Welcome to Taking the Leap: an online guidebook to production and presentation for emerging contemporary dance choreographers in Montreal. This guide is geared towards recent graduates, self-taught artists and those new to the city. The sections below offer tools and insight into the logistics of production and presentation, while demystifying some practical aspects of being a professional artist in Montreal. To your right is a link towards our searchable directory of emerging artist-friendly presenters, resources and venues.
The nine chapters of this guide cover a range of different subjects. Because the path of production is not necessarily linear, and every artists’ process is different, they should not be read as a ‘step-by-step’ approach. Rather, each section discusses a specific practical aspect of producing a dance performance, which may or may not be relevant to your individual situation. While we strive to provide an overview of how productions are often realized, it is important to note that it is not necessarily the only way, the best way, or the way it should be.
There are many different paths towards a professional career in Montreal. We hope this guide can help you to get started!
Next Session
SPARK Series (Nov.)
SPARK Series invites 303 associated artists to share their work and creative process during a major dance festival or platform – here Parcours Danse.
Taking the Leap Guide
Montreal
In this section you will find an overview of creators, presenters, and other local resources.
Designing your Project
In order to produce your performance, you will need to slowly organize the raw materials of your work into a plan of action.
Finding a Presenter
A presenter selects the artists and/or work they wish to program and pay a fixed fee for performances.
Self-presenting
Many artists self-present at some point in their careers, assuming the entire financial burden of creation and presentation.
Financing
Unless you plan on paying all of your creation and production costs out-of-pocket, it is absolutely essential to raise funds in order to finance your project.
Administration
While you may not think of yourself this way, a choreographer is, almost inevitably, an employer.
Production
Once you have set your performance dates, take out a calendar and start scheduling immediately.
Promotion
In the performing arts, promotion and communications are one of the trickiest parts of presenting work.
The Big Picture
It is important to remember that each performance you create is part of a bigger picture.
Resource Directory
Support organizations, performance opportunities and venues available for co-presentation and rental for independent dance productions.