“More than simple entertainment, artistic choices can carry an alternative message. By allowing the best in us to bloom, we have the power to change. Transform the way we see ourselves and others… A profound desire for harmony linked to the strong conviction that happiness is indeed at arm’s reach, as well as a thirst for the exotic and openness to the cultures of others, these are the ingredients that have guided my steps in the elaboration of the great adventure that is dance.”
Two events have had a decisive influence on my professional career: my discovery of Maurice Béjart’s Messe pour un temps présent and my encounter with Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal in 1972.
Working for Les Grands Ballets Canadiens shaped my artistic itinerary. I have very fond memories of the many inspiring and exceptional encounters I had there. Choreographers such as James Kudelka, Nacho Duato, Jiří Kylián, Hans Van Manen or Edouard Lock inspired me to seek through perseverance and true effort the satisfaction of a job well done. The many people I’ve met along the way, whether they were choreographers, managers or creators, helped me articulate a personal approach to performance and dance which continues to guide me to this day.
The projects I carried out afterwards with Bande-à-Part – which later became Danse-Théâtre de Montréal –paved the way for new challenges and new responsibilities. I learned how to engender and uphold an artistic vision, while also managing resources.
The transition from dancing to directing the artistic activities of a company was one of the biggest challenges I have had to face. While the dancer has to focus on his own career, the artistic director must learn how to develop and nurture such qualities as empathy, respect and altruism.
Today, at BJM, I look to the future; continually repositioning the company, while also innovating and acquiring new knowledge. Our raison d’être is to generate a unique encounter with the public. Through BJM, I want to embellish everyday life, bring happiness where it is most needed. When we feel a certain magic at the end of a performance, I know that this kind of encounter has truly taken place.
Born in France, Céline began studying dance as a child at the Conservatoire National de Danse d’Avignon. In 1993, she joined the Deutsch Oper Berlin for one year and then, the following season, the Badisches Staatstheater Karlsruhe for four years. She then enrolled in the Béjart Ballet Lausanne, under the direction of Maurice Béjart, where she performed many solo roles. It was also as a soloist that she joined, in 1999, the Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève. Céline has had the opportunity to take part in many innovative contemporary productions while also working with internationally renowned choreographers. She performed in several international galas and was the recipient, in 2006, of the « Étoile de Ballet 2000 » dance award. Deciding to acquire the freedom to accept a variety of new challenges, Céline became an independent artist in 2008. She was part of Morphoses, choreographer Christopher Wheeldon’s company. She is now currently working with choreographer Benjamin Millepied’s group (New York) and with BJM DANSE MONTRÉAL as a dancer and as assistant Artistic Director.
Originally from Colombia, Roberto graduated from the Colombian institute of Ballet Clasico INCOLBALLET in Cali-Colombia and joined after the Ballet de Cali under the direction of Gloria Castro. In 1991 he won the silver medal in the international competition in Trujillo- Peru and in 1995 he was nominated to receive an award for “The best Calssical Dancer in Venezuela”. Since 1993 he has worked as a Soloist dancer with many companies: Ballet Contemporaneo de caracas- Venezuela dir.Maria Eugenia Barrios”, Northern Ballet Theatre- England “dir.Christopher Gable”, Ballet Florida- Usa “dir. Marie hale”, Ballet Biarritz- France “dir. Thierry Malandin” and Aterballetto- Italy “dir. Mauro Bigonzetti”, where he became maitre de ballet and maitre repetiteur in 2006.
