Transatlantique Montréal 2009 / Quartiers danses : Taking stock of this year’s handsome results
The 7th edition of Transatlantique Montréal, from Septembre 17 to October 4th, was a success and proved once more that the Festival reaches and convinces its public, and is becoming established for the future. Under the meaningful heading “Quartiers Danses”, we have presented 28 shows, 20 choreographers, 9 filmmakers to the public, and we organized 11 meetings between the artists and the public. We also had 4 visual artists presenting photos and video exhibitions on dance. 9 new creations and 5 Montreal premieres were offered to rooms filled with curious, interested and enthusiastic audiences… What a reward that was! We could not hope for more! We have been able to build up a loyal audience, with a 52% increase in 2009.
In its mission to democratize and promote dance in its most contemporary and urban aspects, Transatlantique Montréal has carved out a unique niche over the years, specific and remarkable, appreciated by the artists and the public alike. The Festival presented choreographers and local performers and artists whom it would be difficult to see outside the Montréal Quartiers.
This 7th edition offered different styles of dance, new approaches to choreography, new vocabularies by both young artists and confirmed ones. And we did this in a very simple and convivial way that attracted the curiosity of the Montréal citizens. We have also presented several artists and filmmakers from this edition in Quebec City and in Vancouver, thanks to the support and the complicity of our partners: La Rotonde, Centre Chorégraphique Contemporain of Quebec City and Vancouver’s Dance Centre.
Is this the way to achieve success? Rafik Hubert Sabbagh, General and Artistic Director of Transatlantique Montréal commented: “It certainly helps ! But we know that we still have a lot to do in order to democratize culture in Montréal and to bring together a much larger popular audience. We must continue to strive towards that goal, as culture is important for all of us. It helps us grow and open ourselves to our humanness.”
Transatlantique Montréal expresses its grateful thanks to all artists, to the subsidizing agencies, its sponsors, its cultural partners, all those who volunteers, and above all our faithful public.
We hope to see you next year september 10 to 26 for the 8th edition of Transatlantique Montréal.
Transatlantique Montréal / Quartiers Danses team
