Anik Bissonnette, Canadian ballerina

Anik Bissonnette: A Luminary of Canadian Ballet

Born on February 9, 1962, Anik Bissonnette stands as one of Canada's most celebrated and influential ballet dancers. Her illustrious career is marked by exceptional artistry, technical prowess, and a profound dramatic sensibility that captivated audiences for decades. Since 1990, she has held the distinguished position of principal dancer with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, one of Canada's premier dance companies. Her lineage also connects her to the arts, as her father, Jean Bissonnette, was a renowned television director for Télévision de Radio-Canada, a division of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC).

Early Training and Ascendancy with Le Ballet de Montréal Eddy Toussaint

Anik Bissonnette began her formative dance training at the esteemed École de danse Eddy Toussaint. It was primarily under the expert tutelage of Camilla Malashenko that Bissonnette honed her skills, laying the foundation for her future success. Her exceptional talent quickly became evident, leading her to join Eddy Toussaint's own professional troupe, Le Ballet de Montréal Eddy Toussaint, in 1979.

During her impactful tenure with Toussaint's company, Bissonnette originated numerous leading roles in his distinctive choreographies, showcasing her versatility and becoming an inspiring muse for his creative vision. These significant creations include:

Under Eddy Toussaint's insightful artistic direction, Anik Bissonnette forged a memorable and artistically significant partnership with fellow dancer Louis Robitaille. Their synergy on stage became a hallmark of the company's performances. Beyond the live stage, Bissonnette's talent reached wider audiences through numerous televised productions featuring Le Ballet de Montréal Eddy Toussaint. She also ventured into film, delivering a compelling performance in "Night Magic," a movie directed by Lewis Furey. A testament to her artistry and impact, her participation in the 1984 Helsinki Ballet Competition was pivotal, contributing directly to Toussaint receiving the first prize for his choreography of "Un simple moment," a piece brought to life by Bissonnette's impeccable execution.

Bissonnette's reputation began to extend internationally even before joining Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. In 1988, she undertook the iconic and technically demanding role of Giselle for the very first time in Odessa, Ukraine, then part of the USSR. The following year, her exceptional talent led to an invitation to Toulouse, France, where she performed the challenging dual role of Odette/Odile in "Swan Lake." This performance was particularly significant as she partnered with Laurent Hilaire, a celebrated principal dancer from the prestigious Opéra de Paris. Her connection with the Paris Opéra continued in 1991 when she reprised the role of Odette/Odile, this time partnering with Éric Vu An, another esteemed "étoile" (principal dancer) from the Paris Opera Ballet. Her repertoire during this period also included classic narrative ballets such as Juliet in Nicholas Beriozoff's "Romeo and Juliet" and the titular role in "Cinderella," further demonstrating her mastery of dramatic characterizations.

Distinguished Career with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens

In 1989, Anik Bissonnette made a pivotal career move, joining Les Grands Ballets Canadiens in Montréal. Her extraordinary talent was immediately recognized, leading to her swift appointment as principal dancer the very next year. This significant promotion granted her unparalleled access to a diverse array of leading roles, enabling her to showcase the full, immense range of her artistic capabilities. Audiences were consistently enthralled by her versatility, as she gracefully transitioned between classical masterpieces and groundbreaking contemporary works.

Her performances in great classical ballets, where she embodied iconic characters, include:

Beyond the classics, Bissonnette excelled in dramatic principal roles within the 20th-century repertoire. She gave compelling performances in Antony Tudor's psychologically rich ballets, "Jardin aux lilas" (Lilac Garden) and "Pillar of Fire," where she brought nuanced emotional depth to complex characters. Her powerful portrayal in José Limón's "Moor's Pavane," a dramatic re-telling of Shakespeare's Othello, further solidified her reputation as an exceptional dramatic artist. Her ability to interpret diverse choreographic styles was also evident in her extensive work performing in approximately ten ballets by the legendary George Balanchine, a master of neoclassical ballet.

