Caroline Charron Internship Program

Ballets Jazz Montréal is thrilled to announce the launch of the Caroline Charron internship program for the 2024-2025 season. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to fostering community and to developing the artists of tomorrow. With mentorship, seasoned performers help guide and mould the next generation of dancers. This process benefits all stakeholders as it not only creates opportunities for young talent but also enables experienced artists to play an active role in nurturing their growth.​

 

We recognize that many young dancers, despite having their diplomas, face challenges in finding professional opportunities. Often, they find themselves in a catch-22: they need work experience to secure contracts but can’t gain experience without a contract. This internship program aims to bridge this gap, offering hands-on experience to empower one artist at a time.

 

Alexandra Damiani, our Artistic Director shared her vision for this program. “Since my arrival as Artistic Director of Ballets Jazz Montréal, I have always wanted to innovate a program that would support new artists while staying in harmony within the company’s artistic vision. I am convinced that Ballets Jazz Montréal must create opportunities that would encourage mentoring from one generation of dancers to the next. Launching this type of training within BJM certainly allows experienced performers to play a role that encourages them to focus on the importance of upcoming of artists.”

 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Caroline Charron for her generous financial support, which has made this program a reality. Affectionately known as "Godmother" by our dancers, Caroline has been instrumental in strengthening our community, fostering relationships, and providing valuable resources since joining us after her father’s passing (who was a former member of our Board of Directors).

 

Born with a propensity for the artistic, Caroline Charron grew up in a vibrant family where sports and arts thrived together. After earning a CÉGEP degree in Communications and Journalism, she secured a writing role for the Federal Government in Ottawa, where her passion for dance blossomed. At 34, Caroline pursued a degree in trilingual translation at Ottawa University, graduating at 40. She enjoyed a successful career, serving as Head of Linguistic Services at the Bank of Canada and later as Director of Linguistic Services at Lexitech International. In 2005, she returned to Montreal with her sons, eventually establishing herself as a Certified Translator. Now residing in the Eastern Townships, Caroline balances her work as a translator and author with various volunteer activities, dedicated to supporting the dance community while pursuing her dream of writing a novel.

 

With the Caroline Charron Internship, we

 

• Create a comprehensive and enriching experience for our interns

• Serve as a reference to potential employers or projects 

• Offer a salary for a year

• Include networking opportunities to build their professional networks

• Provide opportunities to teach and support our artistic team in masterclasses and intensives

 

This season, we welcome Millie Brinck-Dubuc, our selected intern, who will immerse herself in daily studio training, participate in our touring performances, engage in the creation of new works, and share the stage with our talented artists.

 

Our goal is to equip our interns like Millie with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the professional dance world, whether within Ballets Jazz Montréal, with other companies, or through independent projects.

 

Join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter as we empower the next generation of dancers and continue to honor the rich legacy of Ballets Jazz Montréal.