As a talent incubator, Les Grands Ballets believes strongly in the importance of preparing the next generation of artists and professionals and ensuring that it has a place waiting for them.
As a world-class ballet company, we are a standard bearer for Canadian excellence and identity and have a responsibility to train a new generation of talent befitting our national and international reputation.
For Artistic Director Ivan Cavallari, it’s critically important to give young dancers an opportunity to join the company as apprentices after completing their professional instruction—a starting point from which they can work toward more senior positions in the world of dance. No fewer than 24 supernumerary dancers are hired every year for The Nutcracker, not including the 120-to-125 children who enjoy the incredible experience of appearing on a professional stage!
Les Grands Ballets supports the cultivation of a new generation of choreographers, starting with its own dancers, by holding “À Suivre” choreography workshops every year at its Studio-Theatre. It also invites some of its dancers and former dancers, such as Vanesa G.R. Montoya and Andrew Skeels, to create new productions that become part of its regular lineup. But Les Grands Ballets Canadiens hasn’t forgotten emerging international choreographers either. Every year, it invites foreign talent like Étienne Béchard, Garrett Smith and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa to come to Montreal.
A Conductor with the Wind in Her Sails
Dina Gilbert, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens’ Principal Conductor, is one of the music world’s most inspiring up-and-coming talents. Hailing from Quebec’s Beauce region, the young conductor is known for her energy, precision and versatility. She is just as excited to interpret classics of the symphonic repertoire as she is to tackle brand new compositions.
Dancers and Career Transitioning
Les Grands Ballets helps it dancers move on to the next phase of their professional lives by supporting the Dancer Transition Resource Centre (DTRC), which provides counselling services, skills grants, mentoring and job shadowing experiences. It also offers its dancers professional learning and recruitment opportunities through two of its organizations, the National Centre for Dance Therapy and Les STUDIOS, to make transitioning from a career as a professional dancer easier.
Preserving a Tradition of Philanthropy
Les Grands Ballets also hopes to preserve a tradition of philanthropy, helping ensure its own future and the continued availability of artistic talent. The mission of the Jeunes Gouverneurs, a committee of young professionals between ages 25 and 45, is to educate a new generation on charitable giving and the importance of supporting the arts and the community by holding networking and fundraising activities in support of Les Grands Ballets.
