Life, love, and a view from 30,000 feet: With Jean Grand-Maître

Born in Hull, Quebec, Jean Grand-Maître began his dance training at York University in Toronto and later graduated from the École supérieure de ballet du Québec in Montreal. He danced with British Columbia Ballet and Theatre Ballet of Canada. His remarkable career as an internationally acclaimed dance creator began in 1994. He is considered one of the most outstanding Canadian choreographers and artistic directors of his generation.

After a decade creating contemporary ballets for renowned companies around the world, he was appointed artistic director of Alberta Ballet from 2002 to 2022. Through his judicious selection of dancers and strategic development of the repertoire, he enabled Alberta Ballet to become a company capable of presenting works ranging from the most avant-garde creations to the most demanding classical masterpieces. In 2009, he was appointed director of choreography for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Vancouver Winter Olympics. In 2007, he launched a new series of “Portrait Ballets,” inspired by the greatest songwriters of our time. In 2023, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal. In 2022, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. In 2021, he received an honorary doctorate of laws from the University of Calgary. In 2020, he was made a Member of the Order of Canada.