The people of Longueuil will be putting their own personal stamp, with a condensed version of the large-scale contemporary line dancing Le Grand Continental, which has been electrifying audiences all over the world for the past 15 years. Engrossed since late July learning the 10-minute choreography of Le Petit Continental, the 50 passionate amateur dancers will present the result of their work as part of the Journées de la culture. In addition to performing an excerpt from the celebrated Le Grand Continental, their show will end with a section that is 100% original, tailormade to reflect their input and skills.

Presented by Théâtre de la Ville, Le Petit Continental brings together citizens of all ages and from a wide variety of backgrounds. A unifying, communal event imbued with contagious energy, the two shows will open an outdoor ball to which everyone is invited.

Come celebrate with us. Admission is free!

September 28 | 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Parking lot at Cégep Édouard Montpetit in Longueuil (opposite Gentilly East St.)

_{Le Petit Continental in Longueuil is presented by Théâtre de la Ville as part of Journées de la culture.}

^{Photo: David Wong}

SYLVAIN ÉMARD ON THE FAÇADE OF ÉDIFICE WILDER

The choreographer Sylvain Émard, along with the leading lights of dance Ludmilla Chiriaeff, founder of the Grands Ballets Canadiens, and Pierre Des Marais, artistic and general director of Danse Danse, are among the seven recipients of the 2024 recognition prize. Bestowed by the Partenariat du Quartier des spectacles, the awards pay tribute to their exceptional contributions to the artistic vitality of Montréal.

From September 26 to November 6, 2024, Mouvements d’audace : sept portraits hommage, a video by the digital artist Bar Rubinstein, will be projected on the façade of Édifice WILDER | Espace danse beginning at sundown. Free.

^{Photo montage by Bar Rubinstein (Quartier des spectacles)}

MAGNETIC FIELDS IN ARTISTIC RESIDENCY

Scheduled to make its world première at Place des Arts on January 28, 2025, as part of Danse Danse, this new work by Sylvain Émard benefits from a two-week creative residency at Circuit-Est centre chorégraphique, this month. Entitled Magnetic Fields, it evokes the complexity of the universe in a hypnotic sextet where touch the audience. Tickets to connect you with this stunning universe are now on sale.

^{Photo: Sylvain Émard Danse}

Sylvain Émard is the recipient of one of the seven 2024 recognition prize bestowed in homage to his contributions to the cultural vitality of Montréal and, more specifically, of the city’s entertainment district, the Quartier des Spectacles. He is a pioneer of contemporary dance in Québec with some thirty choreographies to his credit, many of which have been staged at Place des Arts and in the Édifice WILDER | Espace Danse, as part of Agora de la danse and Danse Danse’s programs. Beginning in 2009, he also electrified crowds at large-scale outdoor presentations of Le Grand Continental contemporary line dancing series performed as part of theFestival TransAmériques, from the initial edition on Émery Street to later iterations at the grand and impressive Place des Festivals.

“I wish to thank the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership for this award, which echoes my deep attachment to Montréal and its audiences. I would like to dedicate it to all the artistic and technical teams who have accompanied me in the creation of these marvellous projects, to the venues that presented them, and to the hundreds of people who have committed body and soul to the various versions of Le Grand Continental,” said Sylvain Émard.

Involving from 65 to 375 amateur performers, the four Montréal versions of Le Grand Continental contributed to the democratization of the contemporary dance, and enhanced the city’s international reputation. These gigantic showswere a dynamic addition to the company’s already diverse repertoire presented on four continents since its inception in 1990.

From September 26 to November 6, 2024, the choreographer and the other six award winners will be featured in an original video conceived by Bar Rubinstein and projected onto the façade of the Édifice WILDER | Espace Danse.

Congratulations to the honourees!

An audience placed in the centre of a 360-degree screen, 12 life-size performers, and a soundtrack that weaves together music, steps and breaths. That is how Sylvain Émard invites us to experience dance from within, in this creative collaboration with the talented team at mirari. The prestigious Diamant venue in Québec City will feature the world première of this fascinating immersive installation. Choir will be presented from June 21 to July 20, every day from 3 to 9 p.m. Free admission.

You don’t need to make a reservation to discover this new work. The 15-minute choreography runs in a loop, offering an experience that extends from contemplation to exhilaration. A work to be savoured to your heart’s content.

