Citadel + Compagnie

Kudelka/Lemieux Mix 

Led by Artistic Director Laurence Lemieux, Compagnie de la Citadelle is known for its creative processes and intimate performances of classic works and new creations. Through remount initiatives, the Compagnie also dedicates itself to the preservation of important Canadian dance work, making available iconic repertoire to new generations of artists and audiences.

Having created over thirty original works, Lemieux continues to explore the extraordinary range of her choreographic voice with works ranging from intimate solos to large scale ensemble works. James Kudelka, one of Canada’s finest choreographers, served as the company’s resident choreographer from 2008-2020, allowing him to revisit some of his greatest works while making way for challenging new contemporary creations.

Since its foundation in 2000, the Compagnie has toured extensively, travelling to Russia, Scotland’s Edinburgh Festival, and Vimy, France, as well as major U.S. tours to L.A., Louisiana, Portland, the acclaimed Jacob’s Pillow Festival and Battery Dance Festival.

Featured Repertoire:

Toi et Moi (a duet set to country songs from the 50s and 60s sung by Willie Lamothe.) 

Soudain l’Hiver Dernier (1987) was commissioned for the inaugural season of Montréal Danse; a remarkable duet exploring variations on the theme of not failing someone. Lifting or supporting a body always implies some kind of trust, and this choreography by James Kudelka distills this bedrock faith. The work has been performed by the company at venues across Canada and abroad, winning the Bank of Scotland Herald Angel Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2007.

The Man in Black originally commissioned by BalletMet Columbus and given its premiere in April 2010, is one of James Kudelka’s most enduring dances. The work is a celebration of American working-class grit and of the man whose gravelly voice embodied it so movingly, Johnny Cash. The choreography, like the songs that inspire it, is an ode to the human spirit, socially congenial yet proudly independent; vulnerable yet resilient. 

Join us for more! Join us in the Davies Lounge at 6:30 pm for a pre-show conversation with Artistic Director Laurence Lemieux hosted by local dance artist Camille Spencer. Seating for the pre-show conversation is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Doors will open for the pre-show conversation shortly before 6:30 pm. 

Immediately following the performance, stay for a talkback with company members. Post-show talkbacks give you the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the performance. The talkback will be moderated by Camille Spencer.

Camille Spencer is an Independent Dance Artist, Choreographer, and Teacher. Hailing from the USA, she has traveled to many countries to find purpose in the artistic scene of Kingston, Ontario. With 20 years of experience her work focuses on adapting dance for non-traditional communities, engaging young dancers in professional opportunities, and furthering the exposure of dance to a wider audience. You can find Camille at H'art Centre, Kingston School of Dance, local independent dance projects, and summer festivals sharing her work. When not dancing she is working at her homestead, with her family of boys.   

Camille was a Kingston Grand Theatre Local Artist-in-Residence in 2021.

Camille was the recipient of a Mayor's Arts Award in 2025.  

Join us for even more! Intermediate and advanced level dancers (ages 16+) are encouraged to register for our free Citadel + Compagnie Workshop on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Register here.

About Pay What You Want
Continuing our priority to make Grand OnStage performances more accessible to all, we offer a Pay What You Want program for select unique performances. Simply reserve your free ticket, attend the show, and consider making a voluntary payment after the performance that reflects your experience.

We encourage you to experience and be inspired by these productions, and we hope by removing this financial barrier they can be enjoyed by all.