BIG BANG | Intensive training in contemporary dance

WORKSHOPS

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

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.

objectifs

What are the educational objectives?

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.

Contenu

What is the content of the training?

The BIG BANG dance program totals around 350 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.

Planning

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.

Dates

What are the dates of the next programs?

PROGRAM #14 - AUTUMN

From August 26 to December 14, 2024

PROGRAM #15 - SPRING

From March 3rd to May 25th, 2025

Where is the training held?

Lieu

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.

Tarifs

What are the prices?

FEE FOR PROGRAM #15

- 2 640$ tx. incl.

PAYMENT TERMS

- Option 1: $660 before December 15, 2024, and $1,980 before March 3, 2025

- Option 2: $660 before December 15, 2024, $660 before March 3, $660 before April 3, and $660 before May 3, 2025.

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.

RQD support

CALQ Grants

CAC Grants

Audition

POUR APPLIQUER À

LA FORMATION

CONTINUE

VIDEO - AUDITION

To attend spring dance program

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.

Deadline:

October 20, 2024

Professeurs

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

Temoignag

"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."

Camille Mougenot

BIG BANG graduate - Program 6

Testimonies

Finissants

Graduates program #11

23/01 to 14/05/2023

Alessia Moschettino

Alexa Bender

Amélie Albert

Constance Gadan

Danae Zeller Silva

Evane Gislard