Casse-Noisette est de retour en direct et en haute d��finition dans les cin��mas Cineplex Divertissement

La production Casse-Noisette du Ballet national du Canada est de retour en direct et en haute d��finition en exclusivit�� dans 79 cin��mas Cineplex Divertissement

Toronto, ON ��� 2 d��cembre 2008 (TSX: CGX.UN). �� la suite du tr��s grand succ��s de la toute premi��re diffusion de la production Casse-Noisette du Ballet national du Canada, Casse-Noisette en direct et en haute d��finition (HD) est de retour en exclusivit�� dans encore plus de cin��mas Cineplex Divertissement partout au pays. Cette repr��sentation unique du ballet Casse-Noisette sera diffus��e dans les cin��mas Cineplex Divertissement participants le 13 d��cembre 2008 �� 14 h HNE. La pr��vente de billets a d��but�� en ligne sur cineplex.com et �� la billetterie des cin��mas participants.

�� Je suis tr��s fi��re de pouvoir partager notre production de Casse-Noisette avec les Canadiens et Canadiennes partout au pays. Cette ann��e, encore plus de cin��mas y participent, et nous pourrons faire d��couvrir cette grande tradition des f��tes �� un nombre encore plus grand de familles, �� a affirm�� Karen Kain, directrice artistique.

�� Nous sommes tr��s heureux de pr��senter cette ann��e encore Casse-Noisette aux spectateurs de nos cin��mas partout au Canada, �� a affirm�� Pat Marshall, vice-pr��sidente, Communications et relations avec les investisseurs, Cineplex Divertissement. �� Le ballet Casse-Noisette est une tradition des f��tes que le plus de gens possibles devraient avoir la chance de d��couvrir. Nous avons ajout�� des cin��mas afin de rendre ce spectacle le plus accessible possible. ��

Casse-Noisette en direct et en haute d��finition est un partenariat entre le Ballet national du Canada, Cineplex Divertissement et Bravo!. �� la suite de la diffusion le 13 d��cembre, Casse-Noisette sera pr��sent�� sur les ondes de Bravo! �� une date ult��rieure qui sera annonc��e sous peu.

Casse-Noisette en direct et en haute d��finition est rendue possible gr��ce �� TD Waterhouse, et �� la participation financi��re additionnelle de John et Claudine Bailey.

Le ballet Casse-Noisette sera film�� au Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts de Toronto, au moyen de six cam��ras en haute d��finition, et sera diffus�� en direct dans des cin��mas partout au Canada, y compris les 11 cin��mas suivants du Qu��bec :

Cin��ma Cineplex Odeon Brossard 9350, boul. Leduc Brossard, Qu��bec Cin��ma Colis��e Kirkland 3200, rue Jean-Yves Kirkland, Qu��bec Cin��ma Cineplex Odeon Quartier Latin 350, rue ��mery Montr��al, Qu��bec Cin��ma Cineplex Odeon Beauport 825, rue Clemenceau Beauport, Qu��bec Cin��ma Galaxy Sherbrooke 4204, boul. Bertrand-Fabi Sherbrooke, Qu��bec Cin��ma Galaxy Victoriaville 1121, boul. Jutras Est Victoriaville, Qu��bec

Cin��ma Colossus Laval 2800, rue du Cosmod��me Laval, Qu��bec Cin��ma Banque Scotia Montr��al 977, rue Ste-Catherine Ouest Montr��al, Qu��bec Cin��ma Starcit�� Montr��al 4825, ave. Pierre-de-Coubertin Montr��al, Qu��bec Cin��ma Cineplex Odeon Ste-Foy 1200, boul. Duplessis Ste-Foy, Qu��bec Cin��ma Fleur-de-Lys 4520, boul. des R��collets Trois-Rivi��res, Qu��bec

Voici le prix des billets : enfants de 3 �� 12 ans : 9,95 $, a��n��s : 17,95 $ et adulte : 19,95 $ (les taxes sont en sus). Nous offrons aussi un forfait familial au prix de 49,95 $, qui comprend deux billets d���entr��e pour adulte ou pour a��n�� et deux billets d���entr��e pour enfant. Le forfait familial est seulement offert �� la billetterie des cin��mas participants. Visitez le cineplex.com pour de plus amples d��tails sur les billets et les cin��mas participants.

Casse-Noisette

La production de Casse-Noisette du Ballet national du Canada fait dor��navant partie de la tradition des f��tes. Se d��roulant dans la campagne russe du 19^e si��cle, Casse-Noisette allie les paysages naturels d��taill��s et les paysages f��eriques et extravagants o�� le monde recouvert de glace scintillante de la reine des neiges et les splendeurs du palais dor�� de la f��e Drag��e se c��toient. La prestation d���apr��s-midi du 13 d��cembre est d���une dur��e de 115 minutes et comprend un entracte de 20 minutes.

Casse-Noisette : chor��graphie et libretto par James Kudelka, musique par Pyotr Ilyich Tcha��kovski, conception des d��cors et des costumes par Santo Loquasto et conception de l���clairage par Jennifer Tipton.

La production Casse-Noisette du Ballet national du Canada sera pr��sent��e du 6 au 28 d��cembre au Four Seasons Centre de Toronto. Pri��re de visiter thenutcracker.ca pour obtenir de plus amples renseignements.

Casse-Noisette sera aussi mis en sc��ne par diverses compagnies de ballet au Canada durant la p��riode des f��tes dont Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montr��al. Veuillez visiter le http://www.grandsballets.com/en/index_achat-de-billets.cfm pour plus de d��tails.

