In April 2026, Toronto’s Meridian Hall will welcome a singular performance: Dance Me – Music by Leonard Cohen, brought to life by the celebrated Canadian company Ballets Jazz Montréal. Scheduled for Friday, April 10 and Saturday, April 11, 2026, this production transforms the poignant songs and poetry of Leonard Cohen into a multi-sensory dance experience.

Approved by Cohen himself during his lifetime, the piece is a striking tribute that explores “the grand cycles of existence” and evokes the rich emotional range of the artist’s work. Three internationally acclaimed choreographers – Andonis Foniadakis, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa and Ihsan Rustem – were entrusted with devising movement to Cohen’s music.

The staging is as ambitious as the concept: dance, lighting, video design, costuming and scenography come together to embody the sensual, sensitive, carnal and mystical qualities often attributed to Cohen’s art. Wide-ranging in scope yet intimate in its emotional under-current, the show offers approximately 80 minutes of continuous performance (without intermission).

For audiences in Toronto, this is a rare opportunity to experience a Canadian company’s premiere-style production in a major cultural venue. Meridian Hall, with its rich history as a landmark performing-arts venue, provides an apt setting for this thoughtful celebration of life, love, memory and the human condition.

Whether you are already familiar with Leonard Cohen’s work, or encountering his artistry for the first time through the medium of contemporary dance, “Dance Me” promises to be an evocative evening. It speaks to music lovers, dance enthusiasts and those drawn to symbolic theatrical spectacle alike.

In preparing for your visit, consider arriving early to soak in the ambience of the venue and perhaps review one or two of Cohen’s songs to deepen your experience. Expect bold visuals, thoughtful choreography and a moving homage to one of Canada’s most iconic artists.

Don’t miss this chance to witness how dance can translate music and poetry into movement — and how an artist’s legacy can be honoured in motion.