Sylvain Émard Acclaimed as “One of Montréal's Leading Figures”

Sylvain Émard is the recipient of one of the seven 2024 recognition prize bestowed in homage to his contributions to the cultural vitality of Montréal and, more specifically, of the city’s entertainment district, the Quartier des Spectacles. He is a pioneer of contemporary dance in Québec with some thirty choreographies to his credit, many of which have been staged at Place des Arts and in the Édifice WILDER | Espace Danse, as part of Agora de la danse and Danse Danse's programs. Beginning in 2009, he also electrified crowds at large-scale outdoor presentations of Le Grand Continental contemporary line dancing series performed as part of the Festival TransAmériques, from the initial edition on Émery Street to later iterations at the grand and impressive Place des Festivals.

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“I wish to thank the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership for this award, which echoes my deep attachment to Montréal and its audiences. I would like to dedicate it to all the artistic and technical teams who have accompanied me in the creation of these marvellous projects, to the venues that presented them, and to the hundreds of people who have committed body and soul to the various versions of Le Grand Continental”, said Sylvain Émard.

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Involving from 65 to 375 amateur performers, the four Montréal versions of Le Grand Continental contributed to the democratization of the contemporary dance, and enhanced the city's international reputation. These gigantic shows were a dynamic addition to the company’s already diverse repertoire presented on four continents since its inception in 1990.

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From September 26 to November 6, 2024, the choreographer and the other six award winners will be featured in an original video conceived by Bar Rubinstein and projected onto the façade of the Édifice WILDER | Espace Danse.

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Congratulations to the honourees!

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