8 Canadian Choreographers Every Dance Student Should Know
Chances are if you're a dance student in a Canadian institution (or anywhere else), you'll be made to learn about the most famous choreographers of your time. While dancers typically think of the U.S. and Europe as the dance hotspots, it's pleasantly refreshing to find Canadian choreographers amongst the cream of the crop.
In my opinion, Canada, at this point, isn't really known for its dance landscape – not in the way the U.S. and Europe are. The stereotypes about the country are hockey, maple syrup, and over-the-top "politeness."
However, the following eight choreographers have trailblazed their way into the national and international scenes, making waves in the innovation of dance like no one before.
Crystal Pite: The Poet of Motion
If you’ve ever seen Crystal Pite’s work, you know it’s like watching poetry come to life. Hailing from British Columbia, Pite has become one of the most celebrated choreographers of our time all across the globe. Her pieces often explore themes of human connection, vulnerability, and resilience, weaving together intricate movements with raw emotion.
Pite is the founder of Kidd Pivot, her Vancouver-based company that fuses classical dance with theatrical innovation. Crystal Pite is all about the grief and trauma. Her most recent revival work, Flight Pattern – debuted in London, England, in 2017 and set on The Royal Ballet, performed again in 2024 – explores the plight of refugees in a war-torn world.
Her most famous work to date, on the other hand, is Emergence (2013). Think of it as the introductory piece to Pite's repertoire. While any piece of hers will leave an indelible image on your mind, Emergence is the most recognizable and serves as a great starting point for audience members new to her work. (Although, if you have arachnophobia, you might want to sit this one out.)
I dare say that Angels' Atlas is a close second. Commissioned for The National Ballet of Canada (NBoC) in 2020, its world premiere and subsequent revival in 2021 book-ended NBoC's start and end to their company hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It's definitely the most emotionally-charged one, standing as a testament to the power of humanity and the arts.
Crystal Pite: Angels' Atlas is a 2022 documentary filmed on NBoC's process during the revival. Just like the live performance, this documentary is critically acclaimed and definitely worth a watch.
Each of her works is deeply personal and universally relatable. Watching them is like being pulled into a dream—one that lingers long after the curtain falls.
Marie Chouinard: The Visionary Rebel
You know you're in for a good time when the excerpt video for Chouinard's bODY_rEMIX/gOLDBERG_vARIATIONS is literally titled, "Weirdest video ever," on YouTube. (And, no, I did not type that name wrong.)
My first encounter with Chouinard was exactly this: finding this video. I was 14, probably, and had no idea who Marie Chouinard was, let alone that this was "contemporary dance." All I knew was that I'd gotten a very good giggle over the scantily-clad men and women performing outrageous nonsense onstage. You know what I'm talking about. That man with a long pole attached to his groin and flailing it to strike another metal rod? Yeah.
It was so random but so addicting.
You should know that Marie Chouinard is no stranger to nudity and sexuality onstage. The more naked, the better. One might even describe her work as vulgaire.
Based in Montreal, she’s known for pushing boundaries and challenging conventional notions of beauty and movement. Her choreography is bold, provocative, and unapologetically avant-garde. With her company, Compagnie Marie Chouinard, she has created works that blend primal energy with meticulous precision.
A funny story: when I was in postsecondary school for dance, Place des Arts in Montreal announced they'd be reviving bODY_rEMIX/gOLDBERG_vARIATIONS. I couldn't contain my excitement.
Here was the myth! The legend! The origin of the video! I promptly made plans to go to Montreal with a friend and see it. I thought it'd be a night of hoots and wild fun.
My, was I wrong.
Once the show was viewed inside a theatre, it was serious art. Not a muffle or a giggle escaped the audience's mouths (or no one dared to, I don't know). In the context of its intended full length, the work definitely assumes a different vibe. I personally thought it still deserved a good-natured laugh, but the audience seemed more preoccupied with trying to find meaning in it.
From then on, whenever Marie Chouinard was in my area, I made sure to go see her show, including Radical Vitality: Solos and Duets in 2020. This one elicited a much more vocal reaction from the audience. I saw the strangest thing ever in dance at that point, courtesy of her female dancer peeing into a bucket onstage. (I have since seen stranger, but that's another story.)
Before the show, two of the dancers were also performing an interactive set in the lobby. We could whisper a wish into their ears, and they would improvise a short sequence based on that.
They've also performed in Fall for Dance North Festival in 2018. My friend from school bought tickets for us when she saw the news. In a somewhat-horrifying conclusion to the work, all her dancers stepped out naked with huge baby masks on their face. What I mean by this is the masks were cardboard-like cutouts with baby faces printed on them.
