Anik Bissonnette

Who is Anik Bissonnette?

Anik Bissonnette, OC CQ is a Canadian ballet dancer and principal dancer, since 1990, with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens. Her father, Jean Bissonnette, was famous as a television director with Télévision de Radio-Canada.

Anik Bissonnette began her training at the École de danse Eddy Toussaint, primarily under Camilla Malashenko. In 1979, she joined Toussaint's troupe, Le Ballet de Montréal Eddy Toussaint. Her extraordinary physical attributes – long arms, elegant hyperextended legs and high arches, combined with her feline agility and beautiful face – set her apart from the other dancers and garnered her leading roles right from the start.

She created many leading roles in Toussaint's choreographies, including Rose La tulipe, Un simple moment, Requiem de Mozart, New World Symphony, and Bonjour Brel.

Under Mr. Toussaint's artistic direction, Bissonnette formed a memorable partnership with Louis Robitaille. She starred in many televised productions with Le Ballet de Montréal Eddy Toussaint and performed in Night Magic, a film directed by Lewis Furey. Her participation in the 1984 Helsinki Ballet Competition netted Toussaint first prize for his choreography in Un simple moment.