Festival de
danse
en milieu
scolaire
(FDMS)
Every year, Festival de danse en
milieu scolaire (FDMS) brings
together students from across
Ontario for a 3-day experience
filled with workshops,
performances and activities
offered by professional dancers,
choreographers and artistic
directors. In this short
timeframe, guided by
choreographers, students
create, learn and perform their
own choreography on a specific
theme accompanied by live
musicians. These performances
are astounding! Marie-Michelle
has been a choreographic
advisor for FDMS since the very
beginning.
Lasting delightful encounters ...
There have been five editions of the
Festival de danse en milieu scolaire
(FDMS) and I’m proud to say I was
present at each of them! Each year, I
anticipate the event and there is
never a question of whether I will participate. The
diverse programming of the FDMS offers a wide
range of the dance spectrum. The festival is the
perfect opportunity to exchange, meet and
discover the world of dance. Believe me, bringing
together all these enthusiasts of different styles,
creative visions and skill levels creates a fiery
atmosphere at the festival.
My favourite part of the festival is the
opportunity to accompany a small group of
youth who do not know each other and guide
them through a fast-paced creation process in
which they learn to listen to themselves, be
open-minded, resilient and above all be creative
while discovering who they really are! My true
pleasure is to see familiar faces year after year, of
those who enjoy all the colours of dance.
Sometimes there’s also a bit of magic. It is often
said that the dance community is quite small and
that you never know who you will meet again.
Well, let me tell you about this participant who
really impressed me the first year, and whom I’ve
had the chance to teach a few times since. And
you know what? Last September, I asked her to
dance in a professional video that I was
choreographing! Investing in, and developing
future dancers is important. I tell my students,
don't be afraid to meet others, be curious, be
yourself, ask questions, try new things and don’t
be afraid to embark on new journeys! Will you be
at the next FDMS?
Marie-Michelle Darveau
Choreographic advisor, FDMS
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