A project for the Celebrations of Montreal's 375th anniversary

This project, along with l’École supérieure’s dance steps launching the activities of Québec Danse, was unveiled by Serge Postigo, Deputy Commissioner of Montréal’s 375th anniversary celebrations in the presence of Harold Rhéaume, President of the Regroupement québécois de la danse and Chantal Rossi, the City of Montréal’s Associate Councillor for Culture, Heritage and Design.

“L’École supérieure de ballet du Québec’s Merci Montréal ! project is perfectly consistent with the program of festivities surrounding Montréal’s 375th anniversary. Through short dance numbers to be performed on different Montréal sites and at symbolic events, Montrealers will have an opportunity to discover and appreciate the grace and vitality of the art of dance,” explained Serge Postigo, Deputy Commissioner of Montréal’s 375th anniversary celebrations.

“Montréal has built a reputation as an international dance capital, a position that Merci Montréal ! will undoubtedly reinforce in a convivial and spectacular manner through the anniversary year,” noted Chantal Rossi, of the City of Montréal.

“L’École supérieure wishes to thank the city that witnessed its birth and growth. And thank you in the language of classical ballet is not spoken, it is danced with a bow.” — Anik Bissonnette, Artistic Director of L’École supérieure

Within the framework of major cultural, sports, social and other events specially created for Montréal’s 375th anniversary, L’École supérieure’s approximately 125 students will perform short dances that embody the identity, essence and very soul of the metropolis.

“The government of Québec is delighted to support this initiative, which will rekindle feelings of pride and belonging in all residents of the metropolis,” asserted Martin Coiteux, Québec’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Land Occupancy, Minister of Public Security and Minister responsible for the Montréal Region. “With its Merci Montréal ! project, throughout 2017, L’École supérieure de ballet du Québec will be making available, to a wider public, choreographies performed by talented dancers who will gracefully salute Montréal, our cultural and creative metropolis.”

“The Merci Montréal ! project is an opportunity to share with everyone Montréal’s tradition of respect, grace and gratitude – a tradition that is basically embodied in classical dance,” concluded Anik Bissonnette.