The choreographic centre

Édifice Jean-Pierre Perreault © Vanessa-Forget

A place for creation dance

Since 1987, Circuit-Est centre chorégraphique has supported professionals in their technical and artistic development by offering spaces and services adapted to research, creation, advanced training, and professional development in creation dance.

Our mission

Circuit-Est is a choreographic center that supports and stimulates research, creation, development and renewal of creative dance artists in all its diversity.

It implements collaborative projects aimed at the development and promotion of dance as well as activities to raise awareness of this art form among the general public to raise awareness of this art form among the general public.

Our vision

Circuit-Est is one of the essential poles for the development of dance and is committed to contributing to its effervescence by and inclusive links between the members of this community. Constantly attentive to its social environment, it acts diligently to propose new opportunities.

Our values

➜ Open-mindedness and commitment to dance
➜ Spirit of sharing and long-lasting collaborations
➜ Quality services that are adapted to the needs of the milieu
➜ Solidarity and search for community
➜ Flexible and cordial management

Our history

1987 – Founding
Louise Bédard, Sylvain Émard, Francine Gagné, Lucie Grégoire, Carole Ip, Rodrigue Jean, Jocelyne Sarrazin, Richard Simas, Lee Anne Smith and Tedi Tafel found Circuit-Est. They move into two studios dedicated to contemporary dance at ‘Espace Saint-André’ on Ontario street.

1997 – Some growth
With the support of the Montréal, Québec and Canada arts councils, Circuit-Est equips itself with a permanent team to better support the dance field.

2007 – New space
The Québec ministry of Culture and Communications grants Circuit-Est the Jean-Pierre-Perreauly building, giving the organization the means to meet artists’ needs and allowing for the administration of several members to gather.

2013 – New studio
To continue supporting the artistic community, Circuit-Est inaugurates Studio C at Espace Saint-André.

2013 – National prize
Recipient of the “”I love dance/J’aime la danse”” prize from the Canadian Dance Assembly, highlighting Circuit-Est’s commitment towards the artistic community.

2015 – Cultural acknowledgement
Finalist for the Cultural Action Prize by the City of Montreal for the mediation project Alors, on crée? in collaboration with Louise Bédard Danse.

2022 – Circuit-Est celebrates 35 years!

Circuit-Est in numbers

Classes and workshops

50+ classes and activities

Each season, a program of activities designed for dance professionals, including master classes, workshops, mentoring programs, residencies and artistic exchange projects.

Our studios

5 Studios

50+ classes and activities
Circuit-Est has four rehearsal studios (Studio A, B, C, and Peter-Boneham) and a creation-focused studio that can accommodate technical work (Studio Jeanne-Renaud).
These studios are located across two sites:
édifice Jean-Pierre-Perreault and espace Saint-André.

Our members

9 members

Representing several generations of creators, Circuit-Est members are committed to their artistic practice and to the local, national and international dance scene. They contribute to the development of dance and to the vitality and dynamism of the center.

Classes and workshops

Our studios

Our members

Our artistic project

Circuit-Est, founded on the commitment of its members, encourages exchanges and common spirit to mould one’s artistic project. The organization offers easy access to quality studios and a diverse range of dance practices for their development, training, and creation.

By embracing diverse backgrounds and cultures, Circuit-Est stimulates creativity and helps position Quebec dance as a key player in innovation, while promoting local choreographic heritage and raising public awareness of the creative process.

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