LUCIE BOISSINOT ANNOUNCES HER DEPARTURE AT THE END OF THE 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR FROM HER POSITION AS ARTISTIC AND ACADEMIC DIRECTOR OF L’EDCM
Montreal, April 14, 2022 – After 18 years as Artistic and Academic Director of the École de danse contemporaine de Montréal, Lucie Boissinot will leave her position in June 2023 to devote herself to personal pursuits. Having worked in the contemporary dance community for more than 40 years, Lucie Boissinot embraced the roles of dancer, teacher and choreographer, and later focused on management and consulting duties. “I’m grateful for the trust that was placed in me year after year since 2005, as well as the latitude I was given to create and set up major projects for the School. I’m grateful for the warm welcome that hundreds of artists gave me over the years, who were eager to pass on and revitalize the art of dance at the EDCM. I’m grateful for the productive discussions we’ve had about these bold young people, their training and integration into the world of the performing arts. There are very few training programs that deal with such existential uncertainty. However, what’s true and tangible is that at the EDCM, we’re privileged witnesses of the great beauty encompassed in all its forms when dance is embodied by our youth! My greatest desire has always been their personal and artistic fulfillment. Until this announced departure, I’ll continue to fulfill my duties with the same zeal and dedication.” – Lucie Boissinot, Artistic and Academic Director During her successful career as a professional dancer from 1979 to 2003, Lucie Boissinot was a member of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Toronto Dance Theatre, Danse Partout and La Fondation Jean-Pierre Perreault. Muse of many choreographers, much sought-after dancer and poignant choreographer, she has helped create a vast number of Canadian choreographic projects. In 1985, she was awarded the Jaqueline-Lemieux Prize by the Canada Council for the Arts. That same year, she began a long teaching career in higher education institutions. Known for her sound judgment about the profession and her visionary thinking, she sits on the Conseil des arts de Montréal and the Regroupement québécois de la danse. She also plays an active role in arts organizations and government cultural bodies in Quebec and abroad. Since assuming the position of EDCM Artistic and Academic Director, Ms. Boissinot has contributed to the revival and vitality of dance creation. In order to elevate dance education standards, she redesigned the contemporary dance training program. Her innovative and multidisciplinary educational approach aims to meet the needs and requirements of the profession while striving to develop new artistic proposals. During her mandate, Ms. Boissinot also promoted the artistic and cultural visibility of Quebec and Canada by forging ties with training institutions in various countries. At the same time, she helped the EDCM become a venue for hosting international choreographers, providing opportunities for promising partnerships and exchanges for dance students and teachers. Thanks to the depth of her reflection on the profession, her time at the helm of the EDCM has been influential in the field of professional dance education. Inspired by her vision for the future of the profession and in collaboration with the École supérieure de ballet du Québec, the ACS Teacher Training Program in Dance was launched in 2014. “Lucie Boissinot’s contribution to the field of contemporary dance is tremendous. Motivated by passion and a deep conviction that we need to honour a variety of young people with immense talent, during her career as a dancer, teacher and artistic and academic director, she helped train various renowned dancers and teachers who continue to be inspired by her deep reflection on dance training. An invaluable legacy that the School will cherish for many years to come. Fortunately, the School will benefit from her great expertise and dedication for another full year in order to help young dance apprentices enrolled in the program,” said Yves Rocray, EDCM General Director. “The School’s Board of Directors would like to highlight Lucie Boissinot’s significant contribution to the institution’s mission over the years. We need to honour her legacy and ensure that we find an equally competent successor who will continue to uphold the EDCM’s leadership in higher dance education.” Sophie Emond, Chair, EDCM Board of Directors. To begin the recruitment process and provide a smooth transition in the coming months, a selection committee headed by the Board of Directors will work with an executive search firm. About the École de danse contemporaine de Montréal Photo: Julie Artacho |