09.11.2020
WINNERS OF THE PRIX DE LA DANSE DE MONTRÉAL 2020
RHODNIE DÉSIR
The 2020 GRAND PRIX de la danse de Montreal,
presented by Quebecor and the City of Montreal
ETHEL BRUNEAU
Prix Ethel Bruneau 2020,
Presented by the MAI (Montréal, arts interculturels) and Danse Danse
CHI LONG
Prix de la danse de Montréal 2020, INTERPRÈTE Category,
Presented by Regroupement québécois de la danse (RQD) and Caisse Desjardins de la Culture
INTÉRIEURS, CAROLINE LAURIN-BEAUCAGE
Prix du CALQ for Best Choreographic Work of the 2019-2020 season
RHODNIE DÉSIR CRÉATIONS
Prix Envol for Cultural Diversity and Inclusive Practices in Dance
Presented by the Conseil des arts de Montréal
7STARR
Prix de la danse de Montréal 2020, DÉCOUVERTE Category,
Presented by the Agora de la danse and Tangente
BJM – LES BALLETS JAZZ DE MONTRÉAL
Prix de la danse de Montréal 2020, DIFFUSION INTERNATIONALE Category,
Presented by CINARS
PARISE MONGRAIN
Prix de la danse de Montréal 2020, GESTIONNAIRE CULTUREL(LE) Category,
Presented by Diagramme – gestion culturelle
LINDA RABIN
Prix de la danse de Montréal 2020,
CONTRIBUTION EXCEPTIONNELLE Category
Montreal, November 9th, 2020 – PDM unveiled this year’s winners today on ZOOM. But first, surprise! A ninth prize has been added to the impressive array of awards: the Prix Ethel-Bruneau. This new award celebrates all dance practices, activities and achievements by shedding light and offering an accurate and current narrative of the history of the Montreal dance scene. Together, the MAI (Montréal, arts interculturels) and DANSE DANSE are joining forces to sponsor the Prix Ethel-Bruneau, endowed with a $5,000 grant.
Under the honorary presidency of Alexandre “Spicey” Landé, choreographer and performer, winner of the 2019 Prix de la danse, Découverte Category, and hosted by Anik Bissonnette, Artistic Director of the École Supérieure de ballet du Québec, took place entirely on the ZOOM platform. The ceremony virtually brought together Marie Chouinard, President and Founder of the PDM; Magda Popeanu, Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee and responsible for Culture at the City of Montreal, Sylvie Cordeau, Vice-Chair, Philanthropy and Sponsorship for Québecor; Céline Lavallée, Director of Artists’ Support to Communities and Regional Action at the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec; Nathalie Maillé, Executive Director of the Conseil des arts de Montréal; Michael Toppings, Executive and Artistic Director of the MAI (Montréal, arts interculturels); Caroline Ohrt, Artistic Co-director and Director of Development of Danse Danse; Fabienne Cabado, Executive Director of the Regroupement québécois de la danse (RQD); Marie-Christine Cojocaru, Executive and Artistic Director of Caisse Desjardins de la Culture; Francine Bernier, Executive and Artistic Director of Agora de la danse; Stéphane Labbé, Executive Director of Tangente; Danièle Desnoyers, Artistic Director and Choreographer of the company Le Carré des Lombes, Director of the dance department and professor at UQAM, and member of the Board of Directors of Diagramme – gestion Culturelle; Alain Paré, President and Founder of CINARS; and members of PDM’s Board of Directors: Marie Chouinard, President; Christel Durant, Secretary; Bernard Lagacé, Treasurer; and Administrators Marie-Christine Cojocaru, Pierre Des Marais, Frédérick Gravel and Lucie Vigneault, PDM partners, winners, numerous public figures and members of the media.
The 2020 GRAND PRIX de la danse de Montréal, presented by Quebecor and the City of Montreal – $ 25 000
Rhodnie Désir is the winner of the coveted The 2020 GRAND PRIX de la danse de Montréal, presented by Quebecor and the City of Montreal, represented by Sylvie Cordeau, Vice-Chair, Philanthropy and Sponsorship for Quebecor, and Magda Popeanu, Vice-Chair of the Executive Committee and responsible for Culture at the City of Montreal. The jury wanted to underline the scope of the project of this strong personality who continues to resonate throughout the world. Rhodnie Désir generates a real connection with different audiences. A multi-faceted artist, savvy communicator and activist, and powerful performer, she delves within herself beyond the obvious with perseverance and conviction. Through her creations, she reminds us of the political potential of dance. Rhodnie presented BOW’T TRAIL Rétrospek, at l’Espace Libre, in February 2020. BOW’T TRAIL is a pioneering international project, broken down into eight choreographic works, a web series and a web documentary that retraces the rhythmic and resistance heritage of the Afrodescendant peoples of the Americas.