Pour obtenir une liste de toutes les productions de Casse-Noisette mises en sc��ne au Canada, pri��re de visiter le www.national.ballet.ca.

�� propos de Cineplex Divertissement LP

Cineplex Divertissement LP est la plus importante entreprise d���exploitation de salles de cin��ma au Canada. Elle poss��de, loue ou exploite en coentreprise 130 cin��mas totalisant 1 325 ��crans et accueille chaque ann��e quelque 61 millions d���invit��s. Cineplex Divertissement LP, dont le si��ge social est situ�� �� Toronto au Canada, exploite des cin��mas de la Colombie-Britannique jusqu���au Qu��bec. Elle est la plus importante entreprise d���exploitation de cin��ma num��rique, 3D et de films en version IMAX au pays. Fi��re d���tre canadienne, l���entreprise de plus de 8 000 employ��s exploite les cin��mas des marques reconnues suivantes: Cineplex Odeon, Galaxy, Famous Players - qui inclut les cin��mas Colis��e, Colossus et StarCit�� - en plus de la cha��ne Cinema City et les cin��mas Banque Scotia. Les parts du Cineplex Galaxy Income Fund, qui d��tient environ 76 % de Cineplex Divertissement LP, sont n��goci��es �� la Bourse de Toronto sous le symbole CGX.UN. Pour plus de d��tails, visitez www.cineplex.com.

�� propos de Bravo!

Bravo! est un oasis dans le paysage t��l��visuel o�� les spectateurs se donnent rendez-vous avec les arts, que ce soit de l���op��ra classique, un documentaire sur l���art, un concert film�� dans la salle de spectacle Bravo! ou un film �� l���avant-garde, Bravo! donne l���occasion aux spectateurs de vivre des exp��riences enrichissantes qui portent �� la r��flexion. Donnez-vous rendez-vous avec les arts chaque soir sur les ondes de Bravo! (www.bravo.ca). Bravo! est la propri��t�� de CTV Limited, une division de CTVglomedia, compagnie multim��dia num��ro un du Canada.

La saison 2008-2009 est pr��sent��e par CTV et The Globe and Mail.

TD Waterhouse est le commanditaire pr��sentateur de la production torontoise de Casse-Noisette pr��sent��e au Four Seasons Centre.

Casse-Noisette est rendue possible gr��ce �� la participation financi��re des assureurs de production Sandra et Jim Pitblado, Lawrence et Ann Heisey et un ami anonyme du Ballet national.

Le Ballet national du Canada est reconnaissant de la participation de : ACTRA, Canadian Actors��� Equity Association, I.A.T.S.E., Toronto Musicians Association, Local 149 et A.F.M.

Le Ballet national du Canada tient �� remercier les organismes suivants de leur appui continu : le Conseil des Arts du Canada; l���Office du d��veloppement ��conomique et l���Office du d��veloppement et de la culture de la Cit�� de Toronto; l���Honorable James Moore, ministre f��d��ral du Patrimoine canadien et des Langues officielles; le gouvernement de l���Ontario; la Fondation des arts de l���Ontario et la Fondation Trillium de l���Ontario.

***

The National Ballet of Canada���s The Nutcracker Live in High-Definition Returns Exclusively to 79 Cineplex Entertainment Theatres

Toronto, ON December 2, 2008 (TSX: CGX.UN) Due to the tremendous success of last year���s first-ever presentation of The National Ballet of Canada���s The Nutcracker, The Nutcracker live in High-Definition (HD) returns exclusively to an expanded number of Cineplex Entertainment theatres across the country. The one-time only presentation of The Nutcracker will be shown in select Cineplex Entertainment theatres on December 13, 2008 at 2:00 pm EST. Advance tickets are on sale now online at www.cineplex.com as well as at participating theatre box offices.

���I am extremely proud to be able to share our production of The Nutcracker with Canadians nationwide. And this year, we will expand our reach even more, bringing this great holiday tradition to a greater number of communities across the country,��� says Karen Kain, Artistic Director.

���We are excited to once again present The Nutcracker to our theatre audiences across the country,��� says Pat Marshall, Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations, Cineplex Entertainment. ���The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition that should be experienced by as many people as possible and we have expanded the number of theatres to ensure everyone can enjoy it.���

The Nutcracker live in HD is a three-way partnership between The National Ballet of Canada, Cineplex Entertainment and Bravo!. Following the simulcast on December 13, The Nutcracker will be broadcast on Bravo! at a later date that will be announced shortly.

The Nutcracker live in HD is presented by TD Waterhouse, with additional funding by John and Claudine Bailey.

The Nutcracker will be captured by six HD cameras at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto and transmitted live via satellite to the following theatres throughout Quebec:

Cineplex Odeon Beauport Cinemas 825, rue Clemenceau Beauport, PQ Cineplex Odeon Brossard Cinemas 9350, boul. Leduc Brossard, PQ Colis��e Kirkland Cinemas 3200 rue Jean Yves Kirkland, PQ Starcit�� Montreal Cinemas 4825, ave. Pierre de Coubertin Montreal, PQ Galaxy Cinemas Sherbrooke 4204, boul. Bertrand-Fabi Sherbrooke, PQ Galaxy Cinemas Victoriaville 1121, boul. Jutras-Est Victoriaville, PQ

Colossus Laval Cinemas 2800 Cosmodome Street Laval, PQ Scotiabank Theatre Montreal 977, Ste-Catherine W Montreal, PQ Cineplex Odeon Latin Quarter Cinemas 350, rue Emery Montreal, PQ Cineplex Odeon Ste. Foy Cinemas 1200, boul. Duplessis Ste. Foy, PQ Galaxy Cinemas Trois-Rivieres 4520 boul. des R��collets Trois-Rivieres, PQ

Admission for children ages 3-12 is $9.95, for seniors is $17.95 and general admission is $19.95, plus applicable taxes. A special Family Pack price is also being offered for $49.95, plus applicable taxes, which includes two adult or two senior admissions and two child admissions. The Family Pack is available at participating theatre box offices only. A special group rate is also available for groups of twenty or more at $16.50 per person (general admission) and $8.50 per child. For more information on group rates, call 1-800-313-4461. For more information on tickets and theatre locations, visit www.cineplex.com.

