LE GRAND CONTINENTAL
It can be festive, intoxicating, a unifying force. It flirts with the tango, the waltz, cha-cha-cha, merengue, rock and disco, and thousands of Quebecers have embraced it over the past half century.
Now line dancing has ventured into new territory with Le grand continental by Sylvain Émard. Renowned for the elegance and finesse of his choreography, this leading figure on the Montreal contemporary dance scene has created an intriguing mix of contemporary dance and this traditional folk art, unleashing a breath of fresh air on Émery Street. The piece involves some sixty line dance enthusiasts of varying ages, both professional and amateur dancers. By attracting audiences from diverse backgrounds, by transforming line dancing without distorting it, this mad enterprise may very well urge many spectators to pick up the line dancing torch themselves. Evening performance, with a DJ.
Choreography : Sylvain Émard
Professionnal performers : Nathalie Blanchet, Alan Lake, Nicolas Patry, Catherine Viau
Original Music : Martin Tétreault
Lighting Design : Lucie Bazzo, Diane Labrosse
Production : Sylvain Émard Danse (Montréal)
Coproduction : Festival TransAmériques
Copresentation : la Société de développement du Quartier latin
This project benefited from the support of Circuit-Est centre chorégraphique
Text: Fabienne Cabado
English Translation: Neil Kroetsch
Photos: Yves Médam
Photomontage: Folio et Garetti