The Art du déplacement
Art du déplacement (ADD) is an athletic and artistic discipline closely related to parkour. It’s the art of moving and evolving in one’s immediate environment using three fundamental motor skills—running, jumping and climbing—in all their variants.
Contrary to what some media portray, it’s not an extreme sport: anyone who wants to learn to move differently and better appreciate their environment can learn. A complete training method that combines strength, endurance, coordination, agility, sense of balance and creativity, art du déplacement is also about values that are relevant in today’s world: perseverance, mindfulness in motion, self-knowledge, respect for others, a sense of cooperation and sharing, and reconciling courage and humility.
Vincent Thibault is the author of two books on the philosophy of this atypical and rich discipline. Co-founder of the Académie québécoise d’art du déplacement, he was one of the first Quebecers to be recognized as an instructor in this discipline, in which he trained in France and the United States. For years, often accompanied by his loyal colleagues from the Académie, he regularly led courses, training sessions and workshops in Quebec City and elsewhere (Boston, St-Pierre-et-Miquelon, Bali…). He has acted as a consultant for artistic projects (contemporary dance choreography, stage work, filming). His approach is unique, combining a deep-rooted spirituality, an embodied practice of mindfulness, and exercises for muscle strengthening, power, mobility, creativity and relaxation.
Vincent also produced and directed an independent documentary on this amazing discipline. This short film is available free of charge on the website of Éditions Carrefours azur (English subtitles are available). Its release coincides with the publication of the book L’Art du déplacement : Quatre-vingt-dix propositions philosophiques sur le franchissement d’obstacles, a completely revised and improved edition of a reference acclaimed by beginners and seasoned practitioners alike.