Prix Ethel Bruneau 2020, presented by the MAI (Montréal, arts interculturels) and Danse Danse – $ 5 000
The Prix Ethel Bruneau was awarded to Ethel Bruneau by Caroline Ohrt, Artistic Co-director and Director of Development of Danse Danse, and Travis Knights, dancer and former student of the winner. Ethel Bruneau is the first recipient of this new award that bears her name. It is no exaggeration to state that artist and educator Ethel Bruneau has left her mark on our history. For the past 75 years, this native New Yorker has cultivated a passion for tap dancing which she has passed on to thousands of dancers of all ages, from young children to seniors. She sang and danced in dozens of Montreal clubs, which earned her the titles of “Miss Swing” and “Afro-Cuban Queen”. The Prix de la danse de Montréal is proud to honour this exceptional artist and to highlight her overlooked yet significant contributions.
Prix de la danse de Montréal 2020, INTERPRÈTE Category, presented by the Regroupement québécois de la danse (RQD) and Caisse Desjardins de la Culture – $ 10 000
The Prix INTERPRÈTE, presented by the Regroupement Québécois de la danse and Caisse Desjardins de la Culture, with a 10 000$ GRANT, was awarded to Chi Long by Fabienne Cabada, Executive Director of the RQD, and Marie-Christine Cojocaru, Executive Director of the Caisse Desjardins de la Culture. An outstanding performer, long associated with O Vertigo and the Compagnie Marie Chouinard, now a freelance performer, Chi Long never ceases to surprise us. Her talent transcends technical mastery. The strength of her personality shines through on stage. For more than 30 years, she has captivated and led us to unexpected places. Transported by poetry, she nurtures a vital energy that she instills into every process. Profoundly humble, she is transformed by each universe she eventually transcends. Chi Long distinguished herself this year in the works Eve 2050 by Van Grimde Corps Secrets (Agora de la danse, October 2019), and Les corps avalés by Virginie Brunelle (Théâtre Maisonneuve, Place des Arts, Danse Danse, February 2020).
Prix du CALQ for Best Choreographic Work 2019-2020 – $ 10 000
The prize was awarded to Caroline Laurin-Beaucage for Intérieur by Céline Lavallée, Director of Artists’ Support to Communities and Regional Action at the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec. This work was presented at Place des Arts’ Cinquième Salle by Danse Danse in December 2019. The members of the jury gathered by the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec were captivated by Intérieurs by Caroline Laurin-Beaucage. Successfully combining choreography, soundtrack and video projections, the show invites us on a fascinating inner journey. Like a danced diary of sublime and poetic moments, the work unfolds with a great feminine and personal sensitivity. Choreographer, performer and teacher for 20 years, Caroline Laurin-Beaucage has worked with Ginette Laurin (O Vertigo), Jacques Poulin-Denis, Paul-André Fortier and Jean-Pierre Perreault, among others. Her artistic approach encompasses varying stylistic approaches – choreographic creations, installations and videos – and her repertoire includes about ten works that have been presented around the world.
Prix de la danse de Montréal 2020, DÉCOUVERTE Category, presented by the Agora de la danse and Tangente – $ 5 000
The Prix DÉCOUVERTE, presented by the Agora de la danse and Tangente, was awarded to the choreographer and performer 7Starr, along with a one-week creative residency, in addition to a grant, by Francine Bernier, Executive and Artistic Director of Agora de la danse, and Stéphane Labbé, Executive Director of Tangente. A pioneer on Canadian Krump scene and an extraordinary performer, 7Starr has been hugely noticed by the public this year. 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. 7Starr presented Anima/Darkroom, in collaboration with Lucy M. May, at La Chapelle Scène Contemporaine in September – October 2019.
Prix ENVOL for Cultural Diversity and Inclusive Practices in Dance, presented by the Conseil des arts de Montréal – $ 10 000
The Prix Envol for Cultural Diversity and Inclusive Practices in Dance, awarded by an independent jury, was presented to Rhodnie Désir Créations by Nathalie Maillé, Executive Director of the Conseil des arts de Montréal. The committee chose to award the Prix Envol to Rhodnie Désir Créations in order to underline the extraordinary adventure of BOW’T TRAIL and the choreographic work BOW’T TRAIL Rétrospek – a work created by an artist gifted with extraordinary determination – which took place over several years and several continents, and which mobilized many artists and partners. The committee salutes Rhodnie Désir’s courage and perseverance in her artistic, humanitarian and political work that raises awareness of the importance of the fight against exclusion and racism. Rhodnie is a socially engaged artist and her role as an ambassador of Montreal’s culture on the national and international scenes is tremendous.
