About Us - DanceWorks

ABOUT DANCEWORKS

A leading presenter of dance in all forms, DanceWorks develops and promotes seasons of high quality, culturally pluralistic dance programming created by professional dance artists. DanceWorks’ programming supports cross racial solidarity, holding space for BIPOC artists and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIAP. Work that addresses social justice issues, and challenges racism against Indigenous, Black, and Asian peoples is valued and encouraged. DanceWorks advances opportunities for the Disability Community within the dance milieu. Based in Tkaronto/Toronto since 1977, DanceWorks cultivates meaningful engagement with dance artists through outreach, education and animation initiatives.

Vision Statement
DanceWorks leads the country in presenting risk-taking choreographers and dancers.

Mission Statement
DanceWorks is a presenter of culturally pluralistic dance promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, and expanding the appreciation of the medium with new and existing audiences.

Guiding Principles
Artist-Centered, Inclusion, Diversity, Community, Innovation, High-Quality, Professionalism.

1977 - 79

Group shows support artistic risk-taking and minimize financial risk for participants.

1980 - 89

Regular programming develops an audience for new dance; educates through newsletters, program notes, curatorial statements; originates danceTALK!; features film with performance; commences video documentation; organizes first CanDance Network meeting.

1990 - 2002

Mainstage Series: curated, fee-paying opportunity presents diverse forms and world premieres on mixed programs paying production costs and moves to larger venues; in collaboration with Dance Collection Danse, institutes Carol’s Dance Notes for outreach.

U.S./Canada Performance Initiative: DanceWorks jointly initiates and manages with Dance Theatre Workshop (N.Y.) a program to promote cross-border touring and residencies in cooperation with the National Performance Network. Assumes management of Dance Ontario Association and The CanDance Network.

Late 1998-2002

Establishes annual international co-productions with Harbourfront Centre, expands CoWorks Series, enhances cooperation with CanDance Network partners expands market for Carol’s Dance Notes to five Canadian cities, relocates office to arts designated district where daily contact with other arts/dance organizations builds momentum leading to new initiatives and collaborations.

2002 - 2005

Initiates Cultural Dance Dialogues DVD’s, 15-minute conversations with artists similar format to Inside the Actors’ Studio moderated by Curator; increases outreach and student matinees; develops study guides for students and teachers; expands to include new co-presentation events.

2006 - 2011

With funding from the Metcalf Foundation, develops cohesive education/outreach programming: initially contracts an Education & Outreach consultant then subsequently hires Education & Outreach Coordinator/Manager, initiates Francophone Education & Outreach Programming.

2012 - 13

Initiates Professional Passes - affordable tickets for dance professionals and introduces Critical Response to better understand patrons’ reactions to selected works.

2014 - 19

Expands online visibility through social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and blog) as well as programmatic ads; rebuilds website danceworks.ca; undertakes audience survey to collect information on audience demographics and attitudes; initiates subscriber/donor appreciation night; provides residency support to selected artists presented on Mainstage series.

2019 - 20

With support of Canada Council Digital Strategies grant, works with consultants to refine online marketing reach.

20 - Present

Launched all new digital series Moving Online to continue creating opportunities for the public to engage with professional dance artists in new ways during COVID-19 global pandemic.

STAFF

Meet the team that brings you the opportunities to engage with professional dance artists and their stories.

BOARD

Adam Kurnik

Co Chair/Treasurer
Manager, Corporate Finance & Investor Relations; Superior Plus Corp

Douglas Tanton

Co Chair
Senior Consultant; One Step One Step Productions

Belinda Ngai

Secretary
Director, Product Management, E&S risk, Enterprise risk; RBC

Mario Fasce

Director
Associate Director, Partnerships; Thrive

Alex Hsiao

Director
Senior Manager, Partnerships; Scene +