Tribute to Vincent Warren, C.A.L.Q.

Sadly, Vincent Warren passed away on October 25, 2017. The entire Québec dance community is in mourning. Whether as a performer, teacher, historian or curator, he dedicated his life to his passion for dance. His talent, charisma and generosity will leave an indelible trace in our memories and in our hearts. Nothing was dearer to his than the expansion of the library This link will open in a new window that bears his name and will reopen its doors to all on November 3.

Vincent Warren

Born in Florida, Vincent Warren arrived in Québec amid the Quiet Revolution, charmed by an atmosphere of artistic effervescence and swept up in a wave of freedom that seemed to say, "Everything is possible here". He went on to become a principal dancer, teacher, historian, curator, muse and guardian of the temple, building his whole life around his passion for dance and his three core principles: always be present, maintain the memory and set the stage for the future. He generously built bridges between Canada's two solitudes, as well as between the generations, classical ballet and contemporary dance, European traditions and North American avant-garde, East and West, the dance field and various institutions, artists and the public.

A charismatic, sensitive and multi-talented virtuoso, Mr. Warren has given expression to the intentions of the world's greatest choreographers, ranging from the classical repertoire to more contemporary works. He has helped build the popularity of ballet in Québec, in addition to that of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens around the world; he was the company's star for 20 years. After leaving the stage at the peak of his powers, Vincent Warren applied the same level of intense dedication to bringing the art form to new audiences. In addition to teaching and giving seminars, he made public thousands of items from his personal collection, transforming the library that bears his name into one of the greatest institutions of its kind in the world.

This text was read in French on May 29, 2017, when Vincent Warren received the honorary insignia of the Ordre des arts et des lettres du Québec. Held at the Phi Centre in Montréal, the tribute was organized by the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec and hosted by Claude Deschênes.