Prix de la danse 2020, DIFFUSION INTERNATIONALE Category – $ 5 000
Marie-Joëlle Tremblay, Executive Director of BJM – Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal, accepted this award, presented by Alain Paré, President and Founder of CINARS. Created for CINARS’s 35th anniversary two years ago, this award recognizes a Canadian dance company that distinguished itself by the quality of an international tour. The CINARS jury sought to highlight the world tour conducted by BJM – Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal from July 24th, 2019, to December 22nd, 2019, in 21 cities in six countries: Germany, Brazil, the USA, Spain, France and Switzerland. With the production Dance Me, based on the work of Leonard Cohen, the company reconsidered its dissemination model and opted for co-production. With more than 2,600 performances for over 3 million spectators in 68 countries, BJM is a true ambassador of Quebec and Canadian dance and artistic vitality across the globe. In their upcoming season, they will celebrate their 50th anniversary.
Prix de la danse de Montréal 2020, GESTIONNAIRE CULTUREL(LE) Category, presented by Diagramme – gestion culturelle – $ 5 000
Parise Montgrain, Cultural Manager, Director of the Centre de ressources et transition pour danseurs Quebec Office (CRTD-QC) and Director of the Centre québécois de ressources et transition pour danseurs (CQRTD), was awarded the prize by choreographer Danièle Desnoyers, member of the Board of Directors of Diagramme – gestion Culturelle. Diagramme’s Board of Director sought to honour the commitment of this highly loyal woman, a visionary with a leadership based on compassion and rigour. Parise Mongrain has, over the years, established herself as a pillar of our community. Always committed to the well-being of artists, she has never hesitated to go to the front and fight important battles to meet the needs of dancers (and artists from other disciplines as well) to have their voices heard and considered.
Prix de la danse de Montréal 2020, CONTRIBUTION EXCEPTIONNELLE Category
Lucie Vigneault, dance artist and member of the PDM Board of Directors, awarded this prize to Linda Rabin, somatic movement educator and teacher to highlight the outstanding contribution of this modern dance pioneer in Quebec, a graduate of the prestigious Juilliard School in New York and co-founder of LADMMI (now École de danse contemporaine de Montréal) in 1981. Linda Rabin’s teaching draws on somatic approaches, dance, voice and theater exercises. She supports artists from all walks of life in their personal and creative journey. Her Continuum workshops, a practice that has become a central part of her approach, are highly praised both in Montreal and internationally.
THE PDM
Created in 2011 by Choreographer Marie Chouinard, President of the PRIX DE LA DANSE DE MONTRÉAL, the event is an opportunity to honour the excellence of dance artists who have performed on Montreal stages between July 1st, 2019, and June 30th, 2020. The PRIX DE LA DANSE also highlight the work of managers and personalities who contribute to the influence of the discipline. Finally, they aim to reaffirm Montreal’s dynamism as dance capital as well as its international influence. To carry out this task, MC has surrounded herself with a Board of Directors with the following personalities and managers of the Montreal dance community: Christel Durand, Director of Communications for the Centre de Création O Vertigo, Founder and Executive and Artistic Director of Festival FIKA(S), Secretary; Bernard Lagacé, Executive Director of Diagramme – gestion culturelle, Treasurer; and Marie-Christine Cojocaru, Executive Director of Caisse Desjardins de la Culture; Pierre Des Marais, Executive Director and Artistic Co-director of Danse Danse; Frédérick Gravel, Artistic Director and Choreographer of DLD – Daniel Léveillé Danse; and Lucie Vigneault, Contemporary Dance Artist, all four administrators of the Board.
THANK YOU,
The PRIX DE LA DANSE DE MONTREAL 2020 wish to recognize their partners’ great generosity: Québecor, the City of Montréal, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, the Conseil des arts de Montréal, the Caisse Desjardins de la Culture, the Regroupement québécoise de la danse, Agora de la danse, Tangente, Diagramme – gestion culturelle, CINARS, Danse Danse, and MAI (Montréal, arts interculturels); and the following presenters: Agora de la danse, Festival TransAmériques, MAI (Montréal, arts interculturels), as well as Tangente, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal, La Chapelle Scène Contemporaines, Danse Danse, Studio 303, OFFTA, Festival Quartiers Danses, Place des Arts, and Danse-Cité
Source
Prix de la danse de Montréal
Mickaël Spinnhirny
514 833-9005 | mika@spinnhirny.com
Medias
Sheila Skaiem
514 572-8687 | sheilaskaiem@gmail.com