Hit the Floor Competition Receives Grant from Quebec Government 

Tashi Farmilo  

The Government of Quebec has announced its grant of $123,500 in financial assistance to the Hit the Floor competition in Gatineau. The announcement was made by the Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Lanaudière region, Ms. Caroline Proulx, and the Minister responsible for Sports, Recreation and the Outdoors, Ms. Isabelle Charest.


Hit the Floor competition is one of the largest multi-style dance competitions in the world and brings together over 45,000 dance enthusiasts annually. It showcases the talents of over 9,000 dancers from 250 dance schools participating in 45 competition blocks covering 8 dance styles, and awards nearly $50,000 in prizes and scholarships to participants. The HTF Tour will pass through Gatineau, Saint-Hyacinthe, and Lévis in the spring of 2023.


The Ministère du Tourisme is granting $117,000 under the Financial Assistance for Festivals and Tourism Events program, including a one-time increase in response to the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism industry. The Department of Education is providing $6,500 to the organization through the Sports Events Support Program.


According to Caroline Proulx, "It is with pride that the Government of Quebec supports the Hit the Floor competition in Gatineau, whose reputation is second to none. With the presence of renowned and emerging artists, this event will once again delight dance lovers of all styles. Festivities of this kind contribute to the cultural and economic vitality of the Outaouais, in addition to promoting the region on the international scene. I invite visitors to take part in this unique event and I hope that many of them will discover the attractions of the surroundings."


Isabelle Charest added, "Gatineau's Hit the Floor is an exceptional opportunity for athletes to experience the adrenaline of major competitions. Let pleasure be at the heart of performance! After many hours of rehearsal, it is important to savor this long-awaited moment. I hope that the positive memories they will keep of their performances will encourage them to maintain the regular practice of sporting activity. Good luck to all participants!"


Mathieu Lacombe, Minister of Culture and Communications, Minister responsible for Youth, Minister responsible for the Abitibi-Témiscamingue region and the Outaouais region and MNA for Papineau, expressed his delight at the support given to Hit the Floor.

He said, "This competition brings together young people from all over Quebec, all united by a passion for dance, and allows them to surpass themselves and show the extent of their talent. It represents the culmination of so many hours of work. This unique event demonstrates the positive impact of the art of dance and offers competitors the chance to live an inspiring experience. As Minister responsible for the Outaouais, I am all the more delighted that everything is taking place in the beautiful city of Gatineau. I invite the participants, as well as their families, to discover the region and I wish them good luck!"


The financial assistance granted by the Government of Quebec to Hit the Floor competition in Gatineau is a testament to the event's significant cultural and economic impact on the region and beyond.

With its reputation as a world-class dance competition and its contribution to the development of dance on a global scale, Hit The Floor is a showcase for the talent and dedication of thousands of dancers from Quebec and Canada. As the event continues to grow and inspire young dancers, it remains an essential cultural and artistic event that promotes the beauty and diversity of dance.


Photo: Dancer in flight, courtesy of the Hit the Floor Competition