Prix de la danse de Montréal 2021

It is thanks to her substantial involvement in the community, her loyalty, but also her governance focused on caring and sharing resources that Francine Gagné, founding member of Circuit-Est centre chorégraphique and, since 1999, has Executive and Artistic Director, is receiving the prestigious Prix de la Danse de Montréal, Category GESTIONNAIRE CULTURELLE, presented by Diagramme - gestion culturelle.

Self-taught and intuitive manager, she developed a unique organizational structure to support contemporary dance professionals in their technical and artistic development, while supporting the next generation and introducing citizens to dance. Concerned with preserving cultural heritage, she works with skill and intelligence for the pooling of places of creation and artistic practices. Her sensitivity, humility and listening make her a real balm for artists and the community. 

“The board of Circuit-Est is very proud to recognize the 35 years of loyal commitment of Francine Gagné’s to the dance community and this unique place which is Circuit-Est. With her rigour and benevolence, she promotes the real development of dancers, but also companies. By staying on the lookout for artistic novelties and listening to the next generation, Francine nourishes her passion for dance while creating bridges with international organizations. Once again, a big Bravo to Francine for her exceptional contribution that allows contemporary dance to shine!"

Marie-Paul Giguère - President of the board of Circuit-Est centre chorégraphique
and partner at Brio Conseils

Member of Circuit-Est for ten years now, Mélanie Demers is the winner of the GRAND PRIX de la danse de Montréal 2021, presented by Québecor and Ville de Montréal.

Executive and Artistic Director, but above all choreographer at MAYDAY, Mélanie Demers shapes the stage as a platform for questioning the role of the artist and a space for collective reflection on the fate of the world. Her works highlight the dark areas of the human condition. To this day, she has choreographed more than thirty works presented across Europe, America, Africa and Asia.  

After winning the CALQ Award for Best Choreographic Work in 2015 with WOULD, and having distinguished herself with La Goddam Voie Lactée co-produced by the Agora de la danse and the Festival TransAmériques, She received the prestigious GRAND PRIX de la danse de Montréal 2021 at Espace Marie Chouinard.

"Mélanie’s work deeply challenges me. From Les Angles Morts to Confession Publique, I have always admired her ability to stage both poetics and societal issues. She encourages us to reflect on our relationship with others and the world around us, with her choreographic creations, but also with her way of writing! A very great artist and a woman of remarkable intelligence and creativity who makes dance shine, both in Québec and internationally. On behalf of the entire team and all of the members of Circuit-Est, I would like to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Mélanie on this well-deserved GRAND PRIX.”

Francine Gagné - Executive and Artistic Director of Circuit-Est centre chorégraphique