35 Years that make a difference

Integration, communion, social cohesion… These are dominant themes that have marked the 35-year trajectory of Sylvain Émard Danse. In addition to the thirty or so creations already in its repertoire, one of the flagship events in this year’s festivities bear witness to the ability of Sylvain Émard Danse to bring dance and society together in a unifying spirit. La Traversée, an ensemble piece created with a majority of 15 young people living with stabilized mental health conditions, will be presented on May 22 in the Atrium at CHU Sainte-Justine hospital. This inspiring creation is a testament to Sylvain Émard’s human-centred projects.

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May 22 | 6:45 and 7:15 p.m.
Atrium at CHU Sainte-Justine
Free Admission

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“I'm one of those people who believe that the benefits of dance should extend far beyond the performance venue,” said choreographer Sylvain Émard. “The international success of Le Grand Continental format, created in 2009, is both impressive and exhilarating. As for La Traversée, our third collaboration with Espace Transition, it brilliantly illustrates how art can serve health.”

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The dancers will present two performances of the 10-minute choreography created in collaboration with Sylvain Émard. Encouraging self-discovery and the discovery of others, dance enables these young people aged 15 to 25 to become grounded and aware, very open to the present moment. La Traversée encourages them to let go and fully inhabit their bodies. Many participants have mentioned the enormous contribution the activity has made to their development and well-being.