Ballets Jazz Montréal

Since 1972, Ballets Jazz Montréal has established itself as a global leader in jazz and contemporary dance. Over the past 50 years, the company has worked to deepen this choreographic language by incorporating other techniques such as classical, contemporary, modern dance, and even circus arts. This deeply rooted sense of exploration has significantly contributed to the international reputation of Ballets Jazz Montréal.

Founded by Geneviève Salbaing and Eva Von Gencsy, the company has been led by Alexandra Damiani since 2021. Of French origin and a major figure in the North American dance scene, she continues the company’s tradition by further developing its unique image through targeted and ambitious projects. With accessibility and quality as fundamental values, the company blends joy and humanity into its powerful and expressive pieces, with each creation being the result of a unique collaboration between choreographers and dancers.

With over 3,200 performances in 60 countries and an audience of more than 3 million people, Ballets Jazz Montréal is considered one of the leading ambassadors of Canadian dance worldwide. Collaborating with renowned choreographers, the company offers a repertoire that is accessible to all audiences. Each work, nuanced and often multidisciplinary, combines dance with other arts such as theater, video, and singing, allowing the unique personalities of the artists and the quality of their performances to shine and captivate audiences and critics across the globe.

Ballets Jazz Montréal will launch their 53rd season at the Théâtre du Châtelet with a series of performances of Dance Me – Music by Leonard Cohen from September 27 to October 5, 2024. This iconic piece will take its final bow at the end of 2025..
La pièce fera ensuite ses adieux à la scène fin 2025.

Later in the fall, the company will return to France with performances of Dance Me and the triple bill ESSENCE from November 30 to December 5, 2024.

The company will then explore a more intimate performance format with the recreation of Niebo Hotel by Christophe Garcia. This innovative, immersive experience will invite audiences to wander through Hôtel Germain Montréal, discovering a sequence of choreographic vignettes.

Following this, Ballets Jazz Montréal will begin the creation of a new repertoire piece, slated to premiere in the summer of 2025. This large-scale production, set to replace the iconic Dance Me, will continue to embody the company’s distinctive spirit.

« The technical excellence of the dancers is highlighted, the unisons reach near perfection, and the performers’ generosity brings energy to the stage. »

Élise Boileau, Dfdanse Magazine

« The company […] creates its own worlds in a captivating blend of classical and contemporary dance techniques, enriched with elements of theater and circus, as well as fascinating lighting. »
Ursula Hoffman, Allgemeine Zeitung

« Rarely is one given the privilege of witnessing such a display of excellence. Ballets Jazz Montréal, known for having some of the best dancers in the world, has lived up to its reputation. »

M. P., Le Midi Libre