Ballets Jazz Montréal: Dance Me

Emerging from a collaboration between Genevieve Salbaing, Eva Von Genscy and Eddy Toussaint in 1972, Ballets Jazz Montreal is a repertory company directed by Alexandra Damiani since June 2021. It creates, produces and presents contemporary dance performances based on the technique, rigour and aesthetics of classical ballet. Its work consistently appears on local, national and international stages. The company offers its artists high-level professional ballet training and gives internationally renowned choreographers the freedom to develop their artistic process in keeping with BJM’s identity. In doing so, the company is able to create an exclusive repertoire that is accessible to all.
 
Dance Me is an exclusive creation inspired by the rich and profound work of Montreal-based poet, artist and songwriter Leonard Cohen. Approved by Cohen during his lifetime, under the artistic direction of Louis Robitaille and the strong, bold dramaturgy of Éric Jean, this riveting homage to the famed artist evokes the grand cycles of existence in five seasons, as described in Cohen’s deeply reflective music and poems. The choreographic writing of this evening has been entrusted to three international choreographers with complementary hallmarks and personalities: Andonis Foniadakis, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Ihsan Rustem. Their powerful and profound choreographic world reflective of Cohen’s singular work is brought to life by the 15 BJM’s performing artists.