As per Moulinrouge.fr, the French Cancan, the famous 19th century dance symbolising women’s liberty and emancipation, earned its fame within the walls of the Moulin Rouge. It turned this high-energy, high-kicking dance into a global sensation.

This brings us to another global event that has become an annual pilgrimage for all creative souls—the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, held in Cannes, France, every year.

At first glance, the Cancan and Cannes might seem worlds apart. But both share a flair for the dramatic, a love for the creative, and a knack for leaving spectators spellbound.

The Cannes Lions Festival, with its focus on creative excellence and forward-thinking, parallels the bold and boundary-pushing nature of the Cancan.

Both celebrate the power of visual and performing arts to evoke emotions, provoke thought, and inspire change. They attract a global audience, bringing together diverse talents and fostering a sense of community and shared passion for the arts.

The creative parallels don’t end here.

In 1889, the linen maids of Montmartre Hill took the stage to the astonished gaze of the audience. For them, the Cancan was a way of challenging the established order. Some of them became iconic figures.

In 1984, the Apple Macintosh Super Bowl ad played to a captive television audience, challenging the status quo. It made Apple an iconic brand. It made the team behind it famous. And, won a Grand Prix at Cannes.

Whether through the brand lens of compelling narratives or the twirl of a dancer’s skirt, both tell compelling stories that resonate across generations and borders, affirming the timeless appeal of creativity and performance.

At one point, the Cancan was banned for being too daring. And isn’t that the disruption we seek to create talkability and virality in brand campaigns? The Cancan dancers weren’t just entertainers; they were rebels in petticoats, shaking up social norms and having a blast doing it - the perfect criteria we seek in advertising folks!

Both are vibrant showcases of creativity and cultural flair. Cannes Lions celebrates the art of storytelling through ads and media, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the digital and AI age. With its infectious energy and daring moves, the Cancan is all about celebrating life and defying conventions.

Both events draw crowds worldwide, turning their respective stages into global platforms for artistic expression. They bring people together, sparking inspiration and fostering a sense of community among creatives, whether celebrating the genius of human minds or kicking up their heels.

And let’s not forget the Wow factor. Cannes Lions impresses with its innovative campaigns and larger-than-life personalities, while the Cancan dazzles with its theatrical flair and vibrant performances. They are about making a statement, capturing attention, and leaving a lasting impression.

But most importantly, especially now, when many discuss the power of Artificial Intelligence and the future of the Human race, Cannes and Cancan soak in the celebration of timeless human expressions, reminding us of the power of creativity to captivate, inspire, and bring joy into our lives, making us feel alive with a joie de vivre.

Ve la créativité!

Ruchi Sharma, founder and CCO, HumanSense, won the first Cannes finalist for Sri Lanka. This article first appeared in the June print issue of Manifest. Subscribe to Manifest here.