Event

Taking the Leap

Mar. 20 2026 (Friday)

14:00 to 17:00

Free
In collaboration with Filles Électriques, Big Bang and the dance departments of Concordia University and UQÀM.
On request, a childcare service will be offered free of charge in the adjacent office – Please contact us at info@studio303.ca at least 7 days prior to the event.
Register

Objective

Open to emerging choreographers: recent graduates, self-taught and students, Taking the Leap is a space for exchange and connection that helps participants navigate the professional dance world

Content

During this event, we will hear from choreographers and independent artists Gaëtan Paré, Vías (Diana Léon and Paco Ziel), and Stacey Désilier, who will share their early career concerns and challenges. Small discussion groups will then be formed around specific themes

How to prepare to get the most out of this event?
  • Read the introductory chapter “Montreal” in our guide Taking the Leap

  • Listen to our four podcasts featuring conversations between artists and cultural workers

  • Check out Re-tours [coming soon]: personal stories by Dana Michel, Virginie Brunelle, Mélanie Demers and others, about touring and how their careers got started.

Biography

First trained in visual arts at the Université du Québec à Montréal and at the École des beaux-arts in Brittany, Gaétan Paré graduated from the National Theatre School of Canada in directing in 2009. Their productions of contemporary Québécois and European playwrights including Éric Noël, Marius von Mayenburg, and Pauline Peyrade, have been presented at Théâtre de Quat’Sous, Aux Écuries, and Prospero Theatre.

In addition, they work as a dramaturg and artistic advisor with numerous playwrights and occasionally teach in theatre schools. They have also contributed to artistic development and coordination at the Centre de création O Vertigo – CCOV. Their artistic approach engages with queer, marginal, and experimental practices. Since fall 2025, they have been the Executive and Artistic Director of Les Filles électriques, the producing organization behind the Phénomena Festival.

Graduating from the École de danse contemporaine de Montréal in 2014, Stacey Désilier is a performer with remarkable intensity. Her artistic curiosity leads her to explore a wide range of disciplines, including contemporary dance, urban dance, and circus arts.

Among her collaborations are works with Mélanie Demers/Mayday, Compagnie Catherine Gaudet, Dana Gingras/Animals of Distinction, Helen Simard, George Stamos, Le Carré Des Lombes/Danièle Desnoyers, Collectif9, Tentacle Tribe, Benoît Landry/Nord nord est, Dave St-Pierre, Cirque Éloize and the Opera Starmania. She believes in the fusion of cultures through dance and is driven by a desire to continue sharing artistic experiences.

Vías – Paco Ziel
Born in Mexico City, Paco is a multidisciplinary artist, choreographer, dancer, teacher, rehearsal director, and artistic advisor. Paco danced with Rubberband for 10 years. Paco is co-founder and co-director of the company Vías with Diana León, and contributed to the production of Sur ce chemin, tu es sûre de te perdre (2018), Sabor de mi corazón: cumbia (2022), Flesh and Sound (2023), and Tout ce qu’il reste (2026). In 2024, Diana and Paco were awarded the Prix de la Danse de Montréal in the Revelation category. Paco has also collaborated with PPS Danse, Anne Plamondon Productions, Martin Messier, Je suis Julio and Edgar Zendejas. Paco is also a passionate educator, having taught at most of Québec’s renowned schools and intensives. At the same time, Paco explores other art forms such as music, writing, and visual arts.

Vías – Diana Léon
Born in Mexico City, Diana trained at Estudio de Ballet Tecamachalco, the National Ballet School of Cuba, and the Royal Conservatory of The Hague. She was a dancer with the National Dance Company of Mexico and Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. After her departure from Les Grands Ballets, she worked with choreographers such as Anne Plamondon, Martin Messier, Sylvain Émard, Morgane Letiec, Louise Bédard and Andrew Skeels. Diana is co-founder and co-artistic director of the company Vías with Paco Ziel, and contributed to the production of Sur ce chemin, tu es sûre de te perdre (2018), Sabor de mi corazón: cumbia (2022), Flesh and Sound (2023), and Tout ce qu’il reste (2026). In 2024, Diana and Paco were awarded the Prix de la Danse de Montréal in the Revelation category.