Pavillon de Danse

In 1914, the Pavillon de Danse began its life not as a home for graceful movement, but as a testament to athleticism. The National Amateur Athletic Association (AAAN) envisioned a space to foster sportsmanship among French-Canadian youth. Architects Joseph-Ovide Turgeon and J. A. Ouellette designed the Pavillon de Danse, then known as the Palestre nationale. This almost square building, with its classical design and Beaux-Arts ornamentation, housed a gymnasium, a swimming pool, a library, and even a bowling alley. The Pavillon de Danse stands as a beautiful blend of grey stone, red brick, and terracotta, its numerous windows creating a rhythmic symmetry. Over the years, the Pavillon de Danse underwent several renovations. In 1946, architect Élie Vincelli led one such restoration. UQAM acquired the building in 1974, renaming it the Latourelle Pavilion. It served as a home for the university’s sports department and the Vieux-Montréal CEGEP. During the 1976 Olympics, part of the Pavillon de Danse hosted an international youth campus. A significant shift occurred in 1987. UQAM’s dance department moved into the Latourelle Pavilion, marking its transition from sports to the arts. A fire in the late 1980s necessitated a major reconstruction. Architects Saia and Barbarese led this project, transforming the building into a dedicated dance center. It became one of the few places globally entirely devoted to dance, housing both the Agora de la danse and the university’s dance department. The swimming pool, a relic of its athletic past, remained until 1995. It was then covered to create yet another dance floor. The Pavillon de Danse, restored with a modern touch while preserving its original ornamentation, won the 1991 architectural award from the Quebec Order of Architects. It also received a prestigious Orange Prize from the City of Montreal and Heritage Montreal. Artist Geneviève Desgagnés added her touch, integrating choreography-inspired artwork into the facade, entrance hall, and second floor. The Latourelle name, honoring Roger Latourelle, a prominent figure in Quebec amateur sports, graced the building from 1974 to 2003. Finally, in 2003, the building officially became the Pavillon de Danse de l’UQAM, solidifying its identity as a hub for dance and creativity.