DLD | The company

The company

We propel choreographic works onto the world stage

DLD - Daniel Léveillé Danse supports the creation, production and presentation of choreographic projects at the forefront of dance and the performing arts. The company offers personalized, strategic assistance to artists seeking to get their work into the national and international spotlight, thereby also promoting the art of choreography.

Throughout the years, DLD has helped develop a market for 13 creators, resulting in the presentation of 43 works in 157 cities around the world.

Currently, the company supports the work of its artistic director Frédérick Gravel, and of its founder, Daniel Léveillé. Also, DLD is currently promotes the creations of Nicolas Cantin, Alix Dufresne, Ellen Furey, Catherine Gaudet, Stéphane Gladyszewski and Étienne Lepage. Occasionally, the company supports other artists on specific projects.

A WORD FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

A WORD FROM THE FOUNDER

I’ve always been convinced that the contemporary dance and performing arts milieus have everything to gain from sharing and exchanging knowledge and expertise. The role of artistic director of DLD presented itself as a challenge that I was delighted to take on, since it is fully aligned with my artistic approach. The company’s values are close to my heart and I want this unique and innovative organization, which propels the arts to new heights, to continue existing, growing and helping artists reach their full potential.

The experience I’ve gained over the past 15 years in creating and presenting my repertoire will help me in my new role as artistic director. It will also allow me to reflect on how to develop my activities and those of our talented creators, as well as the performing arts in general, in a sustainable way.

I see this association as a confirmation of our mutual trust. The company believes in my artistic work and I believe in the company’s mission. We agree on the organization’s goals. I have no doubt that we will help each other move forward.

Our association is also an exchange of responsibilities. I’m committed to bringing exciting, relevant projects to this organization as it continues to support my artistic work.

– FRÉDÉRICK GRAVEL

From 1991 to 2002, Daniel Léveillé Danse allowed me to fulfil my aspirations as a creator. Over time, as the company opened its doors to other creators, its artistic identity gradually changed, shaped by works other than my own. This evolution occurred in an entirely natural way. Today DLD is a forward-looking dance management organization serving visionary artists who dare to redefine the art of choreography and the performing arts in general.

Searching for Structural Models in Dance

I have observed, assessed and challenged our most promising creators and dancers. I have supported their artistic growth by creating opportunities to showcase their work despite severe economic constraints. I have joined the entire DLD team in setting up alternative modes of operation in order to optimize these artists’ development. Through all of these actions, I believe I have helped strengthen the dance community.

After several years of exceptional growth, DLD’s sustainability became a critical issue. How could we ensure that the company would have the necessary resources to evolve in the long term and advance even further? How could we combine our ideals of excellence with our desire to remain open to all innovative trends?

A New Cycle

These questions led to a structural reorganization and my decision to hand over the role of artistic director to Frédérick Gravel, marking the start of a new chapter in the DLD story. Backed by a solid and dedicated team, Frédérick will breathe new life into this unique, innovative and promising organization.

I will remain closely involved with DLD as a member of its board of directors. The company will also continue to be an important vehicle for me to present my works.

– DANIEL LÉVEILLÉ

RAISON D'ÊTRE

MISSION

DLD supports Quebec choreographers at the forefront of dance and the performing arts by helping them develop and present their repertoire. We ensure that their works are showcased at home and abroad, enhancing their visibility and longevity. As a producer, the company allows the artistic director and founder to continue creating works over the long term.

VISION

DLD acts as a vehicle and catalyst. It seeks to protect artists who might otherwise spread themselves too thin, giving them the time and space they need to focus on their creative work.

VALUES

VITALITY in contemporary dance creation

INNOVATION on stage and backstage

COLLABORATION as a driving force

OPENNESS to hybrid artistic forms

RECOGNITION of artists and cultural workers

MANDATE

1 Support the development, production, promotion and presentation of works by the company’s artistic director, Frédérick Gravel, and by its founder, Daniel Léveillé;

2 Develop strategies to promote and develop markets for the projects of its associate creators;

3 Ensure that associate creators’ shows are presented on national and international stages;

4 Offer activities to create bridges between artists, the professional community and the general public through panel discussions, conferences and dance workshops, as well as through its biennial event, Série B.

KEY ROLES

The board of directors ensures good governance of the company and adopts its artistic policy. It appoints the artistic director and executive director, and gives them the joint mandate of applying the company’s artistic policy.

The artistic director interprets the company’s artistic policy and acts as its spokesperson.

The executive director oversees the development of company activities as part of his or her mission and according to objectives set by the board of directors.

The artistic director and the executive director are jointly responsible for selecting the creators that the company will support.

BACKGROUND

1991 – Choreographer Daniel Léveillé founds the company Daniel Léveillé nouvelle danse inc. (later Daniel Léveillé Danse) in order to support the creation and presentation of his works.

1994 – The company begins a rich collaborative relationship with Agora de la danse and its artistic and executive director, Francine Bernier. Agora will present all of Daniel Léveillé’s works over an 18-year period.

2002 – Amour, acide et noix (2001) receives rave reviews. Daniel Léveillé is later awarded the Dora Mavor Moore Award for Outstanding New Choreography, as well as the People’s Choice Award by the Croatian Institute for Movement and Dance. The company hires renowned talent agent George Skalkogiannis to embark on its international journey.

2003 – Marie-Andrée Gougeon, an experienced dancer, instructor and rehearsal director, becomes the company’s general manager.

2006 – The company sets up a sponsorship program to offer its development and presentation expertise to other artists. The program is an instant success and soon becomes one of the company’s core activities.

2007 – Daniel Léveillé begins an important relationship with the Festival TransAmériques (FTA), who co-produces and presents Crépuscule des oceans (2007) and all his following works: Solitudes solo (2012), Solitudes duo (2015), Quatuor tristesse (2018).

2010 – Frédérick Gravel applies to the sponsorship program in order to take his piece Gravel Works (2008) to Austin, Texas. He becomes an associate creator with the company.

2015 – The 2014-2015 season proves to be exceptionally prolific for Frédérick Gravel, whose creations Gravel Works (2008), All Hell is Breaking Loose, Honey (2010), Usually Beauty Fails (2012) and Thus Spoke… (2013) are presented at 45 occasions on national and international stages.

2017 – Daniel Léveillé is awarded the Grand Prix de la danse de Montréal for his unique choreographic signature, his artistic integrity, and his remarkable contribution to supporting other artists and transmitting dance works through DLD - Daniel Léveillé Danse.

Official announcement | Acceptance speech (in French only)

2018 – After 27 years at the company’s helm, Daniel Léveillé steps down as artistic director and hands over the reins to Frédérick Gravel. The company is now referred to by the acronym DLD to underscore this important change. Official announcement

2019 – Marie-Andrée Gougeon is awarded the Prix de la danse de Montréal, catégorie Gestionnaire culturel(le) for her 22 of loyal involvement in the company. The jury sought to recognize her rigorous practice, her vision and audacity.

Official announcement | Acceptance speech (in French only)

CREATORS

Current

Since 2006 Stéphane Gladyszewski

Since 2010 Frédérick Gravel

Since 2012 Nicolas Cantin

Since 2013 Étienne Lepage

Since 2018 Catherine Gaudet

Since 2019 Ellen Furey

Since 2020 Alix Dufresne

Past

2006-2009 Antonja Livingstone