By going out into the world, the company aims to reach new audiences, spark a sense of wonder, stimulate the imagination and transmit the passion and love of dance beyond our borders.
Touring is essential to maintaining the prestige and global visibility of Les Grands Ballets, recognized both nationally and internationally as one of the world's leading dance companies. As it is committed to making art a more accessible experience, the company doesn’t limit itself to major urban centers.
Touring is also an excellent way to attract and retain worldclass dancers and choreographers in Montreal. In addition, tours provide a showcase for our talent and expertise around the world, allowing our dancers and artists to present their work in the world’s top venues.
As a cultural ambassador for Montréal, Les Grands Ballets is committed to organizing two tours a year, in Canada and abroad. Since its beginnings, it has performed in over 300 cities in 30 countries including Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Israel, Oman, Egypt, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece and China, as well as Canada and the U.S.
Tour preparations usually get under way at least a year in advance. Preliminary work includes conducting site visits to identify any technical constraints of the venue to be visited.
Joliette
Festival de Lanaudière, Amphithéâtre Fernand-Lindsay
July 26, 2024
Suite Paquita, Giselle (pas de deux), In Honour Of, Spartacus (pas de deux) and Complete (Symphony No. 5)
Mexico Tour (details to be confirmed)
Quebec
Grand Théâtre de Québec, Salle Louis-Fréchette
Date to be confirmed
Dancing Beethoven
Ottawa
National Arts Centre, Southam Hall
December 5 to 8, 2024
The Nutcracker
Sherbrooke
Salle Maurice-O'Bready, Centre culturel de l’Université de Sherbrooke
May 1, 2025
Desire, Jeunehomme, Sechs Tänze
On average, Les Grands Ballets’ travels involve some 50 people, including:
For The Nutcracker, that number climbs to 100 people, not including the 80 extras hired in every city where the show is performed. Traditionally, Les Grands Ballets is invited to stage the mega-production in Quebec City every two years.
Whenever it leaves on tour, Les Grands Ballets brings along its sets, costumes and any other props and accessories necessary for the production. It also brings the sound and lighting equipment required to meet the specific needs of each production, which are often not available in the venues it visits. All in all, between 8,000 and 12,000 kilograms of equipment has to be shipped by sea or air, depending on the timeframe. Clearly, leaving on tour is a substantial logistical and budgetary challenge. Not to mention having to adapt to a different culture and working with a local technical crew.
The associated budget is considerable, and the fees collected by Les Grands Ballets for its performances abroad never quite cover all its expenses. The extraordinary costs involved are so great that the company is sometimes forced to decline invitations. The support of donors, partners, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec and in some cases the Canada Council for the Arts is vital to our efforts to win over and inspire all our audiences.
Innovative, daring, with exceptional standards of creativity, presentation and execution, Les Grands Ballets is a leader on the international cultural scene, without, however, neglecting the national and regional scene.
