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Closer, Kosmos and Harry

Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal By Jessica Alley

BJM | Kosmos by Andonis Foniadakis | Clip

Artists of Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal in Andonis Foniadakis' Kosmos

To watch Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal (BJM) perform is to better understand the tireless athleticism and skill that high-voltage contemporary ballet demands. Founded in 1972 and originally known for a style that blended jazz dance with traditional ballet technique, the company has grown and evolved with the times, largely due to Louis Robitaille who became artistic director in 1998. The company now works with internationally renowned choreographers in an explorative, research-based approach to create contemporary pieces that are a result of these collaborations. With a repertoire now rooted in contemporary ballet, the company still maintains its high energy, dynamic, “jazzed-up” aesthetic, hoping to remain accessible to both new and veteran audiences.

BJM performs in Toronto May 23 for the first time in over a decade. The mixed bill features three works by three esteemed choreographers: Closer by France’s Benjamin Millepied, Kosmos by Greece-born Andonis Foniadakis and Harry by Israel-based Barak Marshall. See event list here and learn more at sonycentre.ca.

Posted May 20, 2015

Political Bodies

Public protest on the land now called Canada often disrupts the rhythms of everyday life. Dance, when used in and as protest, entails the work of remembrance and caring for difficult histories, memories and stories. Elan Marchinko explores four performative works that engage in protest: The Holomodor Project, Meridian, Bearing and Blackout. Included are Rodney Diverlus’s choreographer’s notes.

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