Les Grands Ballets is happy to announce the return of the company’s dancers to the studios this week, for the first time since March. This highly anticipated progressive return safely took place, following the sanitary protocol established by the company, in accordance with the Public Health recommendations and the guideline issued by the Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST).
Following the gradual deconfinement that is taking place throughout the province, this homecoming means, for the moment, the resumption of the dancers’ daily class and, eventually, the beginning of rehearsals, always in keeping with the sanitary protocol and social distancing measures.
"The health and safety of our dancers and team was paramount to us from the beginning of the pandemic, and remains our priority. Our dancers are happy to be back in the studios this week. Dance needs space in order to come to life. It is a gradual, careful return but it will bring a lot to our 41 dancers. It’s a first step that brings us hope to reunite with the stage and above all, our public."
Ivan Cavallari, Directeur artistique des Grands Ballets, qui était sur place lundi pour accueillir les danseurs.
Throughout confinement, the company’s dancers kept up their training at home, sharing with their audience free classes and moments of their daily lives on the company’s social media platforms. To them, this return to the studios means access to spaces that are adapted to the norms of professional dance, allowing them to safely practice their art. "We’re taking full advantage of our installations during this deconfinement, explains Ivan Cavallari, the vast size of our studios helps us tremendously, allowing the company to maintain the necessary distance between people as soon as we step into the building."
Tous unis pour la relance des activités
The talent of Les Grands Ballets’ Costume Workshop team has contributed to the success of this return by producing 700 face masks, in accordance with the Public Health regulations, which were distributed to the company.
Les Grands Ballets wishes to thank its sponsors and partners, as well as its generous donors. The company receives the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, Conseil des Arts et des lettres du Québec and the Conseil des Arts de Montréal.