BIG BANG is a 12-week dance program in contemporary dance held in Montreal, Canada.
Each year, Stéphanie Decourteille, in collaboration with teachers and guest interveners, offers two programs, each lasting 12 weeks (around 350 hours). The program ensures artists' PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT by reinforcing their technical dance skills and exposing them to diverse artistic, cultural and interdisciplinary approaches. It also offers a CREATIVE RESIDENCY, providing personalized support and guidance to artists as they research and create their own solo. Artists have the opportunity to present their "work-in-progress" solo at a public exhibition at the end of each program.
Who should apply ?
This program is designed for artists of 18 years old or over with a solid background in dance, performance, circus or acting. The program is trans-disciplinary and addresses a wide range of physical and artistic practices. Whether self-taught or previously trained, this program is open to anyone with a solid technical approach to dance, mature physicality, clear understanding and ease of movement. Each program welcomes artists from Quebec, Canada, and other countries, leading to the formation of diverse and dynamic groups. The mix of different cultural and artistic backgrounds in these groups encourages collaboration and shared learning, which in turn broadens the range of creative perspectives.
Choregraphic laboratories & "work-in-progress" solos
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A significant part of the program is dedicated to research and creation laboratories. The objective of these labs is to support each artist in developing their research on their artistic and choreographic authenticity. At the end of each program, the artists share a "work-in-progress" version of their solo and the research work done in front of an audience. A recording provides the artists with high-quality video and photo materials, enabling them to share these with companies, broadcasters, or funding organizations.
What are the educational objectives?
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The BIG BANG team is focused on supporting artists to acquire a solid technical skills base in dance, and to open up and learn a valuable artistic, cultural and interdisciplinary approach to the body in movement. Throughout the program, artists will be confronted with their own technical and physical challenges. Meeting these challenges will allow the artist to let go gradually and naturally, and to connect fully with their body and the sensations and emotions that arise throughout the process. This element of authenticity will help the artist listen to their instincts and recognize the creative freedom and confidence in their process. Through questioning, exchange and personalized support, the artist will develop their artistic maturity and their own body signature.
What is the content of the training?
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The BIG BANG dance program totals around 330 hours spread over 16 weeks. Each week, the training includes almost 28 hours of technical classes and workshops every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am to 5pm. Each program includes technical dance classes (contemporary dance, contemporary ballet barre, urban dance, etc), partnering workshops, floorwork, improvisation, choreographic exploration, contact-improvisation, choreographic creation, research and writing labs, workshops in anatomy and functional body movement analysis, discussion panels and workshops addressing various subjects in the dance world. The classes and workshops are teached in both French and English.
What are the core values?
Kindness is a fundamental value. It is at the heart of Stéphanie Decourteille's pedagogical approach and the program, creating an environment where artists can thrive, feel confident enough to take risks, challenge themselves, and create freely. This kindness must be embraced by all artists to ensure a respectful and harmonious workspace for everyone. Commitment is another cornerstone of the program. Every member of the teaching team is deeply dedicated to sharing their knowledge and supporting the artists in their processes of reflection and creation. This commitment is evident through their constant presence, attentive listening, and personalized support. In return, we expect total involvement from the artists. Punctuality, minimizing absences, and active participation in workshops and classes are crucial. Commitment to the program is essential to fully benefit from this unique and enriching experience.
What are the dates of the next programs?
PROGRAM #16 - AUTUMN
From September 8 to November 30, 2025
PROGRAM #15 - SPRING
From March 3rd to May 25th, 2025
Where is the training held?
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All classes and workshops are held at ESPACE OUVERT in Montréal. The space is 2000 square feet and includes a dressing room, a kitchenette, a study room, a bathroom, a relaxation space/mezzanine and a dancefloor of 1300 feet covered with a marley dance floor.
What are the prices?
FEE FOR PROGRAM #16
- 2 680$ tx. incl.
PAYMENT TERMS
- Option 1: $670 before May 31, 2025, and $1,980 before September 8, 2025
- Option 2: $670 before May 31, 2025, $670 before September 8, $670 before October 8,, and $670 before November 8.
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NOTE :Stéphanie Decourteille Danse is a recognized educational institution. Students who complete the training may be eligible for a tax credit for tuition fees they have paid.
VIDEO - AUDITION
To attend spring dance program
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A video-audition process is possible.
Please submit your resume and letter of intent to info@espace-ouvert.com. Additionally, include a video showcasing a dance improvisation (less than 2 minutes) and another video demonstrating floorwork (less than 2 minutes). Optionally, you may also provide a video discussing your artistic influences and creative vision.
