4816, rue Rivard, Montréal (Québec) H2J 2N6 CANADA T. 514 849-4929 F. 514 849-6107 www.esbq.ca

Press release For immediate distribution

A Public Piano for Dancing in Front of L’École supérieure de ballet du Québec

Montréal, July 7, 2015 — A public piano, courtesy of the Le Plateau-Mont-Royal borough, will give young dancers at L’École supérieure de ballet du Québec a chance to warm up outdoors and present a few performances to passersby in the weeks to come. The instrument will be set up on the raised median at the corner of Rivard Street and Gilford Street until August 3, 2015.

“Piano is an integral part of ballet teaching. In fact, it’s impossible to imagine a class not accompanied by a pianist,” says Anik Bissonnette, Artistic Director of L’École supérieure. “Having a piano outdoors is truly a gift for our students, who can pair their passion for dance with the joys of summer.”

The month of July coincides with an intense training period for future professional dancers: the summer intensive gives them a chance to focus squarely on their art, since they are not required to take French or math courses during summer. As part of the summer intensive, L’École supérieure invites renowned ballet masters to join its teaching staff; among them are Bruno Cauhapé (former Opéra de Paris dancer), Robert Glumbeck (artistic associate of ProArteDanza) and James O’Hara (formerly of Ballet Preljocaj, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, and the Cedar Lake Dance Company).

L’École supérieure de ballet du Québec hires more than ten pianists to accompany all its classes in the professional program, the preparatory program and the recreational program (children and adults). The institution is also training tomorrow’s dancers and developing a musical accompanist program intended for pianists.

Warmups, Classes and Performances

Students at L’École supérieure take advantage of the public piano to warm up and stretch outdoors Monday to Friday at the following hours:

8:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. | 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. | 4 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. | 4:40 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Starting on July 13, young dancers will present short outdoor performances and improvisation at 5:30 p.m. STM users will be able to appreciate these performances while waiting for the 14, 27 and 47 buses at the Laurier metro station.

Weather permitting, teachers will also give short ballet and stretching classes as well as balletorats (personalized training sessions). “I encourage all the students and staff – each of whom is highly enthusiastic and creative – to take full advantage of this unique opportunity to perform in front of our building and promote our activities with the greater public,” says Anik Bissonnette.

In case of rain, all activities will be cancelled.

4816, rue Rivard, Montréal (Québec) H2J 2N6 CANADA T. 514 849-4929 F. 514 849-6107 www.esbq.ca

About Anik Bissonnette Anik Bissonnette was principal dancer with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal for over 17 years, and her artistry has been extensively showcased both nationally and abroad. Critically acclaimed for her mastery of classical technique and her musical sensibility, Ms. Bissonnette’s involvement with classical and modern dance broadened during her six-year tenure as President of the Regroupement québécois de la danse. Ms. Bissonnette’s career has been distinguished by some of the country’s most prestigious awards, including Officer of the Order of Canada (1995), Knight of the Order of Québec (1996), the Denise-Pelletier Award (2008) and the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Achievement (2014). As Artistic Director of L’École supérieure de ballet du Québec since 2010, Bissonnette is fully devoted to sharing her wisdom and talent with the next generation of dancers, preparing them for a professional future with the most reputable dance companies in the country and around the world.

About L'École supérieure de ballet du Québec Founded in 1952 by Ludmilla Chiriaeff, and incorporated in 1966 at the request of Québec's Ministry of Cultural Affairs, L’École supérieure de ballet du Québec's mission is to train students to become classical dancers of national and international calibre.

L’École supérieure de ballet du Québec sets the precedent for professional classical ballet training in Québec. The establishment is renowned for a superior level of dance perfection, research, and creation.

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For information : Lili Marin, Communications and Marketing Manager 514 849-4929, ext. 249