The Nutcracker

The National Ballet of Canada's The Nutcracker is a magical holiday tradition. Set in the rustic world of rural 19^th-century Russia, The Nutcracker blends an affectionately detailed natural setting with an extravagant dreamscape of wonders, from the glittering, ice-coated world of the Snow Queen to the awe-inspiring splendour of the golden palace of the Sugar Plum Fairy. The December 13 matinee performance runs 115 minutes, with a 20 minute intermission.

The Nutcracker���s choreography and libretto are by James Kudelka, music is by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, set and costume design are by Santo Loquasto and lighting design is by Jennifer Tipton.

The National Ballet of Canada's The Nutcracker is live on stage in Toronto from December 6 ��� 28, 2008 at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts. Visit thenutcracker.ca for more information and to buy tickets.

Ballet companies across Canada perform their own productions of The Nutcracker this holiday season, including Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montr��al. For details, visit http://www.grandsballets.com/en/spectacle.php?spectacle=10.

For a listing of all presentations of The Nutcracker on stage across Canada, visit http://www.national.ballet.ca/TheNutcracker/live.html.

About Cineplex Entertainment LP

As the largest motion picture exhibitor in Canada, Cineplex Entertainment LP owns, leases or has a joint-venture interest in 130 theatres with 1,325 screens serving approximately 61 million guests annually. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Cineplex Entertainment operates theatres from British Columbia to Quebec and is the largest exhibitor of digital, 3D and IMAX projection technologies in the country. Proudly Canadian and with a workforce of more than 8,000, the company operates the following top tier brands: Cineplex Odeon, Galaxy and Famous Players including Colossus, Coliseum and SilverCity, in addition to Cinema City and Scotiabank Theatres. The units of Cineplex Galaxy Income Fund, which owns approximately 76% of Cineplex Entertainment LP, are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol CGX.UN). For more information, visit www.cineplex.com.

About Bravo!

Bravo! is an oasis in the television landscape where viewers make a regular appointment with the arts. Whether it���s a classic opera, an art documentary, a concert performance in the Bravo! Concert Hall, or a cutting-edge film, Bravo! gives viewers an opportunity for enriching and thought-provoking experiences. Make an appointment with the arts each night on Bravo! (www.bravo.ca). Bravo! is owned by CTV Limited, a division of CTVglobemedia, Canada's premier multi-media company

The 2008/09 Season is presented by CTV and The Globe and Mail.

TD Waterhouse is the presenting sponsor of the Toronto production of The Nutcracker at the
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.

The Nutcracker is made possible by generous financial support from production underwriters Sandra & Jim Pitblado, Lawrence & Ann Heisey and an anonymous friend of the National Ballet.

The National Ballet of Canada gratefully acknowledges ACTRA, Canadian Actors��� Equity Association, I.A.T.S.E., Toronto Musicians Association, Local 149 and A.F.M.

The National Ballet of Canada gratefully acknowledges the ongoing support of the Canada Council for the Arts; the Ontario Arts Council; the City of Toronto through the Economic Development, Culture and Tourism Department; The Government of Canada through the Honourable James Moore, Minister, the Department of Canadian Heritage; the Government of Ontario; the Ontario Arts Foundation; the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

The Sweetest Holiday Tradition - The Nutcracker

Canadian Ballet Theatre Presents

THE NUTCRACKER

Three Performances Only with Special Guest Ballet Superstars

Alina Somova & Anton Korsakov, Kirov Ballet

Zhong-Jing Fang, American Ballet Theatre

December 20 & 21, 2008, Winter Garden Theatre

Toys magically coming to life, a young girl, a mysterious prince, elegant dancing snowflakes and Christmas wishes fulfilled: it's no wonder THE NUTCRACKER is the most beloved ballet in the world and the most delightful of holiday traditions! Canadian Ballet Theatre (CBT) is thrilled to present an elegant, traditional Russian mounting of this classic piece with international ballet superstars performing alongside shining young stars-in-the-making.

The role of Clara will be alternated between Victoria Harding and Alys Shee, to be partnered with Eugene Dokoukine as the valiant Nutcracker Prince. All of these superstars in the making are senior students with the Academy of Ballet and Jazz, the school of Canadian Ballet Theatre.

Alina Somova is a St. Petersberg native who graduated from the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet in 2003 and joined the Mariinsky theatre the same year. A glittering ballerina, Ms. Somova is famous for her impeccable fouette turns and grands jetes.

A past winner of the esteemed Helsinki International Ballet Competition, Anton Korsakov is widely renowned for his dramatic intensity, technical prowess and spectacular elevation.