Throughout her celebrated career with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Anik Bissonnette had the privilege of collaborating with an impressive roster of globally renowned choreographers, each pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance. This extensive list includes influential figures such as James Kudelka, William Forsythe, Jiří Kylián, Ohad Naharin, Nacho Duato, Nils Christe, Susan Toumine, and Hans van Manen. Furthermore, she actively engaged with and inspired Canadian talent, working with Montréal choreographer Ginette Laurin, as well as a new generation of innovative artists including Kevin O'Day, Gioconda Barbuto, Septime Webre, Didy Veldman, and Stijn Celis. In 2001, she once again demonstrated her capacity to originate new roles, creating the character of Lisa in Kim Brandstrup's "La Dame de pique" (The Queen of Spades), a testament to her ongoing artistic relevance.

Global Engagements and Artistic Leadership

Anik Bissonnette's artistic reach extends far beyond her home company. She has consistently been a sought-after guest artist, performing regularly in prestigious galas and international events across the globe. Her performances have graced stages in major cultural centres including Melbourne, Athens, Prague, Budapest, Thessaloniki, Montréal, New York City, Toronto, Vienna, Spoleto (Italy), Helsinki, and Bratislava, among many others, showcasing her universal appeal and demand. In 2005, her international stature was underscored by an invitation from the legendary Italian ballerina Carla Fracci to revive the ballet "La Chatte" (The Cat) at Rome's Teatro dell'Opera. This particular production of "La Chatte," a neoclassical work originally created by Balanchine but staged for Bissonnette by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens in 1990, allowed her to revisit and reinterpret a significant role from her repertoire on an international platform. Her commitment to dance remained strong, as evidenced by her recent performance in Vienna for the closing of "Tanz für Europa" (Dance for Europe), a significant European dance initiative.

Parallel to her extraordinary performing career, Anik Bissonnette has dedicated herself to the advancement and promotion of dance through significant leadership roles. She serves as the Artistic Director of the Festival des Arts de Saint-Sauveur, a major multidisciplinary arts festival in Quebec, where she shapes its artistic vision and programming. Additionally, she is the President of the Regroupement québécois de la danse, an important organization dedicated to fostering and representing the dance community in Quebec. These roles highlight her enduring commitment to the art form, extending her influence beyond the stage to arts administration and advocacy.

National Recognition and Legacy

Anik Bissonnette's immense contributions to Canadian culture and the art of ballet have been widely recognized and celebrated with the highest national honours. In 1995, she was invested as an Officer of the Order of Canada, one of the nation's highest civilian honours, recognizing her lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation. The following year, in 1996, she was further distinguished as a Knight of the National Order of Quebec, the highest honour bestowed by the province of Quebec, acknowledging her exceptional merit and significant impact on Quebec society.

The pinnacle of her accolades came in 2014 when Anik Bissonnette was awarded the Governor General's Performing Arts Award (GGPAA) for Lifetime Artistic Achievement. This prestigious award is Canada's highest honour in the performing arts, celebrating artists whose accomplishments have made an indelible mark on Canadian culture. The Gala honouring GGPAA recipients, held at the National Arts Centre on May 10th of that year, featured a special performance commissioned for the event by Guillaume Côté, a celebrated principal dancer with the National Ballet of Canada, further cementing Bissonnette's iconic status within the Canadian dance landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions about Anik Bissonnette

Who is Anik Bissonnette?
Anik Bissonnette is a highly acclaimed Canadian ballet dancer, renowned for her roles as a principal dancer with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. She is also recognized for her leadership in the arts community and her significant contributions to Canadian culture.
What are Anik Bissonnette's most famous roles?
Bissonnette is celebrated for her portrayals in classical ballets like Giselle, Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, and Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. She also originated many leading roles in Eddy Toussaint's choreographies and excelled in contemporary works by choreographers like Antony Tudor, José Limón, and George Balanchine.
Which ballet companies did Anik Bissonnette dance with?
Anik Bissonnette began her professional career with Le Ballet de Montréal Eddy Toussaint and later became a principal dancer with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens in Montréal. She also performed as a guest artist with various companies internationally.
What prestigious awards has Anik Bissonnette received?
She has received several of Canada's highest honours, including being made an Officer of the Order of Canada (1995), a Knight of the National Order of Quebec (1996), and the Governor General's Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement (2014).
What are Anik Bissonnette's current roles beyond performing?
Beyond her performing career, Anik Bissonnette serves as the Artistic Director of the Festival des Arts de Saint-Sauveur and is the President of the Regroupement québécois de la danse, demonstrating her continued dedication to arts leadership and advocacy.