Louis Robitaille

Louis Robitaille, (born December 21, 1957) is a Canadian ballet dancer and artistic director. He was discovered at a high school dance performance and received a scholarship to train at Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal. He danced with Anik Bissonnette in Eddy Toussaint's dance company, where they garnered acclaim. He also danced with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens as a principal dancer.

He became the artistic director of Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal in 1998 and held that title until 2020. During his tenure, he oversaw a re-visioning of the company. He was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 1995 and a Knight of the National Order of Quebec in 1996.

Early life and dance education

Robitaille was born in Montreal, Quebec on December 21, 1957. He was discovered when he performed at a high school dance performance. A physical education teacher named Peter George saw his ability and arranged for Robitaille to attend Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal's summer program on a scholarship.

He joined Compagnie de danse Eddy Toussaint in 1974 and studied under Olga Merinova and William Griffith. Throughout the 1980s they travelled together to Europe, the United States and Australia, as well as performing in Canada. He resigned as director in 2020.

Personal life

Robitaille is married to Céline Cassone, a former dancer in Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal. They first met when Robitaille was a guest dance partner of Cassone's mother. They met again in the late 2000s and fell in love despite a 19-year age gap.

Awards

Louis Robitaille won the Jacqueline Lemieux Prize in 1994. In 1996, he was made a Knight of the National Order of Quebec.