A rapidly rising star, Zhong-Jing Fang has been with American Ballet Theatre since 2002. Trained at the Shanghai Ballet School, where she was accepted at the age of 10, Ms. Fang won the very first competition she entered, the Prix de Lausanne 2000.

Canadian Ballet Theatre students have the unique opportunity to work with the award-winning and world-famous Artistic Director Nadia Veselova Tencer. With her husband and producing partner, Solomon Tencer, Ms. Veselova co-founded the Canadian Ballet Theatre, and it's school, the Academy of Ballet and Jazz, both committed to the traditions of Russian classical ballet. A master teacher, Nadia is a graduate of the world-renowned Vaganova Choreographic Institute, the school of the Kirov Ballet, class of Alla Osipenko.

The Tencers produce the worldwide dance phenomenon, Stars of the 21st Century. For more than ten years these international ballet galas, a tribute to excellence in the art of classical dance, have been the hit of the season around the world. Recently, Nadia judged and choreographed at the Youth America Grand Prix dance competition finals in New York and was a judge at the Prix Benois De La Danse, at the Bolshoi Theatre in Russia. This faithful and classic rendering of THE NUTCRACKER is staged by Nadia Veselova Tencer.

THE NUTCRACKER begins on Christmas Eve with the young Clara and her beautiful nutcracker. As the clock strikes midnight, Clara falls asleep under the Christmas tree and dreams the most marvelous dream of a winter wonderland with dancing snowflakes, a defeated Mouse King, and a magical sleigh ride with her Prince.

Canadian Ballet Theatre presents

THE NUTCRACKER

Music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Choreography by Vasily Vainonen

Set and Costumes from the Bolshoi Ballet

Staged by Nadia Veselova Tencer

Winter Garden Theatre, 189 Yonge Street (north of Queen Street)

Saturday, December 20, 2008 at 2:30pm and 7pm

Sunday, December 21, 2008 at 1:30pm

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Tickets are $60 and $70 and can be purchased in person at the box office,

by calling Ticketmaster 416.872.5555 or online at www.ticketmaster.ca

For more information about Canadian Ballet Theatre please visit www.starsofthe21stcentury.com

What's New at Les Grands ballets Canadiens ?

Les Grands Ballets website gets a makeover

Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montr��al has new Web presence! Visit our new site, created by Cyber G��n��ration. In just a few clicks, you'll discover our Behind the Scenes section highlighting the day-by-day offstage life of the company, in Montr��al and on tour, at rehearsal and on stage.

Find out more at www.grandsballets.com.

Memories of an unforgettable summer

Dancer Gabrielle Lamb is also a talented videomaker. With her camera, she followed day-by-day the unfogettable stay of the Company at the ��t��s de la danse festival in Paris.

Click or copy and paste this link

http://www.grandsballets.com/fr/arriere-scene.php?i=21&t=video

Promotions and new arrivals:

Company welcomes 10 new dancers and promotes several artists

It's exciting times at Les Grands Ballets! This autumn the company will welcome 10 new dancers from the four corners of the world and several current dancers have also won well-earned promotions.

REMINDERS

Looking for angels, sheep, rats, reindeer, mice, matriochkas and Orientals

Auditions for The Nutcracker are just around the corner!

Auditions for Nutcracker will be held at Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montr��al studios, 4816 Rivard Street (Laurier m��tro) on September 18 and 19 and at the YMCA du Parc, 5550 Park Ave. on September 20. Children chosen for the various roles will perform in The Nutcracker ballet from December 13 to 30, 2008, in Salle Wilfred-Pelletier of Place des Arts. A unique opportunity!

First steps by four winners of Les Grands Ballets' first choreography

competition to be seen at Agora de la danse on September 25, 26 and 27

To kick off the new season, you are invited to witness the first steps of four young Canadian choreographers, winners of the choreography competition organized by Les Grands Ballets. Under the tireless mentoring of the company's Artistic Director, Gradimir Pankov, these young talents have been working in our studios creating new works for the company's dancers. A bold, original, vigorous wind is sweeping through the season! Be part of the excitement for only $15 on September 25, 26 and 27 at the Agora de la danse.

COMING THIS OCTOBER

one of the most lavish Grand Ballets productions yet: The Queen of Spades, from Danish choreographer Kim Brandstrup

Hit the jackpot in October with The Queen of Spades (based on Alexander Pushkin's story), from Danish filmmaker/choreographer Kim Brandstrup. This magnificent full-length ballet featuring some 30 dancers boldly combines classical dance on pointe with virtual sets and will amaze you. And as a bonus, the Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montr��al Orchestra will play Gabriel Thibaudeau's Tchaikovsky-inspired score.

Les Grands Ballets �� Paris

LES GRANDS BALLETS CANADIENS DE MONTR��AL

�� LA CONQU��TE DE PARIS DU 21 JUILLET AU 9 AO��T 2008

Montr��al, le 2 juillet 2008 ��� Le compte �� rebours est commenc�� pour Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montr��al, qui pr��parent f��brilement leur s��jour au festival Les ��t��s de la danse de Paris en juillet et ao��t. Trente-quatre ans apr��s l'��clatant succ��s de Tommy en 1974, ce retour attendu de la compagnie dans la capitale fran��aise s'inscrit dans le cadre des ��v��nements officiels des c��l��brations du 400^e anniversaire de la ville de Qu��bec. Du 21 juillet au 9 ao��t, Paris vibrera au rythme du Qu��bec !

