big bang dance program

About the Open Call

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. 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. Excerpts of Solos Performed at Espace Ouvert Who is in charge of directing the program? 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 is the cost of the program? FEE FOR PROGRAM #17: 2 840$ (tx. incl.) PAYMENT TERMS : - Option 1: $710 before December 15, 2025, and $2,100 before March 2, 2026 - Option 2: $710 before December 15, 2025, $710 before March 2, $710 before April 2, and $710 before May 2, 2026 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). 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 Technical Class in Contemporary Dance, Partner Workshop, Floorwork, Improvisation/Exploration, Creation Workshop, Choreographic Research Workshop, Contemporary Ballet Barre, Dancer Support, Artistic Advisor: Stéphanie Decourteille.

What is Offered

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. 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. A recording provides the artists with high-quality video and photo materials, enabling them to share these with companies, broadcasters, or funding organizations. Financial support options are available.

Requirements

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. We expect total involvement from the artists. Punctuality, minimizing absences, and active participation in workshops and classes are crucial.

How to Apply

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.