Artistic Leadership Announcement
DanceWorks announces that Co-Executive Artistic Producers Dedra McDermott and David Norsworthy will be departing the organization this summer. David’s last day will be July 31, 2025, and Dedra’s last day will be August 22, 2025.
We thank Dedra and David for their contributions over the past two years and wish them well in their future endeavours! A search for new artistic leadership will begin shortly, with further updates to be shared in the coming weeks.
DanceWorks remains deeply committed to supporting our artists, partners, and audiences with the spirit of excellence that has defined our work for over 45 years.
Abbey Richens, David Norsworthy, and Zuri Skeete. Photo by Kaylee McCullough.
David Norsworthy and Dedra McDermott. Photo by Kaylee McCullough.
Dedra McDermott and Nickeshia Garrick. Photo by Kaylee McCullough.
Dedra McDermott, Mimi Beck, David Norsworthy. Photo by Kendra Epik.
As Dedra and David prepare for their next chapter, they have shared their personal reflections on their time with DanceWorks:
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“It has been a great privilege to be part of the DanceWorks legacy. As a presentation platform, DanceWorks has the capacity to be an agile and responsