A NEW ERA FOR BALLETS JAZZ MONTRÉAL

tbougiouris
5 days ago
3 min read

Alexandra Damiani will take on the role of Artistic and Executive Director of the company.

Following a reflection initiated by Stéphane Labbé shortly after his arrival at Ballets Jazz Montréal (BJM), the company is entering a new era in its history.

This decision stems from a strategic process undertaken in collaboration with Alexandra Damiani and the Board of Directors, based on a clear observation: in order to fully carry out its mission and ambitions, BJM needed to review its governance and place artistry at the core of its decisions. This reorganization includes the renewal of the board of directors, which gave the company the necessary momentum to adopt a more agile organizational model, aligned with its artistic aspirations and overall mission.

As of today, Alexandra Damiani will assume both the artistic and executive direction of Ballets Jazz Montréal, a unified role designed to better meet the company’s needs and reaffirm its commitment to its dancers, creations, and audiences.

Stéphane Labbé is stepping down as Executive Director after guiding BJM through a period of transformation. However, he will remain as an advisor to the company’s leadership and presidency this fall, ensuring a smooth and structured transition with the entire team.

“This new chapter is certainly a challenge, but also an honor. I am inspired by the team’s trust and grateful to Stéphane for his unwavering support during this transition. Together, we have laid the foundation for a coherent model, one that is undeniably aligned with what is best for BJM.”

— Alexandra Damiani, Artistic and Executive Director

“Shortly after I joined BJM, I felt the need to rethink our structure in order to better serve our mission. What we are building today is a more agile company, centered on its artists and driven by a strong artistic vision. I am proud of the strides made, and confident in leaving BJM in the best hands.”

— Stéphane Labbé, Outgoing Executive Director

During his tenure, Stéphane Labbé left a lasting mark on BJM through his visionary leadership, his great rigor, and his sense of humanity. His contribution to the sustainability of the company will remain invaluable.

“The reflection initiated by Stéphane, with the support of our board colleagues, allowed us to envision this new organization for BJM. His sincere desire to harmonize artistic vision with strategic direction guided the entire process. This transformation would not have been possible without his conviction, generosity, and clarity. We are deeply grateful to him and wish him the very best moving forward.

"When you attend a BJM performance, it is the dance—carried by the exceptional talent of its performers—that moves us. I am convinced that with Alexandra at the helm, the company will continue to bring us powerful moments of emotion.”

— Anie Perrault, Chair of the Board of Directors of BJM

Ballets Jazz Montréal expresses its profound gratitude to the members of its board of directors, whose commitment and vision were essential in making this new governance a reality. Thanks to their invaluable contribution, the company enters this new stage of its evolution with confidence, guided by a vision turned toward the future.

Board of Directors

President

Anie Perrault, Chair, Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB)

Ex Officio President

François Vaqué, Public Relations Manager, Navigator

Secretary

Brigitte Nepveu, Lawyer, Brigitte Nepveu Avocate Inc.

Treasurer and Chair of the GAGR Committee

Valérie Bergeron, CPA, Vice-President Finance, Génome Québec

Administrators

John Bargelletti, Managing Director & Portfolio Manager, Lafayette Capital Asset Management LLC

Catherine Cardinal, Vice-President, Mercure