big bang dance program
BIG BANG is a 12-week dance program in contemporary dance held in Montreal, Canada.
Each year, Stéphanie Decourteille, in collaboration with teachers and guest interveners, offers two programs, each lasting 12 weeks (around 330 hours). The program ensures artists' PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT by reinforcing their technical dance skills and exposing them to diverse artistic, cultural and interdisciplinary approaches. It also offers a CREATIVE RESIDENCY, providing personalized support and guidance to artists as they research and create their own solo. Artists have the opportunity to present their "work-in-progress" solo at a public exhibition at the end of each program.
Who should apply?
This program is designed for artists of 18 years old or over with a solid background in dance, performance, circus or acting. The program is trans-disciplinary and addresses a wide range of physical and artistic practices. Whether self-taught or previously trained, this program is open to anyone with a solid technical approach to dance, mature physicality, clear understanding and ease of movement. Each program welcomes artists from Quebec, Canada, and other countries, leading to the formation of diverse and dynamic groups. The mix of different cultural and artistic backgrounds in these groups encourages collaboration and shared learning, which in turn broadens the range of creative perspectives.
What are the core values?
Kindness is a fundamental value. It is at the heart of Stéphanie Decourteille's pedagogical approach and the program, creating an environment where artists can thrive, feel confident enough to take risks, challenge themselves, and create freely. This kindness must be embraced by all artists to ensure a respectful and harmonious workspace for everyone.
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Commitment is another cornerstone of the program. Every member of the teaching team is deeply dedicated to sharing their knowledge and supporting the artists in their processes of reflection and creation. This commitment is evident through their constant presence, attentive listening, and personalized support. In return, we expect total involvement from the artists. Punctuality, minimizing absences, and active participation in workshops and classes are crucial. Commitment to the program is essential to fully benefit from this unique and enriching experience.
What are the educational objectives?
The BIG BANG team is focused on supporting artists to acquire a solid technical skills base in dance, and to open up and learn a valuable artistic, cultural and interdisciplinary approach to the body in movement. Throughout the program, artists will be confronted with their own technical and physical challenges. Meeting these challenges will allow the artist to let go gradually and naturally, and to connect fully with their body and the sensations and emotions that arise throughout the process. This element of authenticity will help the artist listen to their instincts and recognize the creative freedom and confidence in their process. Through questioning, exchange and personalized support, the artist will develop their artistic maturity and their own body signature.
Dive into the heart of the artistic and creative experience of the artists from the BIG BANG program through this video made by Marc-Antoine Turcotte. Filmed during the 9th program, which concluded on May 13, 2022, it highlights the key moments and the entire creative energy. We would like to warmly thank Marc-Antoine, as well as all the artists, teachers, and contributors involved in this program.
What is the content of the program?
Each program consists of approximately 330 hours over 12 weeks. Each week includes around 26 hours of technical classes and workshops, scheduled on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Wednesdays from 12:15 PM to 5:00 PM. The studio is available to program participants every Sunday for their research work related to their solo creation. Each program includes mentorship, technical classes, and workshops (covering contemporary dance, urban dance, theater, partnering, floorwork, improvisation, contact improvisation, physical conditioning, exploration, and choreographic creation), as well as research and choreographic writing labs. Classes and workshops are conducted in both French and English.
What do research and creation laboratories consist of?
A significant part of the program is dedicated to research and creation laboratories. The objective of these labs is to support each artist in developing their research on their artistic and choreographic authenticity. At the end of each program, the artists share a "work-in-progress" version of their solo and the research work done in front of an audience. A recording provides the artists with high-quality video and photo materials, enabling them to share these with companies, broadcasters, or funding organizations.
This video, created by Marion Chuniaud, illustrates the exploratory and creative work undertaken by the artists of the 12th BIG BANG program during their research laboratories.
Who is in charge of directing the program?
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In Montreal, in 2018, the artist and dance teacher Stéphanie Decourteille established BIG BANG a contemporary dance program. The following year, she co-founded ESPACE OUVERT, an organization that supports artists in various forms of movement. With a background in professional ballet and contemporary dance, and a career spanning over twenty-five years as a performer, choreographer, and trainer on both local and international platforms, Stéphanie focuses on the growth of both professional and pre-professional artists in fields such as dance, circus, theater, and performance. In her various capacities as an artistic director, creative advisor, and movement instructor, she is dedicated to recognizing diverse approaches, enhancing skills, and fostering all forms of artistic expression.
