Who we are
The first organization to specialize in dance presentation in Québec, Tangente (est. 1980) champions emerging choreographers and offers contemporary dance programming from September to May. Each show is a unique experience that opens onto the experimental and the interdisciplinary. Our two intimate and transformable theatre spaces in ÉDIFICE WILDER – Espace danse allow us to ensure that the avant-garde and the alternative scene have a foothold in downtown Montréal.
Vision
With the conviction that contemporary art is an essential progressive social force, Tangente contributes to creating a deep and stimulating relationship between artworks, artists and audiences, whom it wishes to leave with a significant and lasting impression. Tangente supports creativity in contemporary dance in its most diverse aesthetics and forms.
Presented by Tangente
Since its foundation in 1980, Tangente has presented the works of countless choreographers. Tangente has been a springboard for young artists, and among those who have made their first steps on our stages are Ginette Laurin (O Vertigo), Paul-André Fortier (Fortier Danse-Création), Louise Bédard, Danièle Desnoyers (Le Carré des Lombes), Benoît Lachambre (Parbleux), Daniel Léveillé, Frédérick Gravel (DLD), Dave St-Pierre, José Navas (Compagnie Flak), Alexandra “Spicey” Landé (Ebnflōh), Virginie Brunelle, Mélanie Demers (Mayday Danse), Catherine Gaudet, Dana Michel, Lara Kramer (LKD)… and many others!
History
2019
Following consultations with their peers and the departure of co-founder and curator Dena Davida, Tangente puts an innovative pilot project in place: five curators join the general management team.
2017
After five and a half years without a fixed location, Tangente settles in to ÉDIFICE WILDER – Espace danse in Quartier des spectacles. The entirely renovated building also houses Agora de la danse, École de danse contemporaine de Montréal, and Les Grands Ballets.
2013
Initiated by Lynda Gaudreau after Clash (2006) and In Limbo (2011), Studio Libre – a creative research project – allows a group of interdisciplinary artists to dive deeper into their personal work. Every year, meetings that take the form of mentorship and artistic activities lead to a public presentation at the end of the season.
2010
Tangente launches a bicephalous model for artistic direction. Stéphane Labbé becomes artistic co-director with Dena Davida.
2009
To correspond with its mandate and follow the evolution of the discipline, Tangente danse contemporaine becomes Tangente Laboratoire de mouvements contemporains.
2007
Tangente and its artistic director Dena Davida win the Grand prix du Conseil des arts de Montréal for its constant renewal in its role of dance presenter.
2005
Corps Atypiques is a first series dedicated to artists who live with a physical or mental disability, and marks the will to showcase body diversity and intimacy.
2004
With the Danses Noires series, Tangente offers its public the possibility to discover new and emergent contemporary African dance.
2003
A first series of shows is devoted to contemporary gigue with the two pioneers Lük Fleury and Marie-Soleil Pillette. For 10 years, Tangente supports the artistic movement by co-presenting six editions of the Biennale de Gigue Contemporaine, a platform dedicated to research and creation.
2002
Urban dance: A special bill dedicated to urban dance introduces choreographer Victor Quijada (RUBBERBANDance) and the merging of ballet and breakdance. By presenting choreographic works by pioneers of the genre, notably those of the B-girl collective Solid State, Tangente participates in the recognition of these new forms of hybrid dances.
2001
Danses en famille: All-ages performances invite spectators to introduce children to contemporary dance.
1997
Printemps de la danse: A partnership between Tangente and the Maisons de la culture network offers selected works a tour, helping them reach a new public in the Montréal area.
1993
Ascendances: A new series offers a multicultural point of view on contemporary dance. The selected works present cultures that influence and enrich new dances, and their input on artistic and cultural practices here.
1991
Tangente signs a 20-year agreement with the new organisation Agora de la danse. The old national palestra, completely renovated, also hosts Danse-Cité and the UQAM Dance Department. The contract lays the groundwork for the priority occupation of the Atelier, a venue with a 91-spectator capacity that will become L’Espace Tangente.
1988
The international series Mue-Danse, in collaboration with the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal, proposes to Tangente and the multimedia venue of the museum hybrid projects that entertain a relationship with the visual arts.
1983
Moment’homme: The first edition of this festival dedicated to male choreographers reflects a new vision: dance seen by the contemporary man.
1983
Portes Ouvertes aux Universités: The idea of gathering pieces under thematic series marks the beginning of what will become a special feature of Tangente’s programming. One of the first such series, Portes Ouvertes aux Universités, becomes Danses Buissonnières in 1994 and offers the next generation of creators their first professional opportunity before a public.
1980
At 1602 Saint-Laurent Boulevard, a collective of artists opens the first space dedicated to the contemporary dance scene in Québec. On top of a dance resource centre, the programming of the studio-théâtre proposes internships, discussions, experimental and informal dance shows. In the adjacent space at 1596, an art gallery hosts all forms of artistic activities that deal with motion.