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Québec, Quebec
Grant of Arms and Supporters
February 20, 2009
Vol. V, p. 419
Arms of La Compagnie Christiane Bélanger (Quebec City Ballet)BlazonAzure semé of fleurs-de-lis Or and roses Argent, a chaussé Or; SymbolismThe V dividing the shield suggests a ballet slipper and pays tribute to Christiane Bélanger, founder of the Quebec City Ballet. The fleurs-de-lis symbolize Quebec and the city that shares its name, where the company was founded. The roses symbolize ballet itself: magnificent and barbed, they illustrate the ultimate grace born of the union of beauty and pain. The placement of the fleurs-de-lis and roses in chief represents the spectators attending the various performances. |
CrestBlazonA demi-figure of Terpsichore affronty proper vested Azure holding in her dexter hand a pair of pointe shoes and in her sinister hand a lyre Or; SymbolismTerpsichore, the muse of dance, suggests that ballet is a perfect and ancient art form. The muse is holding a pair of ballet slippers and a harp, symbolizing the union of music and dance. |
MottoBlazonSPIRITUS IN MOTU; SymbolismMeaning “Spirit in motion,” this Latin motto pays tribute to the movement of the dancers’ bodies as a direct expression of their personal and collective spirit. The motto also refers to the founding of the Quebec City Ballet and the fact that it is the realization of an idea, of a long-cherished dream. |
SupportersBlazonTwo swan-gazelles Argent, winged, beaked and unguled Or, standing on a ballet bar Or; SymbolismThe half-swan, half-gazelle hybrid animal represents the grace and power of ballet. The swan alludes to Swan Lake, the symbol par excellence of ballet, while the gazelle is an agile and graceful animal. The ballet bar upon which they are standing represents that important tool that dancers use every day. |
BackgroundCanada Gazette InformationThe announcement of the letters patent was made on December 12, 2009 in Volume 143, page 3680 of the Canada Gazette.  |
Additional InformationCreator(s)Original concept of Karine Constantineau, assisted by the heralds of the Canadian Heraldic Authority. PainterLinda Nicholson CalligrapherDoris Wionzek Recipient TypeCivil Institution
Other InformationOne or more entries related to this Recipient's emblems appear elsewhere in the Register: Volume V, p. 477; Volume V, p. 478. |