Order of Moncton - Chantal Cadieux

Chantal Cadieux has devoted her career to championing contemporary dance as a living expression of identity in Acadie, shaping the rhythm, spirit, and expression of the art form in Moncton and the wider region for more than 45 years.

As founder and artistic director of DansEncorps, she has been responsible for introducing generations of children to dance, providing opportunities for emerging artists to test their talents, and giving young dancers the solid foundation they need to pursue professional careers.

DansEncorps, founded in 1979, was the province’s first francophone dance company. When she opened the doors to her studio, Cadieux also opened new doors for artists across the region. There was little tradition of contemporary dance in Acadie at the time, and Cadieux sought to make the art form accessible in a francophone environment.

Earlier in life Cadieux had to leave Moncton to pursue her own studies in dance, so she was determined to give young dancers opportunities to learn the art closer to home. Several of her graduates have gone on to shine on the national and international stage, a testament to the quality of her teaching. She is also a generous mentor, creating events like the Atlantic Dance Festival and Les Chantiers de création, which have provided a platform for new and emerging artists.

Cadieux is a prolific artist in her own right, choreographing more than 20 major productions. She was recognized for her choreography of Sans Frontière at the 2005 Juex de la Francophonie in Niger and was presented with the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for High Achievement in Dance in 2010.

Her passion for dance has helped shaped Moncton’s cultural and artistic landscape and has put a spotlight on local talent nationally and internationally. Her support for arts and culture also extends beyond her studio. Cadieux is a founding member of the Aberdeen Cultural Centre, which has become a vital cultural hub at the heart of the city.