Dance

Since dance takes so many forms, it plays a key role in showcasing cultures from all over the world. From the finesse of classical ballet to the exuberant energy of Hip-Hop, dance conveys a diverse range of emotions to a broad spectrum of audiences. By hosting troupes from every continent, we not only promote the reach and influence of different dance genres, but their cross-pollination as well. Events like Danse Danse, TEMPÉO, Dance and Music Festival and Festival Quartiers Danses provide outstanding exposure for styles ranging from the classic to the totally new, and get even the uninitiated up on their feet. Dance is for all tastes and ages—even kids, thanks among others to the Jeunesse and PDA Junior series, specially designed to introduce younger audiences to this and many other art forms.

Les Grands Ballets Canadiens was founded in Montréal in 1957 by Ludmilla Chiriaeff. As the first professional corps de ballet in Québec, it paved the way for countless artists in the discipline, both dancers and choreographers. The immeasurable contributions of Ms. Chiriaeff and of Fernand Nault, early in the Grands Ballets’ history, brought the company international success through original creations like the iconic Nutcracker, the annual destination for many a young dancer and their family members. These pioneers’ dream and vision gave birth to a troupe that is now home to 50 Canadian and international dancers, but above all an organization with a sterling global reputation in the world of dance.

Dance at Place des Arts goes back to the 1960s. From the earliest years, prestigious visiting companies have showcased their creations on our stages—for example in 1966, when Carmina Burana was one of the first works by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens performed here. Later, the 1980s ushered in a new age of eclecticism and styles from every genre, with Tango Argentino making its way to Montréal after dazzling audiences in Paris and New York City. That plurality of styles inspired the first edition of the Festival International de Nouvelle Danse in 1985, enabling emerging artists to stage innovative original creations. Pieces like the now-classic Joe, choreographed by Jean-Pierre Perreault, and Jardi Tancat, by Nacho Duato, gradually opened the way to new forms, culminating with bODY_rEMIX/gOLDBERG_vARIATIONS in 2006, by the Compagnie Marie Chouinard. This groundbreaking experimental work marked a key step in the liberalization of the discipline, which has grown steadily in popularity ever since.