A major figure in Québec and Canadian contemporary dance, Sylvain Émard stands out for the sensitive, virtuosic movement in his pieces and his highly diverse repertoire. From small forms to monumental works, from immersive installations to films, he has created some thirty dance pieces presented on four continents.
A New Jewel in the Crown: Sylvain Émard awarded the Prix Denise-Filiatrault 2026
Sylvain Émard has received the Prix Denise-Filiatrault 2026, awarded as part of the Prix du Québec, the highest honour bestowed by the Government of Quebec in culture and science. This mark of distinction pays tribute to 45 years of creativity and honours an artist for whom the body is a place of encounter, and dance a way of inhabiting the world together. Sylvain Émard Danse welcomes this gesture with great joy and deep gratitude.
A year of distinctions
After receiving the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award in June, this second award confirms that 2026 is a banner year for the company. Sylvain Émard joins a long list of illustrious artists and personalities in the dance world who have also been Prix du Québec laureates: Ludmilla Chiriaeff, Françoise Sullivan, Jeanne Renaud, Vincent Warren, Martine Époque, Édouard Lock, Anik Bissonnette, Marie Chouinard, Louise Lecavalier and more recently Francine Bernier.
“Through dance I have travelled the world, sharing a ritual that since the dawn of time has united us, fascinated us, and above all, brought us closer together.”
Sylvain Émard
Stirring the embers and setting dance ablaze
This recognition celebrates a distinctive choreographic style, a career dedicated to others, and a vision that has constantly fuelled the company’s passion. After marking our 35th anniversary and celebrating with you, we’re now looking ahead: a new production is in the works. Details will be revealed soon.
To all those who have supported us over the past three decade – dancers, collaborators, partners, presenters, members of the board of directors, donors and our loyal audiences – THANK YOU. This award is shared award with you, for it also pays tribute to your invaluable support for Sylvain Émard.
Governor General’s Award – Celebrating an impressive career
On June 5, Sylvain Émard received the 2026 Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement. This recognition honours his 45-year career and brilliantly complements the company’s 35th-anniversary celebrations.
To mark the award, the NFB produced a portrait of Sylvain, Thinker of Movement, a beautiful and intimate glimpse into his creative process that you won’t want to miss.
View the portrait here.
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Chorale – screenings in the Village
Chorale, a film by Sylvain Émard and Sandrick Mathurin, was screened outdoors in the heart of the Village from March through June. It was another opportunity to experience dance outdoors, with no tickets or restrictions, courtesy of the Ville-Marie borough and the Festival International du Film sur l’Art (FIFA).
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