Laureate 2020

Work presented in Montreal in 2019-2020: Anima/Darkroom, 7Starr and Lucy M. May, La Chapelle Scènes Contemporaines, September 2019.

Vladimir « 7Starr » Laurore has proved to be an extraordinary performer who gained a lot of public attention this year. He was also rediscovered by those who already knew him. On stage, he carries all his experiences and sensitivity. Transformation happens within him. His dance, unique, also bears a political significance. Witness to his commitment and his ability to communicate emotion, the jury was touched by this courageous, big-hearted and generous artist with a great mastery of his choreographic language. A truly gifted passer of skill.

7STARR

Vladimir ”7Starr” Laurore is a pioneer of the Canadian Krump scene. In 2005, he co-founded the first Krump crew in Canada, Bzerk Squad. 7Starr is also the creator of Gutta Zone, the first and biggest major Krump event in the country. He has been both guest competitor and judge on both national and international platforms in major competitions such as The International Illest Battle in Paris, EBS in Germany, The Phitted Talk in the USA and Royal Rumble in Switzerland, to name only a few. He has worked with Cirque du Soleil, Cirque Eloize, and Moment Factory among others, not to mention his TV and movie appearances and several performances. 7Starr is also recognized for his community involvement in underprivileged schools, charity organizations, and community centers. He is currently the president of the Montreal Krump Alliance, a non-profit organization that specializes in promoting Krump culture across Canada. In 2017, he received the Victor Martyn Lynch Staunton award given by the Canada Council for the Arts for outstanding artistic achievement by Canadian artists. In 2018, the Black Theatre Workshop awarded him the Gloria Mitchell-Aleong Prize recognizing his work as an emerging professional artist in the performing arts. In 2019, 7Starr co-choreographed the 60-minute solo performance Anima /Darkroom in collaboration with the artist Lucy M. May. In 2020, he was a finalist for the Prix du CALQ – Artist of the Year in Laval. He also made his debut in krump music through a collaboration with producers such as D J Shashu, Mozarf, Braze, Playa and Kid NY.