^{Choir was made possible thanks to the support of the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec.}

^{Director : Sandrick Mathurin}

LE PETIT CONTINENTAL WILL GET LONGUEUIL DANCING

Over the years spectators have flocked to see Le Grand Continental, which has galvanized crowds of amateur dancers and audiences the world over. We’re all familiar with the joy and good humour generated by its skillful blend of line dancing and contemporary dance. After being acclaimed by enthusiastic audiences in five Montréal boroughs, now the short version, Le Petit Continental, will cross the river to invite the citizens of Longueuil to take part in this popular piece.

The objective: Get 50 amateur performers of all ages and backgrounds to perform a 10-minute choreography to be presented in a public space on September 28. The means: 8 rehearsals, every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. starting July 30 at Théâtre de la Ville.

Interested in plunging into this adventure? You live in Longueuil? Register here if you’d like to attend an information and recruitment session on the evening of June 11 at Théâtre de la Ville.

^{Photo : David Wong.}

TRIUMPHANT TOUR OF RHAPSODIE

The 20 performers of Rhapsodie won over audiences in 8 cities across Québec between mid-March and late April. The visceral force of this performance-event garnered standing ovations at every show. Thank you to the presenting venues that welcomed us. This magnetic work will soon be adapted for the screen by the film director Sandrick Mathurin.

^{Sylvain Émard Danse wishes to thank Culture Trois-Rivières, Le Carré 150, SPEC du Haut-Richelieu, Théâtre Hector-Charland, Maison des arts de Laval, Centre culturel de l’Université de Sherbrooke, Centre des arts de Baie-Comeau and Théâtre de la Ville, that prensented Rhapsodie. Special thanks to the CAPAS agency for making this tour possible. Also, to our early partners: Danse Danse and the National Arts Centre’s National Creation Fund.}

Building on the success of the 2022 shows of Rhapsodie, the Montréal presenter Danse Danse will be hosting the world première of the sextet Les Champs Magnétiques (Magnetic Fields). This new work by Sylvain Émard will be presented from January 28 to February 1, 2025 at Cinquième Salle in Place des Arts. The choreographer evokes the interdependence of individuals in search of harmony. Each gesture resonates in the space, influencing the group and captivating the audience. Subscriptions now available. Individual tickets will go on sale as of April 25.

_{Les Champs Magnétiques benefited from a creative residency at La petite Place des Arts as part of the CONTACTS project, in Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc, in November 2023.}

^{Director : Sandrick Mathurin}

LAST CHANCE TO SEE RHAPSODIE IN GREATER MONTRÉAL

Only four cities remain on the Québec tour of Rhapsodie. After beguiling audiences in Trois-Rivières, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Victoriaville and L’Assomption, two performances in Greater Montréal will be presented at: Maison des arts in Laval on April 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Théâtre de la Ville in Longueuil on April 25 at 8 p.m. This large ensemble piece has received standing ovations throughout the tour. Take advantage of this final opportunity to let yourself be carried away by the energy of 20 performers driven by hypnotic music in a visceral performance that strikes a powerful chord with the audience.

Reserve your tickets now!
April 2, Sherbrooke, 20 p.m. | 
Centre culturel de l’Université de Sherbrooke
April 4, Laval, 19:30 p.m. | Maison des arts de Laval
April 16, Baie-Comeau, 20 p.m. | Centre des arts de Baie-Comeau
April 25, Longueuil, 20 p.m. | Théâtre de la Ville

^{Photo : Sylvain Émard Danse}

Hypnotic music, bodies driven by a visceral impulse, surrounded by a captivated audience… These are the components of the exceptional experience that is Rhapsodie. From Laval to Baie-Comeau, this large-scale work will charm audiences on an eight-city tour ending in late April of Sylvain Émard’s most recent dance piece, which critics have described as spellbinding and jubilant. A powerful ritual worth seeing more than once. A rare chance to let yourself be swept away by the invigorating force of a group of 20 dancers.

