Les Grands Ballets Canadiens
A Montreal-based ballet company known for combining classical repertoire with contemporary dance and commissioning new work.
Last updated August 21, 2026
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Overview
Les Grands Ballets Canadiens is a professional ballet company headquartered in Montreal, Quebec. Founded in 1957 by dancer, teacher, choreographer and artistic organizer Ludmilla Chiriaeff, the company developed as a creative and repertory institution rather than as a troupe limited to a single national or stylistic tradition. Its programming has historically moved between canonical classical ballet, modern dance-influenced choreography and contemporary works created for the company or acquired from major international choreographers. The company’s history is closely connected to the development of professional dance in Quebec and Canada. In its early decades, the organization helped establish Montreal as an important center for ballet performance and training. Michel Perrault served as its first music director, while Chiriaeff’s leadership and the subsequent artistic direction of Fernand Nault from 1965 to 1973 gave the company a strong foundation in both performance and production. Brian Macdonald led the company from 1974 to 1977. Later, under artistic director Lawrence Rhodes from 1990 to 1999, the institution continued to support artists who became influential in Canadian dance, including James Kudelka, Édouard Lock and Ginette Laurin. Les Grands Ballets has also participated in national cultural initiatives. In 1981 it joined several leading Canadian dance organizations in the Canadian Dance Spectacular at Ottawa’s National Arts Centre. The event was filmed by the National Film Board of Canada and became the subject of the 1982 documentary Gala. This participation reflected the company’s role within a broader Canadian dance ecosystem rather than only its identity as a Montreal institution. Gradimir Pankov became artistic director in 2000 after holding leadership positions with several European companies, including Nederlands Dans Theater II, the National Ballet of Finland, Cullberg Ballet and Ballet du Grand Théâtre de Genève. During his tenure, the company expanded its international repertoire and established a national choreographic contest in 2008. The contest gave emerging Canadian choreographers an opportunity to present work, with Jean-Sébastien Couture identified as a winner. Pankov’s programming also included commissions and acquisitions from choreographers such as Ohad Naharin, Mats Ek, Jiří Kylián, Jean-Christophe Maillot and Christopher Wheeldon. Ivan Cavallari became artistic director in 2017. Trained at the Teatro alla Scala Ballet School in Milan, Cavallari had previously directed West Australian Ballet and the Ballet de l’Opéra national du Rhin. Under his leadership, Les Grands Ballets has emphasized a balance between major classical ballets and contemporary works by both established and emerging creators. Its repertoire has included works by choreographers such as Kim Brandstrup, Shawn Hounsell, Adam Hougland, Stijn Celis, Didy Veldman, Kader Belarbi, Mauro Bigonzetti, Peter Quanz and Shen Wei. The company’s activities extend beyond its own productions. It has presented or hosted international companies and dance organizations including Houston Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Cullberg Ballet, Compañía Nacional de Danza, Warsaw Ballet, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre, Shen Wei Dance Arts, Ballet de l’Opéra de Lyon, Dutch National Ballet and Eifman Ballet Theatre. Its identity is therefore built around repertory breadth, international exchange, support for choreographic creation and the continuing presentation of ballet to audiences in Montreal and beyond.
History
Les Grands Ballets Canadiens was established in Montreal in 1957 by Ludmilla Chiriaeff. From its beginning, the company operated as a repertory and creative ballet institution, presenting both established ballet traditions and newer choreographic approaches. Michel Perrault served as the organization’s first music director. Under Chiriaeff and later artistic director Fernand Nault, who led from 1965 to 1973, the company became an important force in the growth of professional ballet in Quebec and Canada. Brian Macdonald directed the company from 1974 to 1977. Across these early periods, Les Grands Ballets developed a broad artistic identity, drawing on classical ballet while remaining open to modern and contemporary dance. Its institutional influence can also be seen in the careers of artists associated with the company or its wider creative environment, including James Kudelka, Édouard Lock and Ginette Laurin. In 1981, Les Grands Ballets participated in the Canadian Dance Spectacular at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa alongside several prominent Canadian dance organizations. The performance was filmed by the National Film Board of Canada and later became the basis of the 1982 documentary Gala, documenting a significant national presentation of Canadian dance. After a later period under artistic director Lawrence Rhodes from 1990 to 1999, Gradimir Pankov assumed artistic leadership in 2000. Pankov brought extensive international experience from institutions in the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden and Switzerland. His tenure strengthened the company’s international repertory, combining commissioned works with acquisitions from leading choreographers. In 2008 he created a national choreographic contest intended to provide visibility for emerging Canadian choreographers; Jean-Sébastien Couture was identified as a winner. The repertory associated with Les Grands Ballets has included works by internationally recognized figures such as Mats Ek, Jiří Kylián, Jean-Christophe Maillot, Christopher Wheeldon and Ohad Naharin. The company has also commissioned or presented works by Kim Brandstrup, Shawn Hounsell, Adam Hougland, Stijn Celis, Didy Veldman, Kader Belarbi, Mauro Bigonzetti, Peter Quanz and Shen Wei. Ivan Cavallari became artistic director in 2017. His leadership has continued the company’s effort to balance classical titles with contemporary creation. Ballet masters Hervé Courtain and Marina Villanueva Arias are identified with the company from 2017 and 2020 respectively. In addition to its own repertory, Les Grands Ballets has presented international guest companies from North America, Europe, Asia and elsewhere, reinforcing its role as a platform for international dance exchange. The company remains based in Montreal and continues to operate as an active professional ballet organization.
