Nicolas Zemmour is a talented dancer and choreographer born in 1987. He began his dance training at the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional du Grand Avignon and continued at the Folkwang Universität Essen, where he had the chance to work with the famous dancer Pina Bausch. This experience profoundly influenced his vision of art and dance. Nicolas has danced for the Ballet Preljocaj and participated in a creation with the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow. In 2013, he began exploring his own creativity in choreography and graduated as a dance teacher in 2014. After teaching at the Conservatoire à Rayonnement Régional du Grand Avignon, Nicolas emigrated to Sherbrooke and founded his company ZemmourBallet in 2019. Thanks to the support of the Centre des Arts de la Scène Jean Besré and the City of Sherbrooke, he has established his company in the Eastern Townships. In January 2020, he also joined the CEGEP de Sherbrooke, as well as Bishop's University as a professor. He is writing a book with Marc on his choreographic creation method, to be published in Quebec in 2021 by éditions JFD. In 2022, Nicolas' company flourished and became a permanent CASJB company, leaving a lasting imprint on the Eastern Townships with its third dance festival, the Festival de Danse Contemporaine de Sherbrooke. Nicolas' choreographic works are marked by their commitment and breadth. Indeed, he often tackles important social and political issues in his creations. With great precision and solid technique, he creates powerful performances that captivate audiences and provoke reflection. Nicolas is widely recognized in his field. He is recognized by his peers for his talent and achievements as a dancer, choreographer, manager and entrepreneur. In 2023, Nicolas becomes a Canadian citizen, further anchoring himself in his new home. Awards and recognition: Laureat of Prix Excellence Culture Estrie in 2021. Finalist for the Prix du CALQ Estrie in 2022. Finalist for the Prix Québec Charles Biddle 2023. Finalist for the Prix du CALQ Estrie in 2023. Laureat of prix étincelles aux Prix de la Danse de Montréal 2023. He is a member of the board of directors of the Conseil de la Cutlure de L'Estrie and the Regroupement Québcois de la Danse. Photo credit Ashbey.fr

Passionate about music and cultural events, Alexis is a young professional recently graduated from Bishop's University, where he obtained a degree in Arts Administration with a specialization in music. In addition to being involved in several projects at the University (Life Is a Dream, Bishop’s University Arts Festival, Musique Chez Nous), Alexis is also the recipient of the 'Jane Needles Prize – Arts Administration' and the 'Hodder Award in Music'. His academic achievements and involvement in the artistic community demonstrate his dedication and excellence in his field. Drawing from his academic background, Alexis has been able to combine his passion for music with his administrative skills, immersing himself in the captivating world of artistic production and cultural events. His involvement in this field has enabled him to develop solid expertise in managing artistic projects, coordinating events, and promoting emerging talents. During the summer of 2023, Alexis completed an internship at Théâtre des Petites Lanternes where he worked on two projects simultaneously; Rivières de Lumières and Projets Monarques. He has also recently worked at Maison des Arts de la Parole as a project manager. He looks forward to contributing his personal touch to the world of dance. Although he doesn't practice dance himself, Alexis was inspired by his sister, who practiced contemporary dance and ballet for several years. He also harbors a passion for all forms of art, which he cherishes with deep respect. Outside of his work, Alexis also has a passion for the drums, which he has enthusiastically pursued for several years. His sense of rhythm and musical creativity bring a unique dimension to his approach to professional life. With his infectious energy, boundless passion for music and the arts, and acute organizational skills, Alexis is ready to tackle new challenges and make a significant contribution to the artistic and cultural industry. Favorite quote: "Music is the soundtrack of our lives. It plays the melody of our being." – Michael Jackson

