Awards and Honours
Awarded to Pierre Des Marais
Since 1998, in the heart of Montréal, Danse Danse has been promoting dance through the vision of its co-founder and Artistic and Executive Director, Pierre Des Marais. His work at the helm of the organization has been recognized with numerous awards and honours.
Tribute Award
At each of its Biennales, CINARS celebrates inspiring individuals whose dedication and achievements have had a lasting impact on the performing arts. At the 2024 CINARS Awards, Pierre Des Marais was honoured with the prestigious Tribute Award. This distinction recognizes an individual who has made a significant mark on the performing arts through their commitment, leadership, and influence, and highlights an outstanding contribution to the vitality and reach of live performance.
Recognition Prize
Each year, through its Recognition Prize, the Partenariat du Quartier des spectacles pays tribute to artists, creators, and professionals whose careers are closely tied to the Quartier. In 2024, Pierre Des Marais was honoured alongside seven other notable figures. A portrait video projection in his honour was displayed on the façade of the WILDER Building | Espace danse, from September 26 to November 6, 2024.
Cultural Manager
Les Prix de la Danse de Montréal 2023 in the category Gestionnaire·s Culturel·le·s (Cultural Manager), presented by Diagramme-gestion culturelle, was awarded to Pierre Des Marais in recognition of his exceptional talent, bold vision, entrepreneurial spirit, undeniable leadership, great capacity for risk-taking and unwavering commitment to the artistic and cultural community over many years.
Cultural Manager Award - HEC
In 2018, at the sixth edition of the Cultural Manager Award, Pierre Des Marais was named a recipient alongside another honouree. The award was presented by François Colbert, holder of the Carmelle and Rémi-Marcoux Chair in Arts Management at HEC Montréal.
"Pierre Des Marais embodies boldness. Through his insightful vision, he has led Danse Danse toward new horizons, helping contemporary dance thrive in Québec."
Awards presented by Danse Danse
Danse Danse celebrates excellence and dedication by presenting awards that honour artists and cultural figures whose contributions to the performing arts help elevate and promote dance.
Ethel Bruneau Prize
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.
Prix Danse Danse
Each year, as part of the graduation ceremony at the École supérieure de ballet du Québec, the Danse Danse Award is presented to a graduate who has stood out through their dedication and consistent commitment.
Ana Sofia Natera Marquez (2025), Alexie Morlot (2024), Clara Koçollari (2023).