UGA Presents continues its 2025-26 season with Ballets Jazz Montréal performing “Dance Me: The Music of Leonard Cohen” on April 21 at 7:30 p.m. at The Classic Center Theatre.
“Dance Me: The Music of Leonard Cohen” is an evocative full-length contemporary dance work inspired by the life and legacy of Montréal poet, artist and songwriter Leonard Cohen. Approved by Cohen during his lifetime, the production offers a powerful tribute to his music and writings, exploring the cycles of existence through movement, sound and visuals. UGA Presents’ performance by Ballets Jazz Montréal is supported by Bill and Sharon Ross.
Structured in a series of distinct yet interconnected “seasons,” “Dance Me” unfolds as a poetic journey through Cohen’s most iconic works. The production draws from a wide range of his catalog, incorporating recordings that span decades and styles, from early folk songs to later, more meditative compositions. Songs featured in the program include “Hallelujah,” “Suzanne,” “Dance Me to the End of Love,” “First We Take Manhattan” and “Everybody Knows,” among others.
The performance brings together three internationally acclaimed choreographers — Andonis Foniadakis, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Ihsan Rustem — each contributing a distinct artistic voice. Their choreography, at once athletic, theatrical and emotionally resonant, reflects the complexity and intimacy of Cohen’s work. Performed by 14 dancers of Ballets Jazz Montréal, “Dance Me” blends choreography with scenic design, lighting, video and music to create an immersive, multidisciplinary experience.
“Dance Me” was conceived by Louis Robitaille, former artistic director of Ballets Jazz Montréal, whose vision was to create a work that would honor Cohen’s legacy while remaining accessible to a wide audience. The result is a production that is at once intimate and grand in scale, blending the personal and the universal in a way that reflects Cohen’s enduring influence across artistic disciplines.
Founded in 1972, Ballets Jazz Montréal has grown into one of the world’s leading contemporary dance companies. Now under the artistic direction of Alexandra Damiani, the company is recognized for its commitment to innovation, collaboration and excellence in performance. By working with a diverse range of internationally renowned choreographers, the company continually expands its repertoire while maintaining a distinct and accessible artistic identity.
Ballets Jazz Montréal has performed more than 3,250 times in 60 countries, reaching nearly 3 million audience members worldwide. Its work is celebrated for its technical precision, emotional depth and interdisciplinary approach, often incorporating elements of theater, music and visual media. Through its performances and educational initiatives, the company seeks to inspire discovery, foster connection and share the expressive power of dance with audiences of all backgrounds.
UGA student tickets ($15) and PAC30 tickets ($30) for this performance are available only by calling the Performing Arts Center Box Office at 706-542-4400, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
All other tickets for this performance are available at classiccenter.com or 706-208-0900.
To learn more about all UGA Performing Arts Center events, visit pac.uga.edu.