Reserve your tickets now!
March 15, Trois-Rivières, 20 p.m. | Salle J. Antonio-Thompson
March 20, Victoriaville, 19 p.m. | Le Carré 150
March 22, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, 20 p.m. | Théâtre des Deux Rives
March 28, L’Assomption, 20 p.m. | Théâtre Hector-Charland
April 2, Sherbrooke, 20 p.m. |
Centre culturel de l’Université de Sherbrooke
April 4, Laval, 19:30 p.m. | Maison des arts de Laval
April 16, Baie-Comeau, 20 p.m. | Centre des arts de Baie-Comeau
April 25, Longueuil, 20 p.m. | Théâtre de la Ville

^{Rhapsodie is a Sylvain Émard Danse and Danse Danse co-production, supported by the Canadian National Arts Centre’s National Creation Fund.} 

^{Director : Xavier Curnillon}

LES PASSAGES: DANCE AS A STABILIZING FORCE 

A cast consisting of young people aged 14 to 27 who took part in a 12-week rehearsal process with Sylvain Émard led to a collective, participatory dance called Les Passages. Living with stabilized mental health problems, they experienced the transformative power of dance and the pride of presenting their 10-minute piece to audiences on December 21. The two free performances at the atrium of the hospital CHU Sainte-Justine rounded off the dance company’s second collaboration with Espace Transition.

Testimonials from the audience underlined the highly moving nature of the performance, and the vibrant energy underscoring this act of surpassing oneself. « It was a great pleasure to work with them and see them progress. It was a huge challenge, and we can safely say that they came through with flying colours, » said Sylvain Émard. Warmest congratulations to the dancers Caitie, Maryna, Mia, Mike, Nawal and Sophie and many thanks for their boundless passion. 

^{Sylvain Émard Danse wishes to thank Circuit-Est centre chorégraphique for welcoming Les Passages in its studio.}

^{In the center of Les Passages: Marie-Michelle Darveau, assistant to the choreographer.}

ABRIDGED VERSION OF RHAPSODIE FOR EDCM STUDENTS

The 2^nd year students at the École de danse contemporaine de Montréal (EDCM) are being introduced to the demands of Sylvain Émard’s choreography in a 30-minute version of Rhapsodie. Keen to contribute to training the next generation of dancers, the choreographer is currently working with the young performers, emphasizing the strength of an ensemble and the dynamic combination of mastery and abandonment. The result of their work will be presented in a double program running from May 15 to 18 at Tangente. 

Now that the final creative development phase for Choir has just been completed, this immersive installation is part of the official selection at Parcours Danse. More specifically, a conference-demonstration of the work will be presented during this dance platform.

Propelled by a superimposed sound environment, 12 performers inhabit Choir body and soul. In a 360-degree projection, the large ensemble brings the installation to life. Imagined by Sylvain Émard and co-created with the multidisciplinary creative studio mirari, Choir pulls the audience into the essence of dance, right into its very heart in up-close proximity to an electrifying cast.

During Parcours Danse, Sylvain Émard and Thomas Payette, creative director at mirari, will present an overview of this new work featuring a selection of exclusive images.

November 30 | as part of a series of conferences, from 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
Parcours Danse | Édifice Wilder – Espace danse
^{Reserved for performing arts professionnals}

^{Choir was made possible thanks to the support of the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec.}

^{© David Wong}

LES PASSAGES, A COLLECTIVE CREATION BY AND FOR YOUNG PARTICIPANTS

In spring 2022, Sylvain Émard Danse restaged a concentrated version of Le Grand Continental for a group of fifteen young amateur dancers as part of ON danse Le Petit Continental!, a project presented in association with Circuit-Est centre chorégraphique and Espace Transition. Affiliated to the pediatric hospital CHU Sainte-Justine, Espace Transition is a social rehabilitation initiative that offers creative workshops for young people with stabilized mental health problems.

On the strength of this first enriching experience, the company decided to continue its collaboration with Espace Transition in a brand-new work, Les Passages. Since September, 12 participants aged 14 to 27 have been working in a studio to create an original 10-minute choreography directed by Sylvain Émard. A period of 12 rehearsals will culminate on December 21 with the presentation of two performances.

December 21 | 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.
Atrium, CHU Sainte-Justine
Free

^{Sylvain Émard Danse wishes to thank Circuit-Est centre chorégraphique for welcoming Les Passages in its studio.}

^{In the center: Marie-Michelle Darveau, assistant to the choreographer}

SYLVAIN ÉMARD, PRESIDENT OF THE RQD WITH SOPHIE CORRIVEAU

During the annual general meeting of the Regroupement québécois de la danse (RDQ) on October 26, Sylvain Émard was elected co-president of the RQD. He is sharing that responsibility with Sophie Corriveau, general and artistic director of Danse-Cité.