What are the dates of the next programs?
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Autumn Program
(program #16)
From September 8 to November 30, 2025
Deadline: April 12, 2025
Spring Program
(program #15)
From March 3 to May 25, 2025
Audition closed
Next audition
To attend autumn dance program
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Please submit your resume and letter of intent to info@espace-ouvert.com. Additionally, include a video showcasing a dance improvisation (less than 2 minutes) and another video demonstrating floorwork (less than 2 minutes). Optionally, you may also provide a video discussing your artistic influences and creative vision.
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Deadline:
April 30, 2025
What is the cost of the program?
FEE FOR PROGRAM #16:
2 680$ (tx. incl.)
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PAYMENT TERMS :
- Option 1: $670 before May 31, 2025, and $1,980 before September 8, 2025
- Option 2: $670 before May 31, 2025, $670 before September 8, $670 before October 8,, and $670 before November 8.
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FINANCIAL SUPPORT:
- Artists, members of the RQD, can benefit from the dance training support program.
- Canadian artists can apply for a development grant from Conseil des Arts et de Lettres du Québec (CALQ) and/or the Conseil des Art du Canada (CAC).
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Team of teachers and guests artists of a previous program
Director and contemporary dance : Stéphanie Decourteille
Coordinator: Megan Gaudreault
Partner Work: Anna-Maude Lamontagne
Interpretation and Theater: Agathe Foucault
Partner Work: Alyssa Favero
Partner Work: Adèle Ross
Education in Movement: Adel Shiab
Flow: Charles Brecard
Jumpstyle: Camille Dubé
Multidisciplinary Workshop: Céline Richard-Robichon
Electro: Carlos Mendoza
Contact Improvisation: Corinne Skaff
House: Dominique Sophie
Hand Balancing: Eliane Bonin
Prevention, Strengthening, Warm-Up Program: Liliane Moussa
Hip Hop Freestyle: Jaleesa Coligny
Krump: Jigsaw
Floorwork and Partner Work: Joshua Yates
Breaking: Kate Lynx
Technical Class and Workshop in Contemporary Dance: Kristen Céré
Technical Class and Workshop in Contemporary Dance: Kyra Jean Green
Technical Class and Workshop in Contemporary Dance: Louise-Michel Jakson
Waacking: Marie-Reine Kabasha
Multidisciplinary Workshop: Mariela Borello
Artist Support (Biography and Artistic Intent): Maud Mazo-Rothenbühler
Capoeira: Mestre Perninha / Vitor Silva Dos Santo
Acrodance and Acrobatics: Nicole Jacobs
Yoga and Meditation: Sarah Buono Fredette
Gaga: Sarah Gibson
Comfort in Discomfort Laboratory: Stéphane Créte
Clown: Solène Laurin-Laliberté
Yoga and Meditation: Stéphanie Fromentin
Acrodance and Acrobatics: Vincent Jutras
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Technical Class in Contemporary Dance, Partner Workshop, Floorwork, Improvisation/Exploration, Creation Workshop, Choreographic Research Workshop, Contemporary Ballet Barre, Dancer Support, Artistic Advisor: Stéphanie Decourteille
Testimonies
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"Stéphanie is an incredible dance teacher and artist who provided me with close support while also giving me the space to explore and define myself as an artist. Being surrounded by passionate dancers from diverse backgrounds, along with a mentor as dedicated and engaged in the dance world as Stéphanie, was truly liberating. This experience allowed me to grow in ways I hadn’t expected. The multidisciplinary nature of the program also opened my eyes to an entirely new perspective on dance, challenging everything I thought I knew. Finally, the choreographic creation component was a real challenge for me—I never imagined I’d be able to create an entire piece."
