hezbollah group — which is different from the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah — said in a statement that Abu Haidar al-Khafaji was killed “while performing his duties as a security advisor in Damascus.”

The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights had earlier reported that a leader in Iraq’s Kataeb Hezbollah group was killed and another person injured in a drone strike on the car they were traveling in on the road to the Damascus airport.

An official with an Iraqi militia confirmed that a car carrying a group of militia members was struck in Damascus, killing one person and injuring three others. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

There was no comment from Israeli officials on the strike. Israel frequently strikes Iranian and Iran-linked groups in Syria but rarely acknowledges the strikes.

Tensions have heightened in the region following a wave of apparently remotely detonated explosions in Lebanon targeting pagers and walkie talkies belonging to the Lebanese Hezbollah. The attacks, widely blamed on Israel, which has not commented on them, killed at least 37 people - including two children - and wounded about 3,000.

— By Qassim Abdul-Zahra in Baghdad

BEIRUT — Israel’s military killed two Hezbollah members who were planting explosives along the border over the weekend, Israel’s military and an official with a Lebanese group said.

The official with a Lebanese group said the two members of the militant group were killed Sunday and their bodies were taken by Israeli troops because they were too close to the fence along the tense frontier. The official spoke Friday on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

On Thursday, Israel’s military released a video it said was taken by one of the fighters showing the militants coming under fire. The military said that the two fighters were killed by Israeli troops as they tried to plant an improvised explosive device near a military post.

In the days following the tense border interaction, thousands of devices exploded in different parts of Lebanon and Syria, killing 37 people and wounding around 3,000 others. The attack was blamed on Israel, and many of those killed or injured were members of Hezbollah.

Associated Press writer Bassem Mroue contributed to this report.

Hezbollah members carry the coffin of their comrade who was killed when a handheld device exploded, during a funeral procession in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Right-wing Israelis with relatives held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, and their supporters, rally against a hostage deal, in Jerusalem, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. The placard in Hebrew reads: " To bathe in his blood." (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

Houses are engulfed in fire as the Israeli army raided the northern West Bank town of Qabatiya on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

Palestinians duck for cover as the Israeli army raided the northern West Bank town of Qabatiya on Thursday, Sept.19, 2024. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

FILE - Hezbollah fighters carry one of the coffins of four fallen comrades who were killed Tuesday after their handheld pagers exploded, in the southern suburb of Beirut, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein, File)