Emilie is a dancer, educator, rehearsal director, and assistant choreographer, born in 1988 in Marseille, France. After taking her first steps in classical dance at the age of 5 in Marseille, she joined a specialized program at the National Conservatory of Dance in Avignon at the age of 14. In 2007, Emilie joined the Ballet Junior de Genève, led by Patrice Delay and Sean Wood, where she participated in creations for 4 years with choreographers such as Alexander Ekman, Kirsten Debrock, Itzik Galili, and Patrick Delcroix. She began her professional career in 2011 with the Alias Company based in Geneva. In 2012, Emilie joined Michel Kelemenis' company based in Marseille (Kelemenis&cie) and toured in France and internationally until 2018. Since then, she has been involved in dance awareness projects with various audiences through Klap - Maison pour la danse (including autistic teenagers, hospitalized and/or disabled adults, the elderly, and children in priority school zones). Emilie continues her career by participating in numerous creations with independent choreographers in Germany and England, as well as at the Marseille Opera and for several productions at the Opera Theatre of Metz. In 2019, she obtained a State Diploma as a classical dance teacher and teaches professional dancers and in professional training programs. As a performing dancer, she has been working with Nicolas Zemmour since 2012 (Sisyphe, La table, La brisure des vases, L'Enfer d'un monde). She has been committed to the company since its creation, recognizing the power, uniqueness, and unparalleled significance of Zemmourballet's work. For the creation of Les évadé.e.s de la moraline, Emilie took on the role of assistant choreographer within the Zemmourballet company. Photo credit: Ashbey.fr

Amandine Garrido, with numerous years of experience in the performing arts, brings diverse expertise as a dancer-performer, choreographer, director, and teacher. She graduated as a dance performer with training in classical and contemporary dance in 2002 (with honors from the University of Chile's Conservatory of Arts). Having worked with several renowned contemporary companies in her home country, she arrived in Canada in 2008 and joined the cast of Cirque du Soleil's "Varekai" show, where she practiced aerial art. A versatile performer and choreographer, she captivates audiences with her stage presence, versatility, and the fluidity of her movements. Drawing inspiration from a blend of contemporary influences and classical foundations, she expresses her art in an enchanting manner, combining flexibility and agility. In spring 2013, she became part of the performance team at the Sursaut dance company. In 2017, she embarked on her first collaboration as a choreographer and performer for the Sursaut company. Since 2020, she has been a member of the ZemmourBallet dance company as a performer, and she served as the artist-in-residence for the year 2022. Since her arrival in Canada, she has created three dance videos as a choreographer, director, and performer. These works have been showcased in various national and international festivals, made possible through the support of the Conseil des arts et lettres du Québec, ZemmourBallet, and CASJB. Credit photo: Marimay Loubier

Chantal graduated in 2010 from "The School of Dance" in Ottawa, obtaining her professional artist diploma in contemporary dance. Following her training, she co-created a cabaret-style show with her colleague Bianca Boudreau. This production involved four performers, a musician, and four singers, aiming to shed light on often-taboo human behaviors, inspired by Chantal's deep fascination with human psychology. The goal was to encourage discussion and recognition, thus promoting reconciliation with aspects of ourselves that are wrongly believed to be silenced. In 2012, she settled in Montreal, exploring musical theater, crowd animation, and conferences. With these experiences, she founded her own choreographic animation company for corporate events. Acknowledging the precarious reality for dancers in Montreal, Chantal aimed to create job opportunities while introducing dance to those unaccustomed to it. Upon her arrival in Sherbrooke in 2020, Chantal evolved as a performer within the ZemmourBallet company. Simultaneously, she dedicated herself to developing her own projects, blending dance, science, and nature. In 2023, Chantal became the annual artist-in-residence at ZemmourBallet. During this period, she collaborated with her colleagues to create a work merging dance, storytelling, and science. This piece, titled "Letting Knowledge Trickle Down," was showcased at the International Congress on the Importance of Forests for Public Health. It was also presented in Europe, highlighting the coexistence of art and science. For Chantal, dance is a means of liberation that allows the expression of the body. Firm in this belief, she shares her knowledge by teaching dance to both young people and adults. Additionally, Chantal is a certified guide from the University in Nature. Her role involves leading groups in forest environments with a mission to restore harmony between humans and nature. Her commitment to reconciling individuals with their natural environment is a fundamental value in her approach. Favorite quote: "Forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair." Photo Credit: Marie-Ève Dion