�� La jeunesse, la passion, la diversit�� culturelle des danseurs, la qualit�� artistique et l'��clectisme des choix chor��graphiques sont autant d'��l��ments qui m'ont fait choisir Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montr��al comme compagnie invit��e des ��t��s de la danse. Je suis s��r qu'ils trouveront �� Paris l'accueil r��serv�� �� toutes les grandes compagnies internationales ��, d��clare le directeur de l'��v��nement, Val��ry Colin.

Apr��s des compagnies aussi renomm��es que le San Francisco Ballet, l'Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater et le Ballet national de Cuba, invit��s respectifs des trois ��ditions pr��c��dentes de ce festival, Les Grands Ballets, sous la direction artistique de Gradimir Pankov, d��fendront les couleurs de leur pays au Grand Palais, avec 16 spectacles au total et trois programmes diff��rents, r��unissant les cr��ations r��centes de son r��pertoire, sign��es Ohad Naharin, Didy Veldman, Stijn Celis, Jir�� Kyli��n et Mauro Bigonzetti. La compagnie mettra ainsi en relief sa raison d'��tre : faire d��couvrir au public ��� autour de 45 000 spectateurs participent aux ��t��s de la danse ! ��� de nouvelles facettes du ballet d'aujourd'hui dans toute sa diversit��. Plusieurs de ces ��uvres sont des premi��res en France.

Minus One d'Ohad Naharin, succ��s ph��nom��nal du r��pertoire des Grands Ballets depuis sa cr��ation en 2002, ouvre le bal le 21 juillet. �� travers ce patchwork d��brid�� de danse et de divertissement, associant le chant, le mouvement et le cabaret, on d��couvre l'incroyable vari��t�� du style du chor��graphe isra��lien. Parions que le public parisien ne r��sistera pas �� son enthousiasme contagieux ! �� voir les 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 et 26 juillet �� 21 h 30.

Le 2^e programme est compos�� de TooT, Noces et Six Dances. TooT, une pi��ce pour 15 danseurs de la chor��graphe n��erlandaise Didy Veldman, a ��t�� inspir��e par la Suite n^o 2 pour orchestre de jazz de Chostakovitch. Sur le mode de l'humour et de la d��rision, Didy Veldman s'interroge ici sur l'identit�� et sur les rapports entre l'individu et la soci��t��. Noces a ��t�� cr����e par le chor��graphe belge Stijn Celis sur l'envo��tante partition d'Igor Stravinsky. Cette d��lirante noce paysanne balkanique, qui fait appel �� 24 interpr��tes, pose un regard critique sur l'institution du mariage. Six Dances de Jir�� Kyli��n, chor��graphi��e pour 8 danseurs sur les Six danses allemandes de W.A. Mozart, est selon Kyli��n, �� un d��ferlement de po��sie absurde en six actes �� dont l'humour devrait �� mettre en ��vidence la relativit�� de nos valeurs ��. Trois chor��graphies pr��sent��es les 29, 30, 31 juillet, 1^er et 2 ao��t �� 21 h 30.

Enfin, le 3^e programme comprend Les Quatre Saisons et Cantata du chor��graphe italien Mauro Bigonzetti. Avec Les Quatre Saisons, con��ue en 2007 pour les GBCM sur la c��l��brissime musique de Vivaldi, Mauro Bigonzetti rel��ve le d��fi d'exprimer, �� travers cette ��uvre mille fois exploit��e, quelque chose de diff��rent, laissant jaillir �� les saisons int��rieures de l'homme, ses ��tats d'��me et ses revirements ��. Enfin, Cantata, command��e par le Ballet Gulbenkian en 2001, est inscrite au r��pertoire des GBCM depuis l'an dernier. Sur des airs traditionnels du sud de l'Italie, interpr��t��s live par les chanteuses du Gruppo Musicale Assurd, Cantata explore, au moyen d'une danse instinctive et vitale, les multiples facettes des relations entre hommes et femmes. Un peu, beaucoup, passionn��ment m��diterran��en ! Un spectacle offert les 5, 6, 7, 8, et 9 ao��t �� 21 h 30.

Autour des GBCM

Des activit��s p��riph��riques, pr��sentant divers aspects de la cr��ation contemporaine qu��b��coise, seront offertes tous les jours de spectacle de la compagnie au Grand Palais, �� partir de 19 h, avec le soutien du gouvernement du Qu��bec. Le public pourra y d��couvrir Occidents, une installation photographique de la photographe, sculpteur et artiste conceptuelle Jocelyne Alloucherie. Apr��s les repr��sentations, des after shows DJ/VJ seront propos��s tout au long du festival. Du 21 au 26 juillet, le Festival Elektra de Montr��al pr��sentera des performances DJ/VJ avec les artistes montr��alais Baya (Jean-S��bastien Baillat, DJ et VJ), Euterke (Jean-Fran��ois Dumouchel, DJ et VJ), Poison Arrow (Alain Thibault, DJ), DelRay (Mathew Biederman, VJ) et Soul Sista (Marie-France Paquin, DJ). Du 21 au 23 juillet, ils seront accompagn��s des Cubes volants, une performance arts et nouvelles technologies de l'artiste, architecte et designer Nicolas Reeves, compos��e de trois �� a��robots �� sur lesquels les VJ projetteront des images vid��o en temps r��el et les spectateurs pourront envoyer des messages texte, au moyen d'un Palmtop ou d'un t��l��phone cellulaire. �� partir du 27 juillet et jusqu'�� la fin du festival le 9 ao��t, la DJ Soul Sista prendra la rel��ve de ces after shows avec un programme-panorama de musique et de chanson qu��b��coise sp��cialement con��u pour l'occasion.

