The Dance Centre presents
Dance//Novella
Chrysalis
April 29, 2025
Scotiabank Dance Centre
Presented for International Dance Day
The Dance Centre acknowledges that it is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. It is an honour and a privilege for us to be guests in their lands. We are grateful.
—
CHRYSALIS
In January 2025, Dance//Novella welcomed 11 emerging artists from around the world to The Polygon Gallery to explore themes of transformation and shifting identities. Chrysalis emerged from this collective journey of creative discovery, shaped by collaboration and growth. In partnership with Vancouver-based molo design, whose adaptable set pieces fostered a playful process, we embraced the power of intersectional fantasy. Chrysalis invites you into a world where change and connection unfold, offering new perspectives and dynamic possibilities for both artists and audiences.
We humbly acknowledge that the evolution of this year’s Emerging Artist Program would not have been possible without the immense dedication and contributions of all the participating artists. These artists are eager for knowledge and opportunity, and we feel deeply privileged to create, share, and learn how both this platform and we as leaders can better support their needs. Our deepest gratitude extends to The Dance Centre, The Polygon Gallery, The Hamber Foundation, North Vancouver Recreation and Culture, The Deux Mille Foundation, David Cooper, Dan Loan, Jon McRae, and all of our incredible D//N donors and friends. Their steadfast commitment has been essential to bringing this vision to life. We also wish to express our sincere appreciation to our new partners at molo for their enormous care and belief in our work. Chrysalis is more than just a performance; it is a profound testament to the power of community—the ability to elevate, embolden, and celebrate essential creative experiences that sustain our delicate arts sector. With this shared support, we are not merely surviving but moving toward a future filled with promise and possibility.
Performers: Bryn Bridgen, Margaux Chambon, Madeleine Cruz, Elle Derkitt, Rachel Lui, Daeva Miles, Maïa Morrison, Ellie Toop, Kaya Tsurumi, Emily Wang, Grace Willock
Concept and Choreography: Racheal Prince and Brandon Lee Alley – developed in collaboration with the artists.
Set Design: softwall + softblock designed by Stephanie Forsythe + Todd MacAllen for molo
Original Lighting Design: Victoria Bell
Sound Design: Brandon Lee Alley
Additional Music:
Frederic Chopin – Prelude, Op. 28, No. 4
Jean Sibelius – 13 Pieces, Op. 76: No. 2 Etude
Jean Sibelius – 13 Pieces, Op. 76: No. 3 Carillon
Dance//Novella brings dance theatre to life through a spirit of artistic play and bold innovation. We strive to reimagine and elevate the human experience, weaving eclectic stories that capture the complexity of our world while expanding the horizons of contemporary performance. Through cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural collaborations, we cultivate spaces for exploration and empowerment while confronting the colonial foundations of Western dance. Grounded in accessibility, lifelong learning, and bold risk-taking, we invite audiences to experience diverse human expression in ways that inspire and transform.
THE DANCE CENTRE
Established in 1986 as a resource centre for dance in British Columbia, The Dance Centre is a multifaceted organization offering a range of activities which is unparalleled in Canadian dance.
It presents performances and events, building audiences and nurturing public awareness; invests in programs, resources and support for hundreds of dance professionals working in all genres; operates Scotiabank Dance Centre, a cultural hub and one of Canada’s flagship dance facilities which welcomes tens of thousands of visitors annually; and works to promote BC dance.
Through programs, outreach and education, The Dance Centre is committed to sustaining a strong and vibrant community through dance.
Staff
Executive Director Mirna Zagar; Associate Programming Director Raquel Alvaro; Associate Producer Linda Blankstein; Membership Coordinator Kaia Shukin; Director of Marketing Heather Bray; Outreach Coordinator Yurie Kaneko; Digital Marketing Coordinator Lindsay Curtis; Development Manager Catherine Butler; Venue and Services Manager Christopher David Gauthier; Technical Director (Interim) Jeremiah Hughes; Comptroller Elyn Dobbs; Dance Central Editor Shanny Rann
Board of Directors
Yvonne Chartrand, Mique’l Dangeli, Mirjana Galovich, Linda Gordon (Chair), Selim Hasan, Anndraya Luui, Sujit Vaidya, Wen Wei Wang, Mark Weston
Scotiabank Dance Centre/The Dance Centre is an IATSE 118 Union house.
THANK YOU
The Dance Centre is grateful for the generous support of The Choreographer’s Circle, Anndraya Luui and the BC Arts Renaissance Fund.
The Corporate Leader’s Circle
The Holiday Inn and Suites Vancouver Downtown – Angela van den Byllaardt, Sales Manager;
Jarislowsky, Fraser Limited – Beau Howes
The Choreographer’s Circle
Impresario: Charles and Eve Chang Foundation, Anndraya Luui
Choreographer: Anonymous x2, Marnie Carter, Moh Faris, Tony Giacinti (in memory of Lola MacLaughlin), Stephen Jarislowsky, Yosef Wosk OBC
Artistic Director: Linda Blankstein, Beau Howes and Genieve Burley, David Matte, Jackson McKiee
Principal Dancer: Anonymous, Ken Alexander, David Cousins, James Felter, Mike and Kathy Gallagher, Judith Garay, Ken Gracie and Philip Waddell, McGrane – Pearson Endowment Fund, Jean Orr, Patrick Shea, Don and Jane Shumka, Janet and Ron Stern
Dance Artist: Anonymous, Santa Aloi, Rosario Ancer, Noel Best and Barbara Shuman, Matthew Breech and Shino Watanabe, Richard Cavell and Peter Dickinson, Amanda Collinge, Jason Dubois and Clayton Baraniuk, Linda Johnston, Kemo Schedlosky and Mark Gatha, Annelie and Dan Vistica, Wen Wei Wang, Jason Wrobleski, Max Wyman and Susan Mertens, Mirna Zagar
The Artist’s Circle
Sylvia Anderson, Carol Carr, Beth Carter, Kirk Chantraine, Yvonne Chartrand, Nicola Follows, Lorna Froidevaux, Linda Gordon, Dubravko Pajalic, Dr. Mary Robertson, Anthony Roper
The operations of The Dance Centre are supported by the Government of Canada, Canada Council for the Arts, the Government of British Columbia, the BC Arts Council, and the City of Vancouver.
Media sponsors: Stir, The Georgia Straight
The VDC Dance Centre Society is a registered charity no. BN 11925 8754 RR0001