Ballets Jazz Montréal

Emerging from a collaboration between Geneviève Salbaing, Eva Von Gencsy and Eddy Toussaint in 1972, Ballets Jazz Montréal is a repertory company that creates, produces and presents contemporary dance performances based on the technique, rigour and aesthetics of classical ballet. Its work consistently appears on local, national and international stages. Directed by Alexandra Damiani since June 2021, the company offers its artists a high-level professional ballet training and gives internationally renowned choreographers the freedom to develop their artistic process in keeping with BJM’s identity. In doing so, the company is able to create an exclusive repertoire that is accessible to all.
As Artistic Director from 1998 to 2020, Louis Robitaille reoriented the company toward audiences open to new choreographic forms. He linked BJM with rising names in the world of contemporary dance, such as Crystal Pite, Aszure Barton and others. The company also regularly collaborates with internationally renowned choreographers, including Mauro Bigonzetti, Andonis Foniadakis, Itzik Galili, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, Barak Marshall, Benjamin Millepied, Rodrigo Pederneiras, Ihsan Rustem and Cayetano Soto. In June 2021, Alexandra Damiani took over the artistic direction to further develop the company’s mission and its major projects. She can trust a team of dancers of international level, who embody the vitality and artistic openness of the company since its origins.
Every piece created for BJM remains faithful to an aesthetic exerting a positive influence. With accessibility and quality as its key values, the company has managed to incorporate enjoyment into creations that are strong, expressive and demanding. The distinctive personality and high calibre of its performers ensure the company’s sustained success and reputation. Through its many productions, performances and educational activities, BJM is able to encourage discovery, stimulate imagination and democratize dance, all while sharing with local and international audiences its deep passion for this discipline. Having presented more than 2,000 performances for over 2 million fans in 67 countries, BJM is a true ambassador of Canadian dance and artistic vitality across the globe.
During its 2021-2022 season, the company celebrated 50 years of history, ballets, tours and connections with its public.