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.

‍

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.

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).

On June 2 at the Circuit-Est centre chorégraphique, Sylvain Émard and 12 participants presented two performances of Confluences to the general public.

This collaborative production, at the intersection of art and therapy, once again offered a deeply human experience for both performers and audience. A rich annual collaboration with Espace Transition, affiliated to Montreal’s pediatric hospital CHU Sainte-Justine. 

‍

‍

Le Petit Continental will be part of the official program of the Festival Mauricie Arts Vivants from September 24 to 27. A contemporary, participatory line dance performed by enthusiasts aged 8 to 80 – not to be missed!

‍

→ Le Petit Continental presentation

 
September 26 at 3 p.m.

FREE admission

Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc skating rink – 520 Chem. Déziel, Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc

‍