Ballets Jazz Montréal: Dance Me – Music by Leonard Cohen

There are few artists whose work is as inextricably linked to the Canadian psyche as Leonard Cohen. His gravelly baritone and existential musings are the soundtrack to our collective melancholy and hope. When Ballets Jazz Montréal (BJM) decided to tackle his legacy with 'Dance Me,' they weren't just creating a dance show; they were attempting to translate the intangible weight of Cohen’s lyrics into physical form. Having toured globally to rapturous reviews, this production finally returns to Toronto, and it feels like a homecoming for the spirit of the man himself.

The Choreographic Vision

'Dance Me' is not a biographical ballet. Instead, it is a thematic exploration of the cycles of existence—love, loss, spirituality, and the inevitable passage of time—that defined Cohen’s discography. BJM, under the artistic direction of Alexandra Damiani, has curated a dream team of choreographers, including Andonis Foniadakis, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, and Ihsan Rustem. Each brings a distinct vocabulary to the stage, ranging from the sharp, angular intensity of contemporary dance to fluid, emotive sequences that mirror the slow-burn sensuality of Cohen’s ballads.

The production is anchored by a soundscape that spans Cohen’s career, from the early, stripped-back folk of 'Suzanne' to the synth-heavy, late-career gravitas of 'You Want It Darker.' The dancers don't just move to the music; they inhabit the lyrics. When the iconic opening chords of 'Hallelujah' or 'Famous Blue Raincoat' hit the rafters of Meridian Hall, the audience reaction is almost always a collective, hushed reverence. It is a rare show that manages to feel both intimate, like a late-night listening session in a smoke-filled room, and grand, like a cathedral of light and shadow.

The Venue: Meridian Hall

There is a certain poetic justice in seeing this show at Meridian Hall. Formerly the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts, this venue is a historic pillar of the St. Lawrence neighbourhood. Its massive, cavernous stage allows for the kind of ambitious, multi-layered scenography that 'Dance Me' requires. The lighting design is a character in itself, utilizing stark, dramatic contrasts to carve the dancers out of the darkness—a visual aesthetic that feels perfectly aligned with the starkness of Cohen’s own poetry.

Being located at 1 Front St East, you are perfectly positioned to soak in the atmosphere of the St. Lawrence neighbourhood before or after the show. If you’re looking for a pre-show bite, wander over to the St. Lawrence Market area. For a classic, elevated experience, try 'The Old Spaghetti Factory' for the nostalgia factor, or head slightly north to 'Terroni' on Adelaide for a reliable, bustling Italian dinner that feels quintessentially Toronto.

Getting There & Good to Know

Meridian Hall is arguably the most accessible venue in the city. Located directly across from Union Station, you can step off a GO Train, a VIA Rail service, or the TTC Subway and be at the front doors in less than five minutes. If you are driving, there are several underground parking garages nearby, but given the congestion in the Financial District, public transit is highly recommended.

Pro-tip: Arrive at least 45 minutes early. The lobby of Meridian Hall is a beautiful, expansive space, and it’s worth taking the time to grab a drink and soak in the pre-show energy. Because 'Dance Me' is a highly anticipated production, the house will be full. Don't expect to slip in late unnoticed; the production begins with a striking visual sequence that sets the tone for the entire evening, and you won't want to miss a single second of the opening movement.