Month of movement
April is the Month of Dance in Laval!
With Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal as headliners and a spot reserved for young Laval professionals as well, the Month of Dance is back and in better form for its second edition.
Along with the BJM, many other performers will pique curiosity including a rare visit from renowned choreographer Hélène Blackburn and her Barbe-Bleue on April 27th, or the Belgian company ZIGomars, here to present Plus vite que tes yeux on April 18th.
"Dance has been neglected in our programming for awhile. This is as much for the artists as for the public. We wanted to do something unique for April, in order to develop the discipline and make contemporary dance more accessible, give it centre stage," said François Hurtubise from the Arts bureau of Laval.
"It's perfect timing for this initiative. I've often danced on the stage in the Maison des arts and I don't understand the lack of attention given to this art form. To top it off, the hall is perfect for dance, we feel the proximity of the viewers," said Pascale Lalonde, also part of the team of organizers.
Ballets Jazz de Montréal
If the gathering of the specialized schools from Envol Danse is setting the tone for the event, from April 4th to 13th, it is the BJM that will close the event in style on April 26th. The group still maintains its joie de vivre and vibrant style. "The BJM has adapted to the evolution of dance while remaining connected with the public and also endorsing new and local choreographers," said Pascale Lalonde.
The BJM will be performing MAPA and Les chambres de Jacques, two completely different routines - one very intimate, and the other full of the explosive pleasure of dance.
Youth
Many young Laval artists practicing contemporary dance will be showing off their talents as well, including students from Montmorency with their Tanz Danse troop.
The public will also be offered an evening of Discovering Dance on April 12th, where a variety of groups will take the stage. "If you're not too thrilled with one approach, you may like the next. It's a wonderful opportunity to appreciate different types and styles of contemporary dance," said François Hurtubise.
Exploring
On April 13th in the afternoon residents are invited to participate in the Spectateur à l'oeuvre workshop from the organization La Danse sur les routes du Québec . After watching a routine, the workshop will teach participants how to appreciate the subtleties of dance. A brunch will be served. Those who buy tickets for the BJM show or to Discovering Dancewill receive a free pass for the workshop that is limited to 50 people.
"With this variety of artistic expression, the day is coming when we can program dance throughout the season," said Hurtubise.
The Month of Dance is taking place from April 4th to 27th at the Laval Maison des Arts (1395, boul. De la Concordia Ouest) as well as the Salle André-Mathieu (475, boul. de l'Avenir). Information: 450-662-4440.
PHOTO DIGITALE MoisDanse 3
PHOTO DIGITALE MoisDanse 4
(Photos: Martin Alarie)
"We wanted to do something unique for April, in order to develop the discipline and make contemporary dance more accessible, give it centre stage."
- François Hurtubise
Météo: Laval, 12 mai 2008 / 13°C
/ Ciel variable
/ Vents: 11 Km/h / Humidité relative: 47 % 
Steven Guilbeault - 