They surreptitiously glided toward the audience, step by step, taking their time. The tension in the house was palpable. As they came closer, all the way to the edge, the audience broke out in nervous laughter and disbelief. Needless to say, they received the most enthusiastic applause of the night.
(What made it even funnier was that some of our classmates had brought some guy friends, and this was their first ever dance show. What an intro, eh?)
Pieces like Radical Vitality and bODY_rEMIX/gOLDBERG_vARIATIONS showcase her fearless approach to exploring the human body as an expressive tool. Chouinard’s work often sparks conversation and controversy — but that’s exactly what makes her such a vital figure in contemporary dance. She reminds us that art isn’t always about comfort; sometimes, it’s about confrontation.
Jean-Pierre Perreault: The Architect of Movement
Though Jean-Pierre Perreault passed away in 2002, his influence on Canadian dance is still deeply felt, especially in the 1970s - 90s. Known for his large-scale works and striking visual designs, Perreault’s choreography often explored themes of community, identity, and the human condition. His iconic piece Joe, featuring dancers in identical trenchcoats stomping in unison in heavy steel-toed work boots, remains a cornerstone of Canadian contemporary dance.
The dancers in Joe are all dressed exactly the same, head to toe in black – epitomizing the sense of "anonymous." I had the pleasure of seeing the revival in 2021 at Harbourfront Centre, wherein my own contemporary/modern teacher performed.
Everything in this piece is about precision and time. The dancers stomp together, move together, run together. If even anyone is off the beat during the march sections, it's obvious to the ears. Later on, there's a striking section with the dancers sliding down an inclined ramp at the back of the set. Upon considering how the choreography was made, I have to wonder if there's a bit of Cunningham influence to it.
Merce Cunningham, an icon of post-modern dance in the 20th century, was the master of random play, so to speak. He would often decide on "steps" based on the roll of a dice, and it's possible Joe extrapolated that.
Perreault had a unique ability to create a sense of unity among his dancers while still allowing individual stories to shine through. His work feels timeless—rooted in the collective experiences that make us human. If you ever get a chance to see one of his pieces performed, don’t miss it; it’s like stepping into a living sculpture.
Édouard Lock: The Master of Precision
Édouard Lock is synonymous with innovation. As the founder of La La La Human Steps, a Montreal-based company that gained international fame in the 1980s and ’90s, Lock redefined what contemporary dance could look like. His choreography is fast-paced, physically demanding, and visually stunning—a perfect blend of athleticism and artistry.
The company is famous for their signature full-body barrel jump, a gravity-defying move called the "Des Axe." Performing this, the dancer is completely horizontal in mid-air while rotating.
You can see the barrel jump most clearly at 2:59.
The barrel jump shows itself again at 0:09.
Louise Lecavalier is arguably the company's most renowned dancer. Sporting a wild mane of platinum dreadlocks and the physique of a ballerina, Lecavalier made waves in both concert dance and pop culture, eventually moving on from La La La Human Steps to performing, choreographing, and directing her own works.
Her gender-defying physicality and virtuosity made her a star of the stage. When asked in an interview much later in life about how she manages to keep up, even with age, she said,
It is a mind thing. The body just has to follow.
Here is a lesson for all dancers and movers in the world. The mind-body connection cannot be overstated.
But it wasn't easy being a part of La La La Human Steps. The athleticism required had its tolls, and when my choreography teacher showed us a clip of a duet (I can't remember if it was Lecavalier in the video, nor can I find it anywhere), she explained the female dancer had had three knee surgeries. Both of her knees were fully replaced.
Lock’s collaborations with artists like David Bowie and Frank Zappa brought contemporary dance into the mainstream, proving that it could be just as edgy and exciting as any rock concert. His works are characterized by their razor-sharp precision and dynamic energy, leaving audiences breathless (and possibly wondering how the dancers manage to keep up).
James Kudelka: The Ballet Builder
James Kudelka is one of Canada's most significant choreographers, known for his ability to weave deep emotion and narrative into his works. As a former Artistic Director of the National Ballet of Canada, Kudelka's repertoire spans classical ballet to modern dance, showcasing his versatility and creativity.
He came from Newmarket, Ontario, to train at the National Ballet School at age 16. He was then a principal dancer with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montreal, an extremely popular company to this day, before he returned to The National Ballet as Artist in Residence in 1992. In 1995, the success of his version of The Nutcracker -- the one we still watch today – helped catapult him to the position of Artistic Director.
Other than the holiday tradition, fans of the National Ballet of Canada know Kudelka's work through timeless favourites like Swan Lake, Cinderella, and The Four Seasons.
