Alexandre Chabot
Anik Bissonnette / O.C., C.Q.
« Je ne peux pas me passer de la danse. C'est ma vie. C'est la danse qui m'a appris comment passer des épreuves, comment vivre. »
biography
After making a name for herself on the national and international stage, where she garnered critical acclaim for her flawless classical dance technique and her great musical sensibility, Anik Bissonnette was appointed Artistic Director and co-CEO of L’École supérieure in May 2010.
As principal dancer of Montreal’s Les Grands Ballets Canadiens from 1989 to 2006, Anik Bissonnette was frequently invited to dance great classical roles with prestigious international companies. She has worked with some of the most renowned choreographers of our time, including James Kudelka, William Forsythe, Jirí Kylián, Ohad Naharin, Nacho Duato, Ginette Laurin, José Navas and Nils Christe. She has danced in major events around the world, in locations such as Paris, Melbourne, Vienna, Helsinki and New York.
Anik Bissonnette took over the artistic helm of the Festival des Arts de Saint-Sauveur in 2004. That same year, she became President of the Regroupement québécois de la danse, where she remained until 2010. From 2008 to 2010, she was also Director of the dance company La La La Human Steps.
In 1995, she was made an Officer of the Order of Canada (O.C.) and in 1996 became a Knight of the National Order of Quebec (C.Q.). In 2005, she received the People’s Choice award at the Budapest Ballet Gala, and in 2008 was awarded the Quebec government’s Prix Denise-Pelletier for lifetime achievement as a performing artist.
experience
2008 - 2010 La La La Human Steps
1989-2006 Grands Ballets Canadiens
1979-1989 Ballet de Montréal Eddy Toussaint