Damien Droin, the visionary director and choreographer behind the acclaimed trampoline troupe Hors Surface, was officially recognized by the French state this week for his contributions to the performing arts. In a ceremony held Wednesday morning at the Théâtre Liberté in Toulon, Droin was awarded the médaille de chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, one of France’s most prestigious honors for artists who have significantly contributed to the enrichment of the nation’s cultural inheritance.
The distinction was presented by Charles Berling, the director of the Théâtre Liberté, alongside Josée Massi, the Mayor of Toulon. Surrounded by his parents, grandmother, and members of his company, the 38-year-old artist accepted the honor in an atmosphere described as deeply emotional, marking a full-circle moment for a man whose artistic journey began in the very region where he was honored.
For Droin, a man who has spent the majority of his professional life communicating through movement rather than words, the ceremony required a rare public address. Visibly moved, he acknowledged the weight of the moment and the importance of his roots. “I am very stressed, but it is an immense honor to receive this decoration here, in Toulon, where everything began for me,” Droin stated, emphasizing that the medal is less a destination than a reflection of the journey. “Before the medals, there is above all a path.”
A Foundation in Narrative and Movement
That “path” began in the Var department. Born in Hyères, Droin was immersed in the world of the circus from a young age in Cuers, guided by his father, who directed a local circus school. By the age of five, Droin had already developed a passion for the discipline, but his artistic identity was shaped by a dual influence. While his father provided the technical foundation of the circus, his mother, a storyteller, instilled in him a love for the imaginary and the power of narration.
This blend of physical rigor and storytelling eventually led Droin to Paris, where he refined his craft at the École nationale des arts du cirque (CNAC) in Rosny-sous-Bois. During his tenure in the capital, he expanded his repertoire beyond traditional circus arts, integrating elements of contemporary dance, theater, music, and performance art. This multidisciplinary approach became the cornerstone of his creative philosophy, allowing him to move beyond simple spectacle toward a more cerebral form of performance.
The Evolution of Hors Surface
After spending years performing and studying across the globe, Droin made a deliberate decision to return to his home region to establish his own venture. In 2011, he founded Hors Surface, a company specializing in trampoline acrobatics. While many artists seek the centralization of Paris or the anonymity of international hubs, Droin viewed Toulon as the only logical place for the company’s birth.
Under his leadership as artistic director and stage director, Hors Surface has evolved into more than a circus act; it is a laboratory for contemporary movement. The company rejects the traditional “big top” tropes in favor of a vision that blends acrobatic precision with visual theater, and dance. Droin describes his goal as creating a “metaphorical flight,” using the verticality of the trampoline to explore the human subconscious and the nature of dreams.
The company’s approach is defined by a rigorous intersection of sport and art. By utilizing the trampoline not just for height, but as a tool for expression, Hors Surface creates a poetic tension between gravity and weightlessness. This unique aesthetic has allowed the troupe to transition from local performances to a global stage, ensuring that the cultural output of Toulon reaches an international audience.
Global Reach and Local Impact
Today, Hors Surface has grown into a significant cultural entity, employing nearly 60 artists. The company’s footprint extends far beyond the borders of France, with a touring schedule that spans multiple continents. The troupe recently returned from a comprehensive tour of Australia, further cementing their reputation as leaders in the contemporary circus movement.
The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres recognizes those who have distinguished themselves by their creativity in the artistic or literary field. For Droin, this honor validates a career spent bridging the gap between the grit of athletic training and the delicacy of theatrical performance. By maintaining his headquarters in Toulon while touring globally, he has created a model of cultural decentralization, proving that world-class art can be cultivated and sustained outside of major metropolitan capitals.
| Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|
| Early Training | Circus school in Cuers under father’s direction |
| Professional Education | École nationale des arts du cirque (CNAC), Paris |
| Company Founding | Hors Surface established in 2011 in Toulon |
| Current Scale | Approximately 60 artists performing worldwide |
As Hors Surface continues to expand its international presence, the company is expected to develop new productions that further push the boundaries of the “metaphorical flight” concept. With the national recognition of the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, Droin enters a new phase of his career, balancing the administrative demands of a growing international company with the creative hunger of a performer who still views the stage as his primary language.
We invite readers to share their thoughts on the evolution of contemporary circus and the importance of regional artistic hubs in the comments below.
