2018-2019 Season in Review

General

It’s been a fantastic 2018/2019 season for The Dance Centre! From choreographic programs to performances and transforming our theatre space, here are some of the staff’s most memorable moments:

We had a master class this year in how to transform the space for Company 605’s Loop, Lull. It has become my touchstone for discussing with artists about how to set the theatre in the round, how to create a more complete black box in the space, and, most importantly, how to set it up and take it down in a hurry between two other big PuSh international touring shows. -Chengyan, Lead Technician

This spring we hosted two workshops for high school students who are newcomers to Canada. The sessions were led by artists from Immigrant Lessons, and Antonio Somera. It was wonderful to see how the youth responded to working with professional artists who are also people of colour and immigrants themselves, whose stories they could relate to. -Linda, Associate Producer

Our annual holiday party was a festive coming together of our members, volunteers, tenants and staff, with imaginative pop-up performances by talented dance artists from Modus Operandi. For me another standout was the moving encounter between performer and spectator in Emmanuel Jouthe’s ÉCOUTE POUR VOIR on International Dance Day at Haro Park Seniors Centre, which reminded me why I love dance – for its power to connect people and bring joy! -Hilary, Member Services Coordinator

I really enjoyed watching the rehearsal for Jacky Essombe’s Discover Dance! show, seeing her fellow performers arrive at different times and immediately start moving to the rhythms definitely brought a smile to my face. Conversely, the Facebook Live we did with Walter Kubanek and Olivia C. Davies was such a small and quiet time, but it was incredibly beautiful, peaceful and moving – plus there were no technical issues! -Lindsay, Digital Marketing Coordinator

It was inspiring to witness all the new research being explored by emerging artists in our community in 12 Minutes Max. Thanks to Josh Martin and Lisa Gelley for their great job as facilitators of the program this past season. -Raquel, Programming Coordinator

When Simon Mayer brought his company from Austria for Sons of Sissy, he devoted time to making connections with local artists, especially Indigenous artists, and worked with Squamish Nation elder Bob Baker to add an Austrian traditional-meets-contemporary twist to Bob’s traditional Indigenous welcome. Connections were created across continents, cultures, forms and generations. -Heather, Marketing Manager

How to choose when there were so many wonderful and memorable moments….? I feel inspired every time I walk through our building and see dance artists at work in the studios, and people of all ages and backgrounds dancing or coming to a show. -Mirna, Executive Director

I’m very pleased that we secured funding to replace our hardworking dance floors on the 4th floor this summer – kudos to our Executive Director Mirna for all her work! -Robin

The Choreographer’s and Corporate Leader’s Circle Party on June 13 was a lovely evening for philanthropists and sponsors to connect with old friends and make new ones on the beautiful Rooftop Terrace of Scotiabank Dance Centre.-Sheri Urquhart Development Director

One highlight for me was spending time with bharata natyam artist Sujit Vaidya and Artist-in-Residence Olivia C Davies hearing them talk about their work and how their careers are being advanced with the support of our programs. -Gemma, Development Coordinator

A shout-out to all the wonderful artists and companies who participated in our 2019/2020 season:

2018-2019 Season in Review

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