An important figure in recent decades in dance in Quebec, teacher and coach Johanne Dor is the recipient of the Prix Fait à Québec for the year 2024.
A year later after having rewarded Fabien Piché during its first edition, the Groupe Danse Partout and the Grand Théâtre de Québec this year reward Johanne Dor, who notably assumed the direction of the Rotonde, in addition to teaching at the École de dance from Quebec.
This award was awarded earlier today, as part of the 14th Montreal Dance Awards ceremony, which was held at the studios of the Compagnie Marie Chouinard, in Montreal.
The jury wanted to highlight the significant impact of Johanne Dor on the world of dance in Quebec.
“Her rigor, her passion, her wisdom and her curiosity make this pioneer an essential figure who continues to inspire and support younger generations,” we mention.
Johanne Dor therefore received a $5,000 scholarship, in addition to 50 hours of studio time at the Maison pour la danse.
The Prix Fait à Québec highlights “an exceptional contribution to the artistic development of dance created in Quebec and Wendake.” It is one of the 11 prizes awarded in the Prix de la danse de Montréal.
Photo credit: David Cannon
A pioneering journey
Johanne Dor’s career began as a jazz teacher at the Louise Lapierre Dance School in Montreal. Her practice then diversified, as she became a choreographer, coach and teacher in different professional training schools.
It is found in particular in France, but also in Quebec and Canada. She works for Les workshops de danse moderne de Montréal inc. (LADMMI), which now bears the name École de danse contemporain de Montréal, as well as at Arts Umbrella in Vancouver.
As a performer, Johanne Dor dances for the Groupe Nouvelle Aire, Linda Rabin and Charles-Mathieu Brunelle.
In 1989, she joined the Danse Partout Group as a teacher, rehearsal director and artistic assistant to the Danse Partout Company, until it closed in 1996.
It was at this time that she became the first general and artistic director of the Rotonde, a position she held until 2007, the year of her return to teaching.
In 2021, Johanne Dor left teaching contemporary dance to devote herself to transmitting the Franklin method. She also continues her role as a coach in the higher education of the École de danse de Québec, where she also joined the teaching team of the general public groups.
Johanne Dor was also a member of various boards of directors, including that of the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec from 2001 to 2009. In 2000, she also won the Cultural Development Prize for her contribution to the development of dance in Quebec.
