A non-profit performing arts school, Les Muses: Centre des arts de la scène, has been providing training for people with disabilities and autism since 1997. “My motivation was, first, the love of performing arts and dancing all of my life…And then it was, yes, it was a platform to help create equality,” explains founder Cindy Schwartz. Her hard work and dedication were recently recognized with the Order of Canada. “I was blown away. Taken aback. Touched. I mean, it’s been half my life,” says Schwartz. Schwartz, a dancer with a master’s degree in education, tells CTV News that her journey to secure funding for the school hasn’t been easy, with some personal battles along the way. “I had cancer in 2014 and 2015 and managed to survive, with chemo and everything.” Schwartz recovered and got back to work. The school’s success stories followed. Gabrielle Marion-Rivard, the first actor with a disability to win a Canadian Screen Award, attended Les Muses. Current student George Nti is another testament to Schwartz’s work. “I’m going to be touring with Maïgwenn, with ‘Les dauphins et les licornes.’ It’s a it’s a show we’re doing right now. We’re going to be around Quebec,” says Nti. The performer praises Schwartz, adding, “The only thing I can say is thank you. I can’t believe what you have done. This was the biggest gift.” Now retired, she continues to consult for the school, and she says she’s leaving her passion project in good hands with Maxime Savard, the interim director. “Cindy did a lot of thing for The Muses and it’s big shoes to wear,” he says. Program coordinator, Mireille Camier, wishes Schwartz well in her retirement, saying, “I want to see Cindy relaxed somewhere where she can breathe and have time for her, and she can be just proud of what she’s done.”