The new co-presidents joined the members of the board of directors of RQD: Soraïda Caron (choreographer, Mars elle danse), Pierre Des Marais (general and artistic director, Danse Danse), Jean-François Duke (performer), Lük Fleury (general and artistic director, BIGICO), Amandine Garrido (dancer and choreographer), Sasha Kleinplatz (choreographer), Vladimir “7Starr” Laurore (dancer, choreographer, teacher and cultural worker, Montréal Krump Alliance), and Nicolas Zemmour (dancer, choreographer and teacher, ZemmourBallet).

^{Noire Mouliom(Sophie Corriveau) | Cindy Boyce (Sylvain Émard)}

Sylvain Émard Danse not only presented a large-scale dance performance this summer, but also got audience members themselves to gyrate on the dance floor. Despite uncertain weather, many delighted spectators from Montreal to the Lower St. Lawrence region actively participated in our shows.

PRELUDE #1 – RIVIÈRE-DU-LOUP ENTERS THE CIRCLE

^{© Magella Bouchard}

The cast of Prelude #1 – The Circle captivated Rivière-du-Loup during celebrations marking the city’s 350th ­anniversary. As the forecast was for rain, the vast circle of dancers performed in the gymnasium in the sports centre of Cégep de Rivière-du-Loup. For the occasion, the space was transformed into a real cultural stage for the duration of the performance, thanks to the initiative and know-how of the RDL en spectacles’ team.

The first part of the in-situ diptych Preludes, Prelude #1 –The Circle originally featured 20 dancers. This edition was adapted for a cast of 12 strong performers, who very aptly conveyed the enchanting rhythms, energy and entrancing movement of the piece.

^{Preludes were made possible thanks to support from the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec.}

RECORD CROWDS FOR LE PETIT CONTINENTAL!

^{© David Wong}

Some 50 amateur dancers greatly impressed audiences in the Saint-Léonard and Notre-Dame-de-Grâce neighbourhoods in June and July with Le Petit Continental, a condensed version of the Le Grand Continental. At the end of the 8 rehearsals for each set of two performances, the stars for a day performed two 10-minute presentations of this dynamic contemporary line dance show. Close to 800 spectators vigorously applauded this summer special, their very own Petit Continental.

That unique, profoundly human experience was a memorable moment for members of the Montreal community, a grace note of dance and artistic creation.

Launched in 2019, Le Petit Continental took city parks and public spaces by storm in five Montreal boroughs, featuring a total of 200 amateur dancers.

^{Le Petit Continental received funding as part of Montreal’s cultural development agreement reached by the City of Montreal and the Government of Quebec. The company wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to its presenting partners: Culture et bibliothèque de l’Arrondissement de Saint-Léonard, Maison de la culture Notre-Dame-de-Grâce and Arrondissement de Côtes-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce.}

CHOIR, A PLUNGE INTO THE HEART OF DANCE

Sylvain Émard Danse is working on the final development phase of Choir, an immersive installation imagined by Sylvain Émard and created in association with multidisciplinary creative studio mirari. Inspired by Prelude #1 –The Circle, the first complete assembly of the original structure will be tested this autumn, a foretaste of the piece to come.

On November 30, Sylvain Émard and Thomas Payette, creative director of mirari, will take part in Parcours Danse‘s official selection, presenting a conference/demonstration of Choir to performing arts professionals from here and abroad.

^{Choir was made possible thanks to support from the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec.}

Rhapsodie, a work inspired by the rituals inherent to dance, will finally be unveiled to the public. Next week, more than one year after its originally scheduled world première, the 20 dancing bodies of Rhapsodie will be back on the boards of the Studio-Théâtre in the Wilder Building at the invitation of Danse Danse, co-producer of the piece, a work that the choreographer has been dreaming of for years. Indeed, Sylvain Émard cultivates a fascination for dance halls and the instinctive, visceral side of those who abandon themselves to the pleasure of dance.  

All shows are sold out. You can, however, also view the show from the comfort of your own home.

February 22 to 26 | 8 p.m. SOLD OUT
Studio-Théâtre, Édifice Wilder

Live webcast, February 25 and 26
I want tickets

Rhapsodie benefited from support from the National Arts Centre’s National Creation Fund, and also from the Secretaría de Cultura at the Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes y Literatura, from the Fondo Nacional para la Cultura y las Artes (FONCA), and the Centro de Producción de Danza Contemporánea (CEPRODAC) in Mexico, as well as the Ministère des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie.