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| École de danse contemporaine de Montréal | |
|---|---|
| Name | École de danse contemporaine de Montréal |
| Established | 1966 |
| Type | Private professional school |
| City | Montreal |
| Province | Quebec |
| Country | Canada |
École de danse contemporaine de Montréal is a professional training institution founded in 1966 in Montreal, Quebec, known for its influence on contemporary dance in Canada. The school has contributed to the careers of performers associated with companies and institutions such as Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Ballet BC, National Ballet of Canada, Compagnie Marie Chouinard, and Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch, while engaging with festivals like Festival international de jazz de Montréal and Monster Fringe.
The school was established during a period of cultural growth alongside institutions such as Jeune Chambre de Montréal, Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, and the expansion of venues like the Place des Arts. Early leadership included figures connected to Maurice Béjart, Alvin Ailey, and Rudolf Nureyev networks, fostering exchanges with companies like American Ballet Theatre and Royal Winnipeg Ballet. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s the school developed ties with organizations including Canada Council for the Arts, Collège de Maisonneuve, and international festivals such as Edinburgh Festival Fringe, promoting collaborations with choreographers from Merce Cunningham and Martha Graham traditions. In the 1990s and 2000s institutional partnerships expanded toward entities like Université du Québec à Montréal, Conseil des arts de Montréal, and touring presenters such as Les Incomplètes and Agora de la danse.
The curriculum integrates techniques and repertory drawn from lineages associated with Martha Graham, Merce Cunningham, Trisha Brown, William Forsythe, and Pina Bausch, alongside contemporary practices influenced by artists like Marie Chouinard, Crystal Pite, Shen Wei, Akram Khan, and Ohad Naharin. Programs include professional diploma tracks comparable to offerings at Juilliard School, The Juilliard School, and Codarts. Students undertake courses referencing pedagogy from Ballet Russes, Vaganova Academy, Cunningham Technique, and methods used by Alonzo King and Rudolf Laban-informed studies, with electives in composition inspired by Merce Cunningham Dance Company residencies and improvisation shaped by Simone Forti and Yvonne Rainer. Cross-disciplinary modules coordinate with institutions like Concordia University, McGill University, and the National Theatre School of Canada for collaborative projects.
The campus occupies rehearsal and performance spaces similar in function to those at Place des Arts, Usine C, and Tangente. Facilities include sprung floors, studios named in the spirit of venues such as Maison symphonique de Montréal, and technical support comparable to resources at Centaur Theatre and Théâtre du Nouveau Monde. The school has hosted residencies linked to Circuit-Est, Support Local Dance, and international partners such as Hofesh Shechter Company and Sadler's Wells Theatre, enabling exchanges with touring companies like Royal Opera House and presenters like Montreal Fringe Festival.
Instructors and artistic staff have included alumni and guest teachers who worked with choreographers and companies such as Paul Taylor, José Limón, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal, and independent makers like Emily Molnar and David Earle. Visiting faculty have been drawn from schools and collectives including Limon Institute, Ballet BC, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance, and contemporary collectives connected to SIDANCE and P09. Administrative leadership has liaised with funding agencies such as Canada Council for the Arts and cultural ministries like Ministère de la Culture et des Communications (Québec).
Graduates have joined companies and projects with affiliations to Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Compagnie Marie Chouinard, Crunchy Frog, Batsheva Dance Company, Kidd Pivot, Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet, and independent choreographers such as Elektra Madrona and Michaela Mason. Institutional partnerships extend to Agora de la danse, Circuit-Est, Festivals Montréal, Dance Umbrella, European Dancehouse Network, and academic partners including Université de Montréal and Concordia University. Alumni have received awards from bodies like Governor General's Performing Arts Awards, Prix de la danse de Montréal, and Simons Foundation-supported initiatives.
The school presents public showcases and season programs aligned with presenters such as Place des Arts, La Chapelle Scènes Contemporaines, and Théâtre Maisonneuve, and participates in festivals like Festival TransAmériques, Festival international de jazz de Montréal, and Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Community engagement includes outreach modeled after programs by Dance for PD, Dancing Classrooms, and collaborations with cultural institutions such as Musée des beaux-arts de Montréal and broadcasters like Radio-Canada.
Admissions follow audition protocols comparable to conservatories like The Juilliard School and Paris Conservatoire, with selection committees referencing standards used by Canada Dance Festival and accreditation dialogues with provincial bodies such as Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur (Québec) and quality assurances akin to those at Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario. Financial support and scholarships come via organizations like Canada Council for the Arts, Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, and private foundations including Graham Foundation and local philanthropies.
Category:Dance schools in CanadaCategory:Performing arts in Montreal