Ottawa (Canada) – The National Arts Centre (NAC) is pleased to announce that La danse sur les routes du Québec (DSR) has been awarded the 2010 National Arts Centre Award for Distinguished Contribution to Touring in the Performing Arts. 

La danse sur les routes is being recognized for its leadership role in the development of touring by professional dancers and companies in Quebec. The award was given to La danse sur les routes at a special dinner during the Canadian Arts Presenting Association’s (CAPACOA) annual conference on November 7, 2010, at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.

“It’s an honor and a great pleasure for La danse sur les routes du Québec to receive this award,” said Paule Beaudry, the executive director of La danse sur les routes. “For 15 years, we’ve done our best to showcase dance and bring a new appreciation of the art form to more and more audiences in a growing number of locations. This award also recognizes the continued efforts and dedication of presenters, development officers, artists and companies who are committed to uphold our mission. Thanks to the concerted efforts of all of these players, annually between 20,000 and 30,000 people throughout Quebec come into contact with dance.”

Formed in 1997, La danse sur les routes is dedicated to the development of dance in Quebec. The network encourages multidisciplinary presenters, dance specialists and creators to work together on touring projects and audience development. DSR’s collaborative approach provides exceptional performance opportunities for dancers and choreographers and promotes awareness of dance throughout the province. Since its inception, DSR’s initiatives have resulted in 740 performances of 310 dance programs reaching audiences throughout the province.

Established in 1992, the National Arts Centre Award for Distinguished Contribution to Touring honours exceptional achievement in fostering the touring of live performing arts in Canada.  The recipient is chosen from nominations solicited from within the industry and is selected by a jury composed of presenters, artists, management, the National Arts Centre and CAPACOA.  The recipient may be an individual, performing company, corporation or other organization. For more information about CAPACOA, please visit www.capacoa.ca.

The Award for Distinguished Contribution to Touring consists of $2,500 and a specially designed porcelain sculpture by Paula Murray, one of Canada’s finest ceramic artists.    

Previous recipients include Uriel Luft (2009), the Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils (2008), Judy Harquail (2007), Ottie Lockey (2006), Colin McIntyre (2005), CBC Radio/la radio de Radio-Canada (2004), Debut Atlantic (2003), Richard Stoker (2002), Nicholas Goldschmidt (2001), Bruce Owen (2000), the Royal Winnipeg Ballet (1999), David Haber (1998), Dr. Elmer Iseler (1997), Jean-Paul Gagnon (1996), Hugh Davidson (1995), Mark Porteous (1994), George Zukerman (1993), and CAPACOA (1992).

CAPACOA is a federally incorporated, non-profit pan-Canadian organization serving the performing arts touring and presenting field. The National Arts Centre is Canada’s pre-eminent showcase for the performing arts and the catalyst for the performing arts nationally. The National Arts Centre is home to the internationally acclaimed National Arts Centre Orchestra, and is a leader in the presentation of: classical music, dance, English and French theatre, variety and community programming.

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For more information, please contact:

Marilena Gaudio  Acting Operations Manager CAPACOA 613-562-3515

Carl Martin Communications National Arts Centre (613)947-7000, ext. 560