Encore, Encore! Artown Encore Series Presents Dance Me

Published December 12, 2025

Encore, Encore! Artown Encore Series Presents Dance Me

by Beth Macmillan

 

Each year, Artown presents select performances outside of the month of July as part of our Artown Encore Series. These presentations usually feature performers/performances that for many reasons are unable to perform during the July festival.

In 2026, we’re honored and thrilled to present Ballets Jazz Montreal (BJM) Dance Me: The Music of Leonard Cohen on May 22. Dance Me is an exclusive creation inspired by the rich and profound work of Montreal-based poet, artist and songwriter, Leonard Cohen. Approved by Cohen during his lifetime, this riveting homage to the famed artist evokes the grand cycles of existence in five seasons, as described in Cohen’s deeply reflective music and poems. Three internationally renowned choreographers were entrusted with putting movement to Cohen’s legendary songs: Andonis Foniadakis, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Ihsan Rustem. Their powerful and profound choreographic world reflective of Cohen’s singular work is brought to life by 14 BJM performing artists. Surrounded by a team of celebrated designers, Dance Me combines scenic, visual, musical, dramaturgical, and choreographic writing to pay tribute to Montreal’s greatest ambassador. Dance, music, lighting, scenography, and videography all come together in this unforgettable show.

 

A Canadian composer, vocalist, poet, and author, Cohen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame. He was also given Canada’s highest civilian honor when he was selected as a Companion of the Order of Canada. In 2023, Rolling Stone Magazine selected Cohen as the 103rd on their greatest singers list. To say Leonard Cohen was prolific would be an understatement of enormous proportions. Some sources note that he wrote over 1,100 songs, released 15 full albums, and authored close to one dozen books: both full novels and deeply emotional poetic collections.  

Cohen mastered the power of the voice, composition, communication and motion, and this stirring and lyrical performance will inspire and elevate, taking you on an emotional journey through Cohen’s life events, which are portrayed through magical and eloquent dance.

This soaring tribute to a towering figure is not to be missed, and I look forward to seeing you in May 22, 2026 at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts.

Beth Macmillan is the Executive Director of Artown, one of the largest arts and culture festivals in the western United States, offering over 500 events with a wide range of artistic disciplines, including music, dance, theater, visual arts, literature, and more.

Artown Hosts Its Inaugural small art | BIG PARTY Event by Beth Macmillan — October 31, 2025

“At The Illusionist’s Table” Returns to Reno by Beth Macmillan — September 19, 2025

Artown’s 30th Anniversary – A Brilliant Celebration of the Arts! by Beth Macmillan — August 8, 2025

Celebrating 30 years with Artown! by Beth Macmillan — June 27, 2025

Artown 30^th Anniversary Poster Created by Connor Fogal by Beth Macmillan — May 16, 2025

The Spirit (Animals) of Artown  by Beth Macmillan — April 4, 2025

How ARTEFFECTS Comes to Life!  by Beth Macmillan — February 21, 2025
 

Artown Encore Series: Entertainment and Discovery through Live Performances  by Beth Macmillan — January 10, 2025
 

Artown is celebrating its 30^th anniversary! Why not join us and present an event?  by Beth Macmillan — November 29, 2024

Approaching Artown’s 30^th Anniversary  by Beth Macmillan — October 18, 2024

Artown 2024 Tips and Tricks!  by Beth Macmillan — June 28, 2024

Artown 2023  by Beth Macmillan — June 30, 2023