Happy new year

A Word from the Co-Presidency

Happy New Year to everyone!

We hope the holiday season provided you with a well-deserved moment of rest.

2025.

The first quarter of this century has marked a significant rise for dance in Quebec. Despite ongoing challenges, often exacerbated by still insufficient funding, our field has continued to grow and establish its presence. The number of artists and organizations has increased, driven by a thriving creative energy and an ecosystem woven together by deeply committed artists and cultural workers. They believe in dance as an essential art form and work tirelessly to nurture, challenge, evolve, and transform it, all while keeping its boundless potential in sight.

Our dances shine both locally and internationally, and Quebec remains a key player on the global stage. Dance has also taken deeper root across the entire province, thanks to the emergence of regional centers and numerous initiatives that must be strengthened. Everything feels fragile today.

At the dawn of 2025, amid growing social, economic, and environmental challenges, the importance of unity has never been clearer. Priorities include advocating for the conditions essential to the flourishing of dance, embracing cultural and artistic diversity, and addressing the needs of our communities. Much work remains, everything is in flux, and nothing can be taken for granted.

Dance is a demanding art form that requires conditions of practice that meet our needs at every level: training, creation, production, and distribution. As the future remains uncertain, the challenge is not only to preserve what we have but also to continue progressing and developing with ambition. To give up or settle for the minimum would be to betray the progress already made and hinder the momentum of future generations.

Therefore, let us set our course for 2025, a year of actions.

Looking forward to collaborating and making an impact together.

Sylvain and Sophie

A Word from the General Manager

Dear dance community,

The year 2025 has kicked off with a bang, carried by the northern winds. While we are busy with our various pressing matters, we are also keeping an eye on what lies ahead: the rise of Pierre Poilievre’s influence, the delayed announcement of the new president and CEO of CALQ, our need to develop stronger relations with this organization, the anticipation of the provincial budget, the new version of Montreal’s cultural policy, and the rumors surrounding a potential summit*… among many other things.

We will be with you, present on the ground in 2025. Every member of our team will be listening, fully engaged and attentive. To support this direction, I am pleased to announce the addition of two new members to our team : Gabriel Thériault, Head of Research and Political Analysis. Well-known in the emerging and alternative scene, a passionate dance enthusiast, Gabriel will leverage the knowledge gained during his Master’s studies in Political Science, his intelligence, and his extensive network. And also, Sarah Therrien, newly Communications Manager. Based in Quebec City, Sarah holds a DEC in Dance from the École de danse de Québec and a Bachelor’s degree in Public Communications with a focus on Public Relations. Passionate about dance and its creators, and with a diverse background in the cultural and community sectors, she brings a keen perspective on our industry and its environment.

By relocating its communications practice to Quebec City, the RQD takes another significant step in decentralizing its activities. Our goal is to broaden our perspective and increase our impact across the territory, promote the growth of new creative hubs, and cultivate partnerships. Points of contact with audiences must multiply, both on stage and in the digital space. Let us aim high, even amidst the uncertainty of the present moment.

While actions are being taken and battles continue without losing momentum, let’s explore what we can create from the constraints we currently face. In my opinion, there is only one way to stay strong and unyielding: to stand united. Your collegiality and transparency in 2024 have been our most valuable assets. Let’s continue along this path and remain united. The winter will feel less harsh.

May 2025 be the year of transcending what we are capable of achieving together. Wishing health and joy to each and every one of you, as well as to your loved ones!

Parise

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*A question for you: Do you remember the National Culture Summit by Canadian Heritage? It was in 2022. Just yesterday, in fact, and personally, I’ve forgotten what it was about. That says a lot about how little I was holding my breath waiting for its outcomes…