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Aicha Benchaâboune
BIG BANG graduate - Program 9
(Photo : Helena Vallès)
Graduates program #14
26/08 to 14/12/2024
Clara Barbieux
Desirée James
Flore Magnier
Jade Gallant
Jocelyn Snow​
Julianne Decerf
Kristopher Griffin
Marie-Anouck Huard Lefebvre
Marlee Stephens
Sarah Buono Fredette
Shirley Gibbs
Sofya Kovalskaya
Sydney Bluck
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Graduates program #13
04/03 au 23/06/2024
Alice Marroquin-Éthier
Anja Raberanto
Anne-Charlotte Lajoie
Anthony L’Heureux
Christophe Bétournay
Elisabeth Bergeron
Inés Chiha
Kio
Kirandevi A.Naidu
Lorenzo Serafino
Margaux Vibert
Morgane Guillou
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Nicolas Sylvestre
Pascale Laliberté
Rhys Alexander Phillips
Sofya Kovalskaya
Sophie Groleau
Graduates program #12
28/08 to 17/12/2023
Ana Perret-Halsouet
Angeline Bourgeault
Camille Robert
Chloé Jouffre
Christophe Bétournay
Daeva Miles
Emma Wallace
Estelle Beaulieu
Ines Chiha
Lara Haikal
Manon Veissiere
Marc-Aurèle Euzenot
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Marianna Yiannaki
Maya June
Sarah Roy
Sophie Groleau-Rouleau
Alice Fournier (artiste/étudiante)
Graduates program #11
23/01 to 14/05/2023
Alessia Moschettino
Alexa Bender
Amélie Albert
Constance Gadan
Danae Zeller Silva
Evane Gislard
Julianna Heft
Kiera Whitla
Léna Roth
Maëva Houck
Maya Conway
Milena Sundari Nowak
Yule Burlefinger
Zenobia Cook
Graduates program #10
29/08 to 17/12/2022
Alice Valinducq
Ambre Michel-Picque
Bowie Siu
Diane Cezard
Flora Spiga
Joshua Yates
Lorenzo Serafino
Manon Burtin
Megan Gaudreault
Millie Brinck-Dubuc
Nicolas Sylvestre
Sarah Marie Benninghoff
Tina Donzelle
Graduates program #9
17/01 to 13/05/2022
Nicole Jacobs
Nikki Theroux
Sarah Lafortune
Solana Del Bel Belluz
Graduates program #8
23/08 to 17/12/2021
Nicole Jacobs
Soléne Laurin-Laliberté
Sarah Lafortune
Rachelle Alexandra Fleury
Graduates program #7
25/01 to 21/05/2021
Anna-Maude Lamontagne
Audrey Sargent
Antonin Desmarais
Cachou Trudel-Langevin
Camille Mougenot
Camille Scully
Gabriela Jovian-Mazon
Laura Borello Bellemare
​Laurie Gaudichon
Marianne Mercier-Dulac
Samuel Terzis
Sarah Lafortune
Shania Leblanc
Graduates program #6
24/08 to 18/12/2020
Anna-Maude Lamontagne
Antonin Desmarais
Audrey Sargent
Cachou Trudel-Langevin
Camille Mougenot
Camille Scully
Florine Gall
Jeanne Théroux-Laplante
Laura Borello Bellemare
Laura Perron
Marianne Mercier-Dulac
Samuel Terzis
Sarah Lafortune
Thibault Ayrinhac
Graduates program #4
26/08 to 19/12/2019
Agathe Stopin
Emeline Descharles
Florine Gall
Guillaume Roberts-Cambron
Emeline Descharles
Jordan Brown
Julia Soares Weiss
Laila Mestari
Laurence Patenaude
Maia Thomlinson
Maryline Martias
Sadiya Lopinto
Sarah Barone
Sarah Lafortune
Graduates program #3
14/01 to 09/05/2019
Aram Dermenjian
Etienne-St Pierre
Lauranne Faubert-Guay
Maia Thomlinson
Graduates program #2
28/08 to 16/12/2018
Camélia Letendre
Etienne-St Pierre
Lauranne Faubert-Guay
Gabriela Jovian-Mazon
Graduates program #1
16/01 to 04/05/2018
Be Heintzman-Hope
Chanel Cheiban
Chelsea Chen
Shanyca Eli-Leconte
Thaïna Rosinvil
Pénélope Quevillon
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Immerse yourself in the creative and inspiring world of the program 7 of BIG BANG through this video by Etienne De Durocher.