Margie Gillis, O.C., C.Q.

Internationally acclaimed dance artist Margie Gillis (GGPAA 2011) is one of the most influential Canadian choreographers and dancers of the 20th and 21st centuries. A courageous and free-spirited pioneer of modern dance, she has earned rave reviews and a loyal following throughout the world, and her unique naturalistic style has influenced an entire generation of dancers. Her company, the Margie Gillis Dance Foundation, was established in 1981. 

Ms. Gillis has created more than 150 solos, duets, and group works, which have been performed around the globe. Her repertoire covers a wide array of topics, including the feminine consciousness, the natural world, and the transformative process, all merging in a profound and powerful expression of humanism and emotion. Teaching, mentoring, and sharing her legacy and creative history are an integral part of her vision, and have provided the impetus for the Legacy Project, an initiative dedicated to ensuring the continuity of her repertoire. 

Her numerous awards and distinctions include Officer of the Order of Canada, Knight of the Ordre national du Québec, and an honorary degree from Concordia University. She continues to develop her craft through experimentation, teaching, creation, innovation and performance. 

In 2023, Margie Gillis celebrated her 50th career anniversary: 50 years of creation, love, and dance.