Graduated from Ballet Divertimento in 2015, Catherine is committed to enriching her contemporary dance practice through self-directed learning. She has participated in various workshops in Quebec (Domaine Forget with RubberbandDance Group), Vancouver (Out Innerspace), New York (Vim Vigor), Berlin (B12), and more. She has collaborated with choreographers Daina Ashbee and Sarah Manya, and initiated a choreographic commission for Andrea Peña in 2018. This project, financially supported by Carrefour Jeunesse-emploi and the Conseil des arts de Montréal, was presented at the Festival ZH (2019) and the Festival Quartiers Danses (2020). Selected for the Noublood pre-incubator in 2020, Catherine launched her multidisciplinary collective, Motio, with bgirl Sarah Buono-Fredette and artistic director Ryme Zahzam. Motio participated in the Festival de mode et design (2021) and received a research grant from the Canada Council for the Arts (2022) for their piece "Ecchymoses de l'eau." Additionally, Catherine works with the ZemmourBallet company (2022), both in "L’Enfer d’un monde" and the new creation (2024). She also collaborates with emerging choreographer Naomi Gwynn and the TFTF collective (2022-2023). Catherine co-founded Entre|Nos with Olivia Jaen Flores (2022) and began the creation of "Et si nos chemins s'entrelacent?" along with the development of a movement practice unique to them. In each project she undertakes, Catherine seeks to establish collaborative working methods that deviate from established hierarchical structures. She defines herself by her curious nature and advocacy for socio-political themes, propelling her as a performer, creator, and project initiator. Passionate about movement, she constantly seeks to dissect it to better understand it. Creations featuring powerful and chaotic gestures allow her to express her distress and wonderment towards the current world. Quote: "Dance is one of the most essential games we must play in order to remain human." - Merce Cunningham Photo credit: Laura Tencer

Originally from Brive-la-Gaillarde, France, Clémence Dinard graduated from the École de danse contemporaine de Montréal in 2022. She began dancing at the age of three with ballet, fascinated by the universe and imagination brought to her by classical music. She started her training at the conservatory in Brive, where she encountered jazz and contemporary dances. Clémence was truly stimulated and drawn to the various energies and sensations she could experience, leading her to discover a deep interest in contemporary dance. At the age of fifteen, she had the opportunity to participate in various projects, including those led by Claude Brumachon and Benjamin Lamarche, from whom she learned a lot and developed a certain sensitivity and attachment to their work. In her quest to perfect her dance, at seventeen, she joined the Conservatoire Régional de Boulogne-Billancourt (Paris, France), which provided her with maturity and experience. In 2019, Clémence ventured to the École de danse contemporaine de Montréal. The following three years were particularly enriching, allowing her to cultivate her sincerity, leading her to embrace the sensitive being within her through self-awareness and understanding of others. These enriching collaborations only strengthened her imagination and her ability to make movement her own in a more personal and introspective manner. A few months after graduating, she had the chance to work for the Fall For Dance North Festival on a creation alongside three circus artists. Today, Clémence is brimming with desire and curiosity, aiming to immerse herself in multiple choreographic universes to continue her search for the movement that drives her. She joins ZemmourBallet in 2024 for the creation of "Les évadé.e.s de la moraline." Favorite quote: "Dance, otherwise we are lost." - Pina Bausch Photo credit: Sasha Onyshchenko

Driven by a passion for performing arts since a young age, Meggie Cloutier-Hamel began dancing, singing, and acting in her native region of Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean in Quebec, Canada. At 12, she left her hometown to join the Quebec Superior School of Ballet, where she interpreted numerous classical repertoire pieces. This journey led her to performances in the Grand Ballet's 'The Nutcracker' and sparked an interest in choreography through the Choreographer Apprenticeship Program. After completing her secondary education and the professional classical dance program, Meggie shifted gears, entering the Montreal School of Contemporary Dance (EDCM) in autumn 2020. She engaged in various original creations by local choreographers (such as Edgar Zendejas, Stacey Désilier, Parts+Labour_Danse, Sébastien Provencher, Helen Simard, Stefania Skoryna, Hélène Remoué) and reconstructions of repertoire pieces (Marie Chouinard, Jacques Poulin-Denis, Stephanie Lake). She furthered her interest in choreography by creating dance videos, including two projects through the EDCM Incubator. Over the past few years, Meggie discovered her affinity for writing. Her texts and poems complement her artistic inspirations, enriching her creative spirit. An artist committed to community engagement, bridging different art forms, traveling, and democratizing dance, she thrives on sharing, curiosity, and continual learning. Her pursuit of perfecting her dance craft led her to participate in intensives across Quebec (Domaine Forget de Charlevoix), France (Share The Dance Intensive), Italy (GagaLab at Orsolina 28), and Austria (ATLAS at ImPulsTanz). Upon graduation in 2023, she collaborates with the Grand Poney company and joins the creative lab Fly with choreographer Béatrice Larrivée. In 2024, she becomes part of the ZemmourBallet company for their new creation 'Les évadé.e.s de la moraline.' Favorite quote: "The secret of happiness and the pinnacle of art is to live like everyone else while being like no one else." - Simone de Beauvoir Photo credit: Gabriel Delisle

