Faye Driscoll received the 2024 Grand Prix de la danse de Montréal, during a ceremony Tuesday morning at the Baryshnikov Studio of the Compagnie Marie Chouinard. The American-born choreographer was rewarded for her work entitled Weatheringwhich was presented at Usine C during the Festival TransAmériques last June.
« Weathering is an experience as powerful as it is sublime which echoes the tragedies and hopes of the contemporary world”, justified the independent international jury through a press release.
The Montreal Dance Awards, which have existed since 2011, annually highlight “the excellence of dance artists who have performed on Quebec stages”. Created by choreographer Marie Chouinard, they have the support of numerous partners, such as Quebecor, the City of Montreal, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, the Conseil des arts de Montréal, the Caisse Desjardins de la Culture and the Regroupement Quebecois of dance. Eleven prizes were awarded in total. The Grand Prize comes with a $25,000 scholarship.
Anik Bissonnette, artistic director of the École supérieure de ballet du Québec, hosted the event, but the ballerina also won the Outstanding Contribution award.
“A dance icon in Quebec and internationally, Anik had a brilliant career as principal dancer with the Grands Ballets Canadiens. His influence is immense, thanks to his constant commitment and his remarkable achievements,” judged the members of the board of directors of the Prix de la danse de Montréal.
The best performer award was given to Nindy Banks, who stands out in contemporary dance and street dance. Krump dancer Valérie “Taminator” Chartier was honored for best choreographic work, for her solo Thinpresented during Lab-Diff 2 at Tangente.
Vías, a collective founded by Diana Léon and Paco Ziel, was crowned Revelation of the Year. “Resonant with the artistic heritage of Quebec, their choreographic creations are characterized by sharing and collaboration, giving life to festive moments and celebrating their original culture with contagious energy in a spirit of inclusion,” explains the press release.
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