About Danse Danse
Danse Danse, an associate presenter at Place des Arts, invites dance lovers to discover the best of contemporary dance from here and abroad in the heart of the Quartier des spectacles.
The non profit organization Danse Danse presents a program of some dozen productions each season in the Théâtre Maisonneuve, Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier and Cinquième Salle, proudly contributing to Montréal’s international reputation as a metropolis of movement.
Since 2022, Danse Danse has coproduced a uniquely unifying event as a season opener: the JOAT International Street Dance Festival. This week-long program of free events and activities on the Place des Arts Esplanade features more than 200 artists who immerse the public in the world of street dance.
Daring, Passion, Discovery
Danse Danse brings together the great names and new voices of dance in a program that constantly seeks to push the boundaries of the artistic experience to make it ever more unexpected, surprising, and rich in discovery. Celebrating dance in all its forms and diversity, Danse Danse opens the doors of choreographic art to a wide audience and forges special connections between artists and their audiences. Since 1998, 207 dance companies from 30 countries have shared the magic of dance with more than 694,000 spectators.
In addition to its performances, Danse Danse offers a wide range of ways to experience dance: off-site activities, encounters with artists, dance workshops for the general public, school programs, and much more. These are just a few of the ways Danse Danse invites audiences to experience dance directly, and to embark on a journey to contemporary realms full of emotion and inspiration.
So that dance may continue to capture the heart of the general public!
Artistic Director's Message
Welcome to Danse Danse’s 27th season, a captivating adventure firmly rooted in the present and resolutely focused on the future. The works on our program take a look at our world today and offer a glimmer of hope in the midst of uncertainty. We believe that the power and beauty of dance are a balm for the soul, a powerful antidote to unstable times, and a promise of happiness and joy.
We are proud to open the season with JOAT Festival international de street dance. This will be followed by 16 shows from 6 countries, showcasing the work of 20 choreographers.Our commitment to artists, the next generation, and the latest creations is unwavering. Our top priority is to ensure that dance remains accessible to a diverse audience, whether young or not so young, connoisseur or novice.
Because you, our audience, are the cornerstone of our success. Your passion, loyalty and open-ness are constant sources of inspiration. For us, presenting dance is not just a job, but a passion shared with you, a way of conveying emotions and creating moments of calm in our hectic lives. As intermediaries between the artists and you, we are committed to demystifying contemporary dance by investing time and resources to enrich your experience.
Thank you for joining us for this new season. We hope it brings you unique moments of excitement, transcendence and hope.
And now, on with the shows!
Pierre Des Marais
Artistic and Executive Director
Territorial acknowledgement
Danse Danse acknowledges that we are gathered on the traditional and unceded territory of the Kanien’keha:ka Nation. We honour the continued presence of Indigenous peoples on the Tiohtiá:ke (Montreal) territory, which has long served as a meeting place for exchanges between nations. With respect for the links to the past, present and future, we thank the Indigenous peoples for reminding us of the importance of living in harmony with ourselves, with each other and with nature, and we are grateful for the opportunity to present works of living art at Tiohtiá:ke.
Danse Danse, much more than dance performances
The joy of dance can take many forms. Together with the season’s artists, Danse Danse offers you enriching experiences that are as unique as they are diverse. Through encounters with artists, talks, dance workshops, and sneak previews of works in progress, Danse Danse invites you to sample, learn about and love dance.
Meet the artists
After the Wednesday and Friday performances, you’re invited to stay in the theatre for an informal talkback session with the artistic team.