Gala

Sous la pr��sidence d'honneur de Son Excellence l'Ambassadeur du Canada, M. Marc Lortie, et du D��l��gu�� g��n��ral du Qu��bec �� Paris, M. Wilfrid-Guy Licari, une grande soir��e marquera la premi��re des Grands Ballets et l'ouverture du Festival le 21 juillet, en pr��sence de Mme Christine St-Pierre, ministre de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition f��minine du Qu��bec.

Classes en public

Les danseurs des GBCM donneront ��galement six classes ouvertes au grand public, les 23, 26 et 30 juillet, 2, 6 et 9 ao��t �� 15 h.

Partenaires et organismes subventionnaires

Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montr��al sont heureux d'��tre associ��s aux prestigieux partenaires suivants : GE Capital Solutions, commanditaire de production et de la soir��e d'ouverture, Air Canada, transporteur officiel, le minist��re du Tourisme du Qu��bec, commanditaire de soir��e, et Global Jump, partenaire de la soir��e d'ouverture. Les GBCM ont pu ��galement compter sur l'aimable collaboration de l'Ambassade du Canada et de la D��l��gation g��n��rale du Qu��bec �� Paris.

Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montr��al b��n��ficient du soutien financier du Conseil des arts et des lettres du Qu��bec, du Conseil des Arts du Canada, du Conseil des arts de Montr��al, du minist��re des Affaires ��trang��res et du Commerce international du Canada et de Patrimoine canadien.

La compagnie remercie le minist��re de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition f��minine et le minist��re des Relations internationales pour leur soutien sp��cial.

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LES GRANDS BALLETS CANADIENS DE MONTR��AL

TO CONQUER PARIS FROM JULY 21 TO AUGUST 9, 2008

Montr��al, July 2, 2008 ��� The countdown has begun for Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montr��al, which is feverishly preparing for its visit to the Les ��t��s de la danse de Paris festival. Thirty-four years after the stunning success of Tommy in 1974, the company's long-awaited return to the French capital will occur as part of the official events the celebration of Qu��bec City's 400^th anniversary. From July 21 to August 9, Paris will move to the beat of Qu��bec!

"Youth, passion, the cultural diversity of the dancers, their artistic quality and the eclecticism of their choreographic choices are all elements that led me to choose Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montr��al as the guest company for Les ��t��s de la danse," says event Director Val��ry Colin. "I am certain that Paris will give Les Grands the welcome that such a strong international company deserves."

Following in the footsteps of the San Francisco Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Ballet Nacional de Cuba ��� respectively guest artists of the festival's last three editions ��� Les Grands Ballets, under its Artistic Director Gradimir Pankov, will fly our country's colours at the Grand Palais. The company will give a total of 16 performances in three different programs that bring together the recent creations in its repertoire by Ohad Naharin, Didy Veldman, Stijn Celis, Jir�� Kyli��n and Mauro Bigonzetti. In so doing, the company will underscore its raison d'��tre: to introduce the public (approximately 45,000 spectators attend Les ��t��s de la danse!) to new facets of contemporary ballet in all its diversity. A number of these works will premi��re in France on this occasion.

Minus One by Ohad Naharin, a phenomenal hit in the Grands Ballets repertoire since its premi��re in 2002, will open the gala on July 21. This frenzied patchwork of dance and performance, featuring song, movement and cabaret, showcases the incredible variety of the renowned Israeli choreographer's style. Parisian audiences won't fail to catch his contagious enthusiasm! Performances will take place at 9:30 p.m. on July 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26.

The second program comprises TooT, Noces and Six Dances. TooT, a piece for 15 dancers by Dutch choreographer Veldman, was inspired by Shostakovich's Suite N^o 2 for jazz bands. With a humorous and derisive tone, Veldman poses questions about identity and the relationships between the individual and society. Noces was created by Belgian choreographer Celis to the enchanting notes of Stravinsky. This delirious Balkan country wedding, which calls on the talents of 24 performers, takes a critical look at the institution of marriage. Six Dances, by Kyli��n, choreographed for eight dancers to the piece Six German Dances by Mozart, is, according to Kyli��n, "an absurd poetic flood in six acts," whose humour should "point out the relativity of our values." The three choreographies will be performed at 9:30 p.m. on July 29, 30 and 31, and August 1 and 2.

The third program includes The Four Seasons and Cantata by Italian choreographer Bigonzetti. With The Four Seasons, created in 2007 for Les Grands Ballets and set to the widely known music of Vivaldi, Bigonzetti has carried off the challenge of expressing something different through pieces that have been interpreted thousands of times, bringing forth "people's internal seasons, our states of mind and our changes of mind." Lastly, Cantata, commissioned by Ballet Gulbenkian in 2001, was added to the Grands Ballets repertoire last year. With traditional music from southern Italy, performed live by the singers of Gruppo Musicale Assurd, Cantata uses instinctive, vital dance to explore the multiple facets of relations between men and women. The piece is passionately Mediterranean! Performances take place at 9:30 p.m. on August 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.