His choreography often delves into human relationships, societal issues, and even existential questions—making his work both thought-provoking and deeply moving. Kudelka's work reminds us that dance is not just about physicality but also about connecting with the audience on an emotional level through storytelling.
In 2005, he passed the torch to Karen Kain, who served as Artistic Director until 2021.
Patricia Beatty: The Pioneer
Patricia Beatty was a trailblazer in the Canadian modern dance scene. She's inherently one of the most important historical figures in Canadian dance for co-founding Toronto Dance Theatre (TDT) in 1968. At the same time that Martha Graham was expanding modern dance in New York City (and, indeed, all three founders of TDT trained under Graham), Beatty used her home at TDT to further the vision of contemporary dance in Toronto.
To this day, TDT remains the only fulltime contemporary dance company in the city. The Company spawned a feeder school, also in 1968, named The School of Toronto Dance Theatre (STDT), renamed Dance Arts Institute (DAI) in 2021. DAI and TDT are some of the only organizations in Toronto that still offer and practice Graham dance.
Original choreography by Patricia Beatty.
Beatty's choreography is known for its raw energy, spiritual depth, and commitment to exploring the human condition. Her practice was strongly influenced by Graham.
Her works often draw on themes of nature, spirituality, and sexuality, reflecting her belief in the power of dance as a form of personal and collective expression. Beatty's influence extends beyond her choreography—her dedication to teaching and mentoring young dancers has left a lasting legacy in the Canadian dance community.
Roberto Campanella: The Bridge Between Dances
Originally from Italy, Roberto Campanella has made a significant impact on the Canadian dance scene since moving to Toronto. A former dancer with the National Ballet of Canada, Campanella transitioned into choreography and founded ProArteDanza in 2004, a seasonal contemporary company. It's renowned for its unique fusion of ballet and contemporary dance, creating works that are athletic, dynamic, and emotionally resonant.
You'll recognize Campanella's work by those deep, deep plies. It's practically a company hallmark at this point. They're also known for off-tilt, spiraling pirouettes.
Campanella's ability to seamlessly blend classical technique with contemporary movement has earned him widespread acclaim. Beyond his work with ProArteDanza, Campanella has also choreographed for film and television, including Oscar Best Picture The Shape of Water. His versatility as an artist continues to inspire dancers and audiences alike.
ProArteDanza today offers summer intensives for pre-professional and professional dancers, with the opportunity to perform works by Campanella himself and invited guest choreographers.
Margie Gillis: The Soulful Storyteller
Admittedly, Margie Gillis is the only choreographer on this list I have no personal experience with, whether through her works or her company. Upon research, however, it's easy to see how Gillis is one of the most revered choreographers in Canadian history.
Based in Montreal, Gillis is renowned for her solo work, which often feels more like a conversation than a performance. Her choreography is deeply personal, drawing on her own experiences and emotions to create pieces that resonate on a profound level.
Gillis was literally born into movement. Her parents were Olympic skiers; her brother was a professional hockey player; her other brother was a dancer and choreographer; and her sister was a yoga teacher and personal trainer. Talk about getting an early start.
If you search up photos of Gillis, you'll notice her trademark long locks, hair that reaches all the way to her thighs. I imagine her hair is part of her choreography, from the luscious way she swirls it around in her pieces.
Noticeably, Gillis is a strong advocate for social commitment. She's been a spokesperson for the struggle against AIDS, as well as started the Margie Gillis Dance Foundation in 1981, which provides outreach through workshops and performances. The Foundation also produces original dance works. (See here for reference.)
Gillis has been performing for over 40 years, earning accolades for her ability to connect with audiences through her raw vulnerability and authenticity. Her movements are fluid and organic, as though they’re being guided by an invisible current. Watching her perform is like witnessing someone lay their soul bare—a rare gift in today’s fast-paced world.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Inspiration
It's high time that Canadian dance is recognized for its unique voice. For every assumption that we're polite on the outside, someone somewhere is creating dance that will shock your brainwaves.
You'll notice that the choreographers on this list are a little older, a little more rooted in history. Some of them are only with us in spirit now. Art takes time; it's rarely something that is established overnight.
Whatever each individual's timeline may be and their active years, they share a common thread: their passion for pushing the boundaries of dance and inspiring others through their artistry. Whether through classical ballet, modern dance, or innovative fusions of styles, these choreographers have enriched Canada's cultural landscape and earned their place on the global stage.
As we celebrate their contributions, let's also take a moment to appreciate the power of dance as a universal language—one that connects us all through movement, emotion, and storytelling. Here's to the incredible talent that continues to emerge from Canada and to the choreographers who remind us of the beauty and complexity of being human.
