To promote the benefits of dance while making it more inclusive and accessible, Les Grands Ballets will offer a relaxed performance of Don Quixote (Act I, without orchestra) on May 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts.
These performances—part of the company’s regular programming—are offered free of charge and specially designed to welcome audiences with diverse needs. Dimmed lighting, adjusted sound levels, and specific arrangements ensure a respectful sensory experience. Audience members are free to move around, express themselves, or leave the hall if needed. Quiet rest areas are also available outside the venue for breaks.
This project is fully aligned with Les Grands Ballets' mission, creating a meaningful connection with the communities supported by the National Centre for Dance Therapy. Since 2022, more than 800 individuals have participated in these special moments each year. From early childhood to old age, they attend performances thanks to the collaboration of some thirty organizations from the community, education, and health sectors.
These performances have enabled people with a wide range of profiles to discover the world of dance in a welcoming and adapted setting. Whether they are autistic individuals, people with intellectual disabilities, audience members with reduced mobility, members of marginalized communities, seniors, caregivers, or families with young children, everyone has had the opportunity to enjoy an inclusive, safe, and enriching artistic experience.
To ensure everyone’s well-being, Les Grands Ballets has implemented thoughtful support tailored to each participant's specific needs.
A pedagogical guide and an access guide are shared with the public before the show. The pedagogical guide allows the public, often with the support of families and educators, to familiarize themselves not only with the show synopsis and characters, but also with the world of ballet. It includes sketches, photos, links to videos, games and educational exercises.
The access guide is an essential tool to allow neurodiverse people to prepare for their visit, thanks to a social scenario (in simple words and pictograms) and photographs of the theatre.
Several adaptations in the theatre make it possible to offer a positive experience to the public.
To adapt to the sensory needs of the public, the show's music is assessed by the professionals of the National Center for Dance Therapy, who recommend adjustments to the volume and sound quality.
During the show, the theatre lights are dimmed, to allow guests to move and express themselves, as well as to enter and leave the theatre as needed.
Outside the performance hall, rest areas are set up, for those who need a moment to rest or self-regulate. There are mattresses with cushions, sensory objects, compression objects, and tables with drawing material.
Throughout the show, the staff of the National Center for Dance Therapy provide support and assistance to the participants, their staff and their families.
Audiences of the relaxed performances have the opportunity to meet the company's dancers before the show and during intermission. These meetings are unforgettable moments for the guests as well as for the dancers of the company.
Relaxed performances history:
