Awards and Honours

Sophie Michaud has worked behind the scenes for generations as a rehearsal director for renowned companies and choreographers. Her discreet yet crucial role has helped bring rich, cohesive works to full maturity—from their earliest stages to public performance. As a creative assistant, she has fostered connections between choreographers, performers, and artistic collaborators, offering a clear vision and thoughtful support at every level. Sophie Michaud has also distinguished herself through her in-depth documentation of the essential role of the rehearsal director—a central and demanding position in the choreographic creation process.

Active since the early 1980s, David Dundas, also known as DKC Freeze, is regarded as a living archive within Canada’s street dance community—one who has sparked change and brought a renewed vision. A passionate self-taught artist devoted to youth in his community, he has poured his heart and soul into encouraging young people to engage actively in their environment. He also founded one of Montréal’s longest-running street dance events. A mentor for over 40 years, he embodies the values of generosity, sharing, pride, and achievement that continue to inspire the street dance community.

Working behind the scenes, Ginelle Chagnon has been instrumental in bringing major choreographic projects to life within companies such as Danse Partout, Montréal Danse, the Jean-Pierre Perreault Foundation, and Fortier Danse-Création. She has also mentored many emerging dance artists. Ginelle has mastered the art of breathing life into works—through body language, interpretive nuance, musicality, and overall structure—while honouring each choreographer’s unique voice.

The Ethel Bruneau Award selection committee wishes to shine a light on the vital work of Louise Lapierre, a leading figure in dance education in all its forms. Since 1973, countless dancers have stepped onto the studio floors of her school. Through this remarkable woman, generations have fallen in love with dance, been deeply moved by the discipline, and committed themselves—body and soul—to movement. Whether professional or not, she has guided and supported them with care, and above all, shared her passion.

Affectionately nicknamed “Miss Swing” or “the Queen of Tap,” Ethel Bruneau has had an extraordinary career as both an artist and educator. A performer, choreographer, and teacher for over 70 years, this multi-talented icon has devoted herself to her art with passion and excellence. Whether on stage alongside the greatest artists of her generation or in the studio with thousands of students of all ages, she continues to share her deep love and vast knowledge of tap dance.

Ana Sofia Natera Marquez (2025), Clara Koçollari (2024), Alexie Morlot (2023), Claire Campbell (2019), Rose Trahan (2018), Constance Auby (2017), Pierre-Émile Lemieux-Venne (2016), Ève-Marie Dalcourt (2015), Mariya Kyrychenko (2014).