The Prix de la danse de Montréal has the honour of awarding the Prix de la contribution exceptionnelle to Anik Bissonnette in recognition of her exemplary career, both as a dancer and as a manager at the École supérieure de danse du Québec, as well as in appreciation for her role as part of the first board of directors of Les Prix de la danse and as president of the Regroupement québécois de la danse (RQD), among other realizations.
An icon of dance in Quebec and internationally, Anik led a brilliant career as principal dancer with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. Her influence is immense thanks to her unflagging commitment and outstanding achievements.
The numerous awards and distinctions that she continues to receive show the lasting impact Anik has had on the artistic community. It is now the turn of the Prix de la danse de Montréal to celebrate her!
Ballerina Emeritus and Artistic Director, École supérieure de ballet du Québec
Artistic director of l’École supérieure de ballet du Québec, Anik Bissonnette is among the most accomplished ballerinas in Quebec. Her performances were acclaimed throughout the world for more than 30 years. At the end of this brilliant career as a dancer, she became involved behind the scenes, promoting her discipline and sharing her passion for dance with the next generation of performers.
Anik Bissonnette made her professional debut at the age of 17. Her precise technique and grace soon led to resounding success in Quebec and overseas.
In 1989, she joined the Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal, becoming the principal dancer the following year. Until her retirement from the stage in 2009, this exceptional artist performed lead roles in the most famous ballets, including Swan Lake, Giselle and The Nutcracker, working with numerous local and international contemporary choreographers. For 10 years, from 2004 to 2014, she served as artistic director of the Festival des Arts de Saint-Sauveur, raising its profile to one of the top-rated dance and music festivals in the country. She was also director of the celebrated dance company La La La Human Steps from 2008 to 2010.
Over the years, Anik Bissonnette has involved herself tirelessly in her field. In 1997, she contributed to the creation of the Nutcracker Fund for Children to help underprivileged youth discover the magic of dance. From 2004 to 2010, she chaired the Regroupement québécois de la danse. She sat on the boards of directors of numerous organizations, including Les Prix de la danse de Montréal, Van Grimde Corps Secrets, Skeels Danse Montréal, Danse Danse and the Governor General’s Performance Arts Awards Foundation, which she co-chairs.
Anik Bissonnette has garnered numerous honours. Winner of the Prix Denise-Pelletier from the Quebec Government (2008) and the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award (2014), she has also received the following honours: the Order of Canada (1995), the Ordre national du Québec (1996), the Ordre de Montréal (2018) and the Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec (2021).