Espace Perreault Choreographic Transmission is 18 years old. It is time for me to pass the torch. Since May 2006, project by project, initiative by initiative, we have shaped our new mission and identity. Along the way, the one thing we learned for sure is that dance is not ephemeral; its memories, reverberations, and manifestations are many and complex.
This is something I didn’t know 18 years ago. I learned it, through my work, but mainly through my encounters with all those who rolled up their sleeves on a project of shared inquiry and research: members of the board of directors, management, coordinators, teams of employees, and committee members. I would have liked to include all your names here; please know that every single one of you is in my thoughts.
Being the chair means listening and facilitating what emerges from the intersection of knowledge, perceptions, and ideas. The Fondation Jean-Pierre Perreault, which would become Espace Perreault, will always be a part of my life that fills me with gratitude, and which has shaped me. Because we learn by working; by seeking to understand, we come to appreciate and love.
My love for Jean-Pierre and his body of work will always remain… just like the mysterious but palpable place that dance holds in all of us.
I salute you, Ginelle Chagnon, friend and acolyte, with whom I embarked on this adventure, and without whom we would not be where we are.
I also salute and offer huge thanks to Lise Gagnon, to you and your team, for having steered the adventure for over a decade. It is in no small part thanks to you that Espace Perreault has reached its 18th anniversary, fully mature and ready for the road ahead, in an ever-changing world.
This adventure is ending for me similar to how it began: surrounded by wonderful people. Espace Perreault’s boards of directors have always been pillars of generosity, genuine commitment, and fully assumed responsibility. The first board helped the organization take flight, and the current board is allowing me to do likewise. An enormous thanks to you too.
I am making space because sometimes in life you just have to make space to see what fills it. To be continued… as always. Au revoir.
Marc Boivin