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Dance appreciation Activities

These activities help students to develop a creative appreciation of the choreographic language of Jean-Pierre Perreault.

Paying close attention to their aesthetic responses, students analyze the work’s main elements and explore the various meanings behind Perreault’s choreographic and staging choices. They can then apply what they have learned to their own artistic activities or dance performances.

Movement Creation Activities

These movement creation activities are designed to accompany the dance appreciation activities. Students can use the knowledge they acquire by watching excerpts of Perreault’s works, along with their subsequent reflections, as an inspiration for their own creative process.

The exercises are inspired by the themes dear to Jean-Pierre Perreault and the material, aesthetic and gestural qualities that characterize his work. Adapted to students’ interests and age group, the activities invite them to express their own perspectives on current issues.

1 NO FIXED ADDRESS

This theme addresses key topics in Perreault’s oeuvre—anonymity, identity and collective belonging. The proposed pathways to reflection and analysis invite students to understand the artist’s world view and, more specifically, his perspective on the human condition.

1 Spatial Play

Here, space is continually articulated: physical space, the space of the imagination, a space to be built or inhabited. So many spaces for students’ choreographic ideas to take form!

2 THE WEIGHT OF THE WORLD (classroom)

The activities grouped under this theme invite students to deepen their understanding of Jean-Pierre Perreault’s artistic world. By exploring his multiple talents and movement signature, as well as his vision of the dancer/performer, we are better able to appreciate his unique vision.

2 THE WEIGHT OF THE WORLD (studio)

The weight of the body is our focus here. These activities are an opportunity for students to learn the craft of choreography and immerse themselves in the Jean-Pierre Perreault’s artistic world by becoming aware of the body in movement, and by exploring, performing and creating.

Illustrations : Jean-Pierre Perreault

The discovery guide is an initiative of the fjpp, in partnership with the department of dance at Uqam.


Created by:

Nicole Turcotte, visiting professor, department of dance, UQAM Assisted by: Arianne Dessaulles.


With thanks to Caroline Paré, dance instructor at Collègue Champigny High School, Québec, for her role as content advisor.