The new and exclusive at this 27th annual event

The Festival’s mission is to highlight the best choreographers, dancers and musicians through presentation of an eclectic program in an intimate setting. The 27th annual Festival des Arts de Saint-Sauveur (FASS), in line with its mission, has planned an event characterized by excellence and diversity.

Thanks to four years of experience at the barre of the FASS as its artistic director, as well as his experience as dancer, composer and choreographer, Guillaume Côté has designed a program that mixes classic and contemporary, repertory and avant-garde, established stars and up-and-comers. One of the musts is Romeo and Juliet,a ballet presented in its entirety for the first time in Festival history. This major production will shine a brilliant spotlight on the 40th birthday of BalletMet. The Hubbard Street Dance Chicago troupe and Toronto Dance Theatre, celebrating their 40th and 50th birthdays respectively, will provide breathtaking choreography set to a mix of music, some of which will be live – in the case of the Canadian company.

The Festival will again welcome the Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal, directed by celebrated maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin, presenting works by Tchaikovsky. Festival-goers will also be present for the world premiere of Homo Sapiens?, a work choreographed by Guillaume Côté featuring dancers from the National Ballet of Canada. They may also discover works created by three emerging Montreal choreographers inspired by the jazz, blues and afrofunk sounds of Yemen Blues, a group representing the Yemeni-Israeli scene. And the program would be incomplete without A Night With the Stars, an annual event that allows Festival-goers to discover star dancers from several continents.

An expanded outdoor program onstage in Georges-Filion park

There are several new presentations in this 27th Festival, including a participatory event that invites Festival-goers to dance shows and workshops. The next generation of Laurentians artists will have the place of honour on a day completely devoted to them, in addition to the dance camp, the masters’ class and reduced-price tickets that aim to promote the inclusion of young people.

FASS also invites Festival-goers to outdoor screenings of cult dance films, plus two silent auctions including one dedicated exclusively to the visual arts.

For the full program, go to festivaldesarts.ca