Jeanne Renaud facts for kids

Jeanne Renaud (born August 27, 1928 – died September 15, 2022) was a famous Canadian dancer and choreographer. She helped create modern dance in Quebec. She was also an artistic director, guiding many dance performances.

Jeanne Renaud: A Pioneer of Modern Dance

Early Life and Dance Training

Jeanne Renaud was born in Montreal, Canada. She studied music at the École de musique Vincent-d'Indy. She also learned classical ballet from Elizabeth Leese. For modern dance, she trained with Gérald Crevier in Montreal. Later, she traveled to New York City to learn from famous dancers. These included Merce Cunningham, Hanya Holm, and Mary Anthony.

Starting Modern Dance in Quebec

In 1948, Jeanne Renaud performed a dance show with Françoise Sullivan in Montreal. From 1949 to 1954, she taught dance in Paris, France. In 1952, she joined a group called Les Automatistes. They were artists from Quebec who had moved to Paris. Together, they put on a performance at the American Club.

From 1959 to 1965, she worked with Françoise Riopelle. They were at the École de Danse Moderne de Montréal. Jeanne was a dancer, teacher, and choreographer there. A choreographer creates dance routines.

In 1966, Jeanne Renaud started her own dance company. It was called Le Groupe de la Place Royale. This was the first official modern dance company in Quebec. She founded it with Peter Boneham. Jeanne danced, created dances, and managed the company until 1972.

Later Career and Contributions

After leaving Le Groupe, Jeanne continued to be active in the arts. From 1971 to 1975, she ran Galerie III with Ed Kostiner. This gallery showed modern art, theater, music, and dance.

She then worked for important government organizations. These included the Canada Council and Quebec's Ministry of Culture. She also became the head of the Conservatoire de musique et d'art dramatique du Québec. This school teaches drama in both Montreal and Quebec City.

From 1985 to 1987, she was an artistic director for Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. She worked with Linda Stearns there. From 1987 to 1989, she taught dance at the Université du Québec à Montréal. She retired from teaching in 1989.

Awards and Recognition

Jeanne Renaud received many honors for her work. In 1989, she won the Prix Denise-Pelletier. This is a major award in Quebec for performing arts. In 1995, she received the Governor General's Award for the Performing Arts. This is one of Canada's highest honors for artists. In 1998, she was named a Member of the Order of Canada. This is a very special award for Canadians who have made a big difference.

Family Life

Jeanne Renaud married Jean-Pierre Labrecque around 1948. They had a daughter and a son. They separated in the early 1970s. Her sisters were also artists. Thérèse Renaud was a writer, and Louise Renaud was an artist.