Claire is a dancer and emerging choreographer hailing from Halifax, Nova Scotia. She completed her dance education at L’Ecole Supérieure de Ballet du Québec where she graduated in 2019. In 2022 she participated in the Johan Inger Youth Project in Seville, Spain. In 2023 she became a member of the junior company of ICK Dans Amsterdam. For Claire, dance means tuning into life's essential energy and harnessing this boundless generative force to express through movement. Claire delighted in dancing for ZemmourBallet’s “L’enfer d’un monde” in 2022/23. She has also worked with Quebec-based companies and choreographers such as Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, EZdanza, Vias Danza, Eva Kolarova, Jessica Joy Muszynski, Veronique Giasson, and Moulin a Musique. She had the pleasure of performing in Festival Quartiers Danses, Festival des Arts de Saint-Sauveur, Festival de danse de Sherbrooke, and the Festival du Monde Arabe. In October 2020, she co-founded the Bulbe Collective; a group of emerging female choreographer/dancers. Claire choreographed and co-directed several dance short-films including “INterLOck” and “Red or Yellow” (Festival Quartiers Danses), the music video for “Long Stay Hotel” by singer/songwriter Vienna D’Amato Hall, and “Entr’dEux” by The Bulbe Collective. In summer 2023, she co-directed a full-length docu-art film entitled “RESILIENCE”. In 2018, Claire was awarded the Canada Games Young Artists of Excellence award by the Nova Scotia Talent Trust. She also received the prize for the best communication of an artistic vision for her choreographic work at L’École Supérieure de Ballet (2019), and the Danse Danse excellence award upon her graduation (2019). “In order to understand the dance one must be still, and in order to truely understand the stillness one must dance. “ - Rumi Photo credit : Ismael Serratos

A 2006 graduate of the École de danse contemporaine de Montréal, Émilie began her career working with choreographers Harold Rhéaume and Lucie Grégoire. Deeply involved in the creation of Ample Man Danse, she developed her skills as a performer and artistic manager. Also an occupational therapist at CHUM since 2011, she cultivates the therapeutic power of her art and develops inclusive and adapted dance projects. More recently, Émilie took part in Martin Messier's 14 Lieux and the productions À travers mes yeux and Kaléidoscope by the young audience company Bouge de là. In recent years, she has opened up to Hip-Hop culture and created the Collectif Flow with Romain Gailhaguet, combining Breaking with contemporary dance. In 2022, she joined Sursaut's Échos and Mosaïque productions. That same year, she joined the ZemmourBallet company for the creation of L'Enfer d'un monde. Favorite quote: "Life is like a bicycle, you have to keep moving so you don't lose your balance." Albert Einstein Photo credit: David Jouary

Simon Leoza is a composer of instrumental music offering pieces that are at times contemplative and sensitive, at other times vivid and poignant, straddling neoclassical, ambient and electronic minimalism. With over 8 million listens online, his works have attracted the attention of national and international critics, who have described them as melancholic and grandiose, blending gentle acoustics with dreamlike landscapes imbued with nostalgia. Renowned for his breathtaking music videos and short films, Simon Leoza has won two SOCAN Foundation awards for young film composers in the "Best Original Soundtrack - Fiction" and "Best Original Theme" categories. The artist has also composed music for several short films, plays and other artistic projects, and distinguished himself at the Gala de l'ADISQ 2021 with a breathtaking performance, in addition to winning a Félix for his virtual show at La Maison Symphonique de Montréal. Following the success of his first full-length album, Albatross, and his tour of the same name, which ended in winter 2023 with some 50 performances across Quebec, Simon Leoza is currently working on the songs for his next album, due out in 2024.