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Deadline:
April 12, 2025
Team of teachers and guests speakers #9
Direction pédagogique et danse contemporaine : Stéphanie Decourteille
Coordonnatrice : Sarah Lafortune
Acrodanse : Nicole Jacobs
Ateliers de partenaire : Stéphanie Decourteille
Ateliers d'improvisation-dirigée : Stéphanie Decourteille
Ateliers multidisciplinaires : Maria Borello
Choreographic workshops: Stéphanie Decourteille and Louise Michelle Jackson
Creation workshop : Audrey Bergeron
​Repertoire workshop: Sophie Breton
​Ballet : Stéphanie Decourteille
Capoeira Angola Fabrice Koffy
Contemporary dance: Charles Alexis Dégagné
Échauffement, prévention et renforcement : Liliane Moussa
Essentric : Ellyn Ochs
Floorwork: Victoria Mackenzie
Flow et floorwork: Charles Brécard
Hip Hop FreeStyle: Jaleesa Coligny
Interpretation and theatre: Agathe Foucault
Jumpstyle: Camille Dubé
Krump: Vlad Laurore (7Star)
Research and creation lab: Stéphanie Decourteille
LFTDCLASS: Nicholas Bellefleur
Nutrition and performance: Alexia De Macar
Acrobatics: Gisle Henriet et Jérémie Robert
Video: Julien Blais
Wushu: Phi Nguyen
Yoga: Sarah Bueno Fredette and Ajouna Bao-Lavoie
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"I was already feeling an intense need to surpass myself physically and push my technique, but after my first experiences with Stephanie and her approach, at the summer workshops, that convinced me to do it. The formula was exactly what I needed, both in terms of physical intensity and diversity. Also, there is the very human side of Stephanie which immediately makes us feel in our place and which supports us. Throughout the training I felt that my body was unlocking and developing new paths through the movements and that my technique in general had come into being in a significant way. I also had the pleasure of noticing that I had developed my physical strength and progressed in areas I would not have believed, such as acrobatics. I recommend the training to any artist who hopes to do that for themselves."
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Camille Mougenot
BIG BANG graduate - Program 6
Testimonies
Graduates
program #14
26/08 to14/12/2024
Clara Barbieux
Desirée James
Flore Magnier
Jade Gallant
Jocelyn Snow​
Julianne Decerf
Kristopher Griffin​
Marie-Anouck Huard Lefebvre
Marlee Stephens
Sarah Buono Fredette
Shirley Gibbs
Sofya Kovalskaya
Sydney Bluck
Graduates
program #12
28/08 to 17/12/2023
Alice Marroquin-Éthier
Anja Raberanto
Anne-Charlotte Lajoie
Anthony L’Heureux
Christophe Bétournay
Elisabeth Bergeron
Inés Chiha
Kio
Kirandevi A.Naidu
Lorenzo Serafino
Margaux Vibert
Morgane Guillou​
Nicolas Sylvestre
Pascale Laliberté
Rhys Alexander Phillips
Sofya Kovalskaya
Sophie Groleau
Graduates
program #12
28/08 to 17/12/2023
Ana Perret-Halsouet
Angeline Bourgeault
Camille Robert
Chloé Jouffre
Christophe Bétournay
Daeva Miles
Emma Wallace
Estelle Beaulieu
​Ines Chiha
Lara Haikal
Manon Veissiere
Marc-Aurèle Euzenot
Marianna Yiannaki
Maya June
Sarah Roy
Sophie Groleau-Rouleau
Alice Fournier (artiste/étudiante)
Graduates program #11
23/01 to 14/05/2023
Alessia Moschettino
Alexa Bender
Amélie Albert
Constance Gadan
Danae Zeller Silva
Evane Gislard
Julianna Heft
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Kiera Whitla
Léna Roth
Maëva Houck
Maya Conway
Milena Sundari Nowak
Yule Burlefinger
Zenobia Cook
Graduates program #10
2022/08/29 to 2022/12/17
Alice Valinducq
Ambre Michel-Picque
Bowie Siu
Diane Cezard
Flora Spiga
Joshua Yates
Lorenzo Serafino
Manon Burtin
Megan Gaudreault
Millie Brinck-Dubuc
Nicolas Sylvestre
Sarah Marie Benninghoff
Tina Donzelle
Graduates program #9
2022/01/17 to 2022/05/13
Aicha Benchaâboune
Angelica Zuenko
Camélia Letendre
Ciro Melgaço
Eva-Maria Eder
Juliette Ieva
Lisa Natalia Cabrera Lozano
Manon Serignat-Daléas
Megan LeBlanc
Myrtille Michallet
Nicole Jacobs
Nikki Theroux
Sarah Lafortune
Solana Del Bel Belluz
Graduates program #8
2021/08/23 to 2021/12/17
Catherine Jeannotte
Châtelaine Côté-Rioux
Claire Cherriere
Estelle Wecking
Eva André
Fanny B. Poulin
Jacinthe Desjardins
Johanna Simon
Lola Thirard
Marie-Éve Quenneville
Nicole Jacobs
Soléne Laurin-Laliberté
Sarah Lafortune
Rachelle Alexandra Fleury
Graduates program #7
2021/01/25 to 2021/05/21
Antonin Desmarais
Audrey Sargent
Cachou Trudel-Langevin
Laura Borello Bellemare
Samuel Terzis
Anna-Maude Lamontagne
Camille Mougenot
Camille Scully
Laurie Gaudichon
Jeanne Théroux-Laplante
Marianne Mercier-Dulac
Samuel Terzis
Shania Leblanc
Graduates program #6
2020/08/24 to 2020/12/18
Florine Gall
Samuel Terzis
Sarah Lafortune
Thibault Ayrinhacz
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Laura Perron
Samuel Terzis
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Graduates program #4
2019/08/26 to 2019/12/19
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Graduates program #3
2019/01/14 to 2019/05/09
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Graduates program #2
2018/08/28 to 2018/12/16
Aram Dermenjian
Sophia El Iraki
Thaïna Rosinvil
Etienne-St Pierre
Rameez Karim
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Sophia El Iraki
Gabriela Jovian-Mazon
Camélia Letendre
Etienne-St Pierre
Pénélope Quevillon
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Graduates program #1
16/01 au 04/05/2018
Be Heintzman-Hope
Chanel Cheiban
Chelsea Chen
Shanyca Eli-Leconte
Thaïna Rosinvil
Pénélope Quevillon​