Surrounding Les Grands Ballets

Satellite activities showcasing various aspects of contemporary Qu��bec creative work will take place every day the company performs at the Grand Palais, starting at 7 p.m., with the support of the Government of Qu��bec. The public will be able to discover Occidents, a photographic installation by photographer, sculptor and conceptual artist Jocelyne Alloucherie. Throughout the festival, Les Grand Ballets' performances will be followed by DJ/VJ "after-shows." From July 21 to 26, the Elektra international digital arts festival will feature DJ/VJ performances by Montr��al artists Baya (Jean-S��bastien Baillat, DJ and VJ), Euterke (Jean-Fran��ois Dumouchel, DJ and VJ), Poison Arrow (Alain Thibault, DJ), DelRay (Mathew Biederman, VJ) and Soul Sista (Marie-France Paquin, DJ). From July 21 to 23, they will be accompanied by Les Cubes volants, an arts and new technologies performance by artist, architect and designer Nicolas Reeves, made up of three flying cubes, or "aerobots," upon which VJs will project video images in real time and to which spectators can send text messages using a Palmtop or cellular phone. From July 27 until the Festival ends on August 9, Soul Sista will take over the after-show events with a panorama program of Qu��bec music and song created especially for this occasion.

Gala

His Excellency Marc Lortie, Ambassador of Canada, and Wilfrid-Guy Licari, Qu��bec's Delegate General in Paris, will serve as Honorary Chairs of a gala evening to mark the Grands Ballets premi��re and the Festival opening on July 21, to be attended by Christine Saint-Pierre, Qu��bec Minister of Culture, Communications and the Status of Women.

Classes for the public

The dancers of Les Grands Ballets will also give six classes open to the public at 3 p.m. on July 23, 26 and 30 and August 2, 6 and 9.

Supporting partners and organizations

Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montr��al is pleased to be associated with the following prestigious partners: GE Capital Solutions, production and opening gala sponsor; Air Canada, official carrier; the Minist��re du Tourisme du Qu��bec, evening sponsor; and Global Jump, opening gala partner. Les Grands is also benefiting from the generous cooperation of the Canadian Embassy and the D��l��gation g��n��rale du Qu��bec in Paris.

Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montr��al enjoys the financial support of the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Qu��bec, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Conseil des arts de Montr��al, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada and Heritage Canada.

The company would like to thank the Minist��re de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition f��minine du Qu��bec and the Minist��re des Relations internationales du Qu��bec for their special support.

GEN��E to makes its North American debut

FIRST TIME IN NORTH AMERICA!

THE ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE presents

THE GEN��E INTERNATIONAL BALLET COMPETITION

Toronto, August 14 - 23, 2008

The GEN��E INTERNATIONAL BALLET COMPETITION, the flagship event of London's Royal Academy of Dance and one of the world's most prestigious events of its kind attracting many of the worlds most brilliant and promising young dancers, makes its North American debut in Toronto, August 14-23, 2008.

Chaired by Dame Antoinette Sibley DBE, President of the Royal Academy of Dance, and named after the Academy's founder Dame Adeline Gen��e, the GEN��E INTERNATIONAL BALLET COMPETITION is one of the leading ballet competitions in the world, nurturing and showcasing the talent of young dancers on the cusp of their professional careers by inviting leading teachers and internationally renowned choreographers and artistic directors to coach, choreograph and judge the young dancers over a unique week-long experience.

For over seventy years, The GEN��E INTERNATIONAL BALLET COMPETITION was held in London, but in 2002, in a dramatic break with tradition, the competition was held in Sydney, Australia. That event attracted the largest ever entry and culminated in a sold out Final at the Sydney Opera House. Encouraged by the enormous success of Sydney, the Gen��e returned in 2003 to the UK and was staged in Birmingham in association with the Birmingham Royal Ballet. An invitation from the Greek International Cultural Olympiad to stage the 2004 Gen��e in the great open-air theatre of Herod Atticus at the foot of the Acropolis added another unforgettable chapter to the history of the Gen��e. In 2006 to mark the 50th anniversary of the first ballet examinations held in Hong Kong - Hong Kong hosted another spectacular, sold-out event.

Each year, an international jury headed by the Academy's President and ex prima ballerina, Dame Antoinette Sibley, selects finalists who then battle it out at a Final for the coveted Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. So high is the Gen��e standard that it is only exceptional candidates who receive a Gold medal. In addition to Dame Antoinette Sibley, the 2008 Gen��e International Ballet Competition judges include: Karen Kain, Artistic Director, National Ballet of Canada; Ashley Wheater, Artistic Director, Joffrey Ballet, Chicago; and Rex Harrington, Artist-in-Residence, National Ballet of Canada.

Each candidate will perform a 19th Century classical variation, a 20th Century classical variation and an exclusive solo commissioned by the Academy and created by a renowned choreographer for the young competitors during the week-long competition. Canadian Choreographer Sabrina Matthews has been commissioned to create two exclusive variations (male and female) to be performed by the candidates and premiered during the competition. This recent innovation has added enormous interest to the competition, both by competitors and audiences alike.

The competition culminates in a tense and exciting Final in which the finalists try to outshine each other to win over the hearts and minds of the both the Judges and the audience. The best of the best have the opportunity to win a coveted gold, silver or bronze medal and walk away with up to $11,000 in prize money.

Winners of the Gen��e International Ballet Competition have gone on to perform with leading international companies including the Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, Northern Ballet Theatre, Australian Ballet, Hong Kong Ballet and the San Francisco Ballet to name but a few. The National Ballet of Canada's Chan Hon Goh was the first participant to win a medal for Canada (1988), while C��line Gittens was awarded the gold medal for her performance in 2005.

SPECIAL EVENT: THE TURNING POINT in a Dance Career
In 1977, Dame Antoinette Sibley DBE made her film debut as "Sevilla" in Herbert Ross's THE TURNING POINT dancing with Mikhail Baryshnikov. Join Veronica Tennant, herself beloved as one of Canada's best and most versatile ballerinas, at this special screening of THE TURNING POINT, after which Veronica Tennant will delve into the career and life of Dame Antoinette Sibley before opening the floor to questions from the audience.

