Two students at the heart of an avant-garde creation presented at the Agora de la danse
“Isabelle Van Grimde is an artist who successfully explores the new possibilities inherent in digital technologies with stunning multidisciplinary works. Our young dancers are lucky to be able to take part in this artistic process, which is unlike any other in Quebec.”
— Anik Bissonnette, artistic director of L’École supérieure
At the invitation of choreographer Isabelle Van Grimde, 12-year-old Samaël Maurice and 14-year-old Maya Robitaille-Lopez joined the creative team while continuing to pursue their courses in the professional program at L’École supérieure. “I was extremely proud when Isabelle spoke to me about the work done by Samaël and Maya,” says Anik Bissonnette. “Throughout the lengthy process of creation and rehearsals, they conducted themselves like real pros, and she didn’t even realize they were kids!”
Students in the professional program at L’École supérieure are given the opportunity to gain experience on stage through the annual show as well as various collaborations with renowned cultural organizations, such as the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, the Orford Festival and the Fondation de la Place des Arts.
Students devote between three and five hours per day to dance, and their schedule is specially designed to ensure that no subject matter is neglected with the objective of helping them become complete artists and athletes, responsible citizens, and educated people who give back to the community. The teaching is regularly enriched with the presence of renowned guest ballet masters and teachers from all around the world.
Samaël Maurice began his training at L’École supérieure de ballet du Québec in 2008. Since 2014, he has taken part in the annual show presented at salle Pierre-Mercure by students in the professional program. In 2013 and 2014, respectively, he was in the cast of The Nutcracker presented by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, first as one of the Children at the Party, and then in the role of Fritz. Also in 2014, he served as an extra in the Paris Opera Ballet production of Paquita, then in the Houston Ballet production of Marie-Antoinette. Both productions were presented at Place des Arts. ** Maya Robitaille-Lopez** has been a student in the professional program at L’École supérieure de ballet du Québec for more than six years. She has taken part in the annual show presented at Salle Pierre-Mercure in May, and in 2012 she took part in the choreographed unveiling of La Petite Danseuse by Degas at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. She also performed as one of the Children of the Party, then as a white sheep, in The Nutcracker presented by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens.
SYMPHONIE 5.1, A WORK BY VAN GRIMDE CORPS SECRETS at the Agora de la danse from January 27 to 30, 2016