- 2020
Marina Villanueva Arias appointed ballet master
[1]Marina Villanueva Arias was appointed as a ballet master.
- 2017
Ivan Cavallari becomes artistic director
[1]Ivan Cavallari took over artistic leadership and continued the company’s combination of classical and contemporary repertory.
- 2008
National choreographic contest established
[1]Pankov established a national contest designed to showcase emerging Canadian choreographers; Jean-Sébastien Couture was identified as a winner.
- 2000
Gradimir Pankov becomes artistic director
[1]Gradimir Pankov assumed artistic leadership after directing or leading several European dance institutions.
- 1982
Featured in the documentary Gala
[1]The Canadian Dance Spectacular was filmed by the National Film Board of Canada and became the subject of the documentary Gala.
- 1981
Participation in the Canadian Dance Spectacular
[1]The company joined major Canadian dance organizations for a National Arts Centre presentation in Ottawa.
- 1965
Fernand Nault begins artistic leadership
[1]Fernand Nault became artistic director, leading the company during an important period of artistic and institutional development.
- 1957
Company founded in Montreal
[1]Ludmilla Chiriaeff founded Les Grands Ballets Canadiens in Montreal, establishing a professional ballet institution with a broad repertory ambition.
Products and positioning
A Montreal professional ballet company positioned at the intersection of classical ballet, contemporary choreography, repertory development and international cultural exchange.
Ballet performance
Classical ballet repertory
The company presents major classical ballet works as part of its seasonal programming. Under Ivan Cavallari, classical titles remain an explicit part of the artistic balance alongside contemporary commissions and acquisitions.
Contemporary dance performance
Contemporary ballet repertory
Contemporary works form a central part of the company’s identity. The repertory has included works by choreographers such as Mats Ek, Jiří Kylián, Jean-Christophe Maillot, Christopher Wheeldon and Ohad Naharin, as well as works by younger and emerging creators.
New work production
Original choreographic commissions
Les Grands Ballets commissions new works from Canadian and international choreographers. Documented commissions and productions include The Queen of Spades, The Butterfly Effect, Between Ashes and Angels, Noces, Cinderella, The Rite of Spring, The Little Prince, The Beast and the Beauty, Four Seasons, Rodin/Claudel and Re–II.
Choreographic development program · 2008
National choreographic contest
Established in 2008, the national choreographic contest was created to give emerging Canadian choreographers a route to visibility and presentation through the company. Jean-Sébastien Couture was identified as a winner.
Dance presenting
International guest-company presentations
The company’s season programming has included invitations to international and Canadian dance organizations, including Houston Ballet, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Cullberg Ballet, Compañía Nacional de Danza, Cloud Gate Dance Theatre, Ballet de l’Opéra de Lyon and Dutch National Ballet.
Brand decisions
2017
Balance classical ballet with contemporary creationStrategyBackground
Following Ivan Cavallari’s appointment as artistic director, the company continued to develop a repertory spanning major classical works and contemporary choreography.
Action taken
The artistic direction emphasized both the presentation of established ballet classics and the acquisition or creation of works by emerging contemporary artists.
Aftermath
The company maintained a mixed repertory model combining traditional ballet, international contemporary works and new commissions.
2008
Create a national platform for emerging choreographersStrategyBackground
The company sought to support the development and presentation of new Canadian choreographic voices.
Action taken
Artistic director Gradimir Pankov established a national choreographic contest.
Aftermath
The contest enabled the company to showcase emerging Canadian creators, with Jean-Sébastien Couture identified as a winner.
Sources2 sources
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