THE TURNING POINT in a Dance Career o Friday, August 22, 7pm
Jackman Hall, Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas St W
Tickets: Members: $7.08* Students/Seniors/ Children: $7.08* Non-Members: $11.56*
* Prices do not include GST, building fund fee and service charges.
Presented by the Toronto International Film Festival Group and the Royal Academy of Dance
www.cinemathequeontario.ca for details

The Royal Academy of Dance is a global organization with 13,500 Members, a worldwide staff of 153 and 173 examiners. With offices in 79 countries and headquarters in London, it is the largest ballet examination and dance teacher training and education institution in the world. Its mission is to promote knowledge, understanding and practice of dance internationally. It seeks to accomplish its mission through examining students of ballet, educating and training teachers of dance and promoting the study and performance of dance.

Royal Academy of Dance presents

The Gen��e International Ballet Competition

August 14 - 23, 2008

Toronto, Ontario

www.geneeballetcompetition.com

SEMI-FINALS
Wednesday, August 20 and Thursday, August 21, 2008
Betty Oliphant Theatre at Canada's National Ballet School, 400 Jarvis Street
Tickets for the Semi-finals are $35.00 per single day or $60.00 for both days and are available from the Royal Academy of Dance office in Toronto by calling 416.489.2813, toll-free 888.709.0895 or email genee@radcanada.org.

FINAL
Saturday, August 23, 2008 @ 7pm
The Four Seasons Centre for Performing Arts, 145 Queen Street West
Tickets for the Finals are $50 - $160 and can purchased by calling 416.363.8231, toll-free 800.250.4653, www.coc.ca/house/house.html or email tickets@coc.ca

N.B. An $8 per ticket service charge applies on all online & telephone ticket sales

Depart sur scene_4

D��part sur sc��ne_4

Essais chor��graphiques des danseurs du Jeune Ballet du Qu��bec

4 et 5 juin > Maison de la culture du Plateau Mont-Royal

6 juin > Centre Culturel Henri-Lemieux, LaSalle

11 juin > Maison de la Culture Rosemont-La Petite-Patrie (salle Jean Eudes)

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En juin prochain, les danseurs du Jeune Ballet du Qu��bec vous convient �� venir d��couvrir leurs essais chor��graphiques dans trois lieux de diffusion culturelle de l����le de Montr��al. Compl��tement assum��es par les danseurs et interpr��t��es par leurs coll��gues du JBQ, ces cr��ations sont une opportunit�� d���entrer en contact avec un univers chor��graphique en devenir, quelquefois loufoque et d��brid�� mais toujours touchant et r��v��lateur des pr��occupations de la jeunesse d���aujourd���hui.

Pour D��part sur sc��ne_4, se joignent aux danseurs actuels du Jeune Ballet du Qu��bec des anciennes dipl��m��es de l���Ecole sup��rieure de ballet contemporain de Montr��al : Ingrid Proulx, Roxane Bouvrette, Leyla Theunissen, Genevi��ve Bolla et ��milie Gratton. Depuis leur graduation, ces jeunes artistes ont d��j�� us�� leurs souliers de danse. Ingrid s���est balad��e du c��t�� de l���Europe, notamment en Hollande et en Espagne o�� elle a remport�� le prix du public pour son interpr��tation dans ELMER de Fran��ois Chirpaz et Kristen Cere lors du Concours Masdanza. Roxanne, quant �� elle, a ��t�� stagiaire avec la compagnie Cas Public et a particip�� �� l���v��nement de danse contemporaine de Qu��bec, Symbiose. Enfin, Genevi��ve Bolla et ��milie Gratton ont form�� leur propre compagnie de danse : ��volucidanse. Cette derni��re a pour mission de promouvoir la danse contemporaine en cr��ant des spectacles qui se d��marquent de la vague actuelle. Sous l'influence de la danse classique et tout en s'inspirant de la culture du Moyen-Orient, la compagnie pr��sente une philosophie chor��graphique riche et innovatrice. De plus, elle souhaite exploiter la polyvalence de ses danseurs afin de faire communier l'individu et l'artiste �� l'int��rieur du m��me corps.

C���est d���ailleurs ��volucidanse qui ouvrira la soir��e avec ROOTS, une chor��graphie de Genevi��ve Bolla sur une composition musicale de l���artiste NGABO. La chor��graphie ROOTS a d��j�� s��duit le public et la critique lors du festival LOLA (London Ontario Live Arts).

Tous ces danseurs polyvalents, form��s �� l���cole sup��rieure, poss��dent une excellente technique qui leur permet d���voluer dans tous les styles de danse. Avec Le Jeune Ballet du Qu��bec, ils ont travaill�� sous la direction de chor��graphes d���horizons artistiques vari��s comme Mario Radacovsky (ancien premier danseur au Grands ballets canadiens de Montr��al) et H��l��ne Blackburn (directrice artistique de la compagnie Cas Public), interpr��tant des ��uvres tout autant n��o-classiques que contemporaines.

Avec D��part sur sc��ne_4, les danseurs mettent �� profit leurs exp��riences d���interpr��tes et passent de l���autre c��t�� du miroir en devenant chor��graphes. Une soir��e de danse ��clectique qui promet d���tre des plus divertissantes en compagnie de ces talents de la rel��ve.