Margie Gillis
© Cylla von Tiedemann
“Margie Gillis still embodies the ‘thinking body,’ to use her own words—perhaps more so than ever.”
Aline Apostolska, La Presse, Montreal
At the forefront of modern dance for more than 50 years, Margie Gillis is an internationally acclaimed artist and one of the most influential choreographers and dancers of the 20th and 21st centuries. In 1981, she founded the Margie Gillis Foundation, whose repertoire now includes more than 150 works—solo pieces, duets, and group choreographies—presented around the world.
Her body of work explores a wide range of themes, including feminine consciousness, nature, and the process of transformation, which she weaves into a profound and powerful expression of humanism and emotion. As a teacher and mentor, Margie passes on her legacy to emerging artists, an essential aspect of her artistic vision.
In 2015 Margie developed the Legacy Project, created to share the choreographer’s remarkable creative repertoire.
Margie has received numerous honours, including Officer of the Order of Canada, Knight of the National Order of Québec, the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement, among many others. She continues to work tirelessly in the ongoing evolution of her art.
AWARDS AND DISTINCTIONS
2020
Doctorate of Fine Arts (DFA), Concordia University
Dance Collection Danse Hall of Fame
2017
Distinguished Artist Award (Dancer/ Choreographer) from the Montreal 2017 International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA).
2013
Officer of the Order of Canada
2011
Lifetime Artistic Achievement Award from the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award Foundation
Recipient, Homage Prize from Artistes pour la paix (with Yvon Deschamps)
2009
Knight of the Ordre national du Québec
2008
MAD Spirit Award for Exceptional Humanitarian Actions by an Artist, Stella Adler Studio of Acting, New York
Walter Carsen Prize, Canada Council for the Arts
2004
American Dance Guild Award
2001
Career Grant, Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec
1998
Gemini Prize for Best Performing Artist on Film
1988
Member of the Order of Canada
Honorary title of Cultural Ambassador (Québec)
Honorary title of Cultural Ambassador (Canada)