Dancers Helena Olmedo and Robinson Cassarino in Madame Figaro by Thiemo Sander
/The March 2026 issue of Madame Figaro France profiles contemporary dancers Helena Olmedo and Robinson Cassarino, lensed by Thiemo Sander [IG]. The real life romantic couple is styled by Julie Gillet in complimentary luxury fashion from Acne Studios, Alexander McQueen, AMI Paris, Balmain, Comme des Garcons, Dior, Dries Van Noten, Eres, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Ralph Lauren and Victoria Beckham. / Hair by Sebastien Le Corroller; makeup by Maria Olsson
Parisian dancer from the hip-hop world Robinson Cassarino the fist time he saw Helena Olmedo in a London dance studio. The two contemporary dancers were part of 60 contemporary dancers preparing to audition for Israeli choreographer Hofesh Schechter.
This light-filled August morning was no ZOOM encounter. Rather it was real life with all bodies present, including Shecter’s.
Cassarino describes the moment Olmedo entered his eyes: Madame Figaro writer Paola Genone summarizes the encounter:
. . . Robinson Cassarino, a wonderful tattooed Parisian dancer from hip-hop , spots a curvy and slender candidate like a vine stretching at the other end of the room: "It was like a freeze frame, he remembers. I saw huge green eyes, a carnal mouth, an incredible presence with an underground kawaii look. Helena Olmedo Duynslaeger, Spanish contemporary dancer, has an androgynous physique and a face studded with piercings. Like Robinson, she wears a half hawk haircut, shaved on the side, and baggy joggers. Between the two, it's love at first sight. “It was an immediate eye contact … una mirada , a powerful gaze,” Helena says, alternating English, Spanish and French expressions.
The couple is now four years old, an anniversary far more important then their mutual life ages of 25.
Robinson joined the company of Hofesh Shechter — the godfather of the romance, if you will — and Helana joined the company of choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, of Flemish and Moroccan origin.
Shechter speaks of Robinson: “What captivates me about Robinson is his charisma, mixed with his ability to sculpt energy and bring it to life. He is a fascinating dancer, with immense growth potential!”
Cherkaoui shares his infatuation with Helena: ““Helena never goes for easy beauty, he confides. She has a precision of gesture and intuition. When she dances, her body bends like origami.’
Google Translator does an amazingly good job with the interview translation and abundant series of dance images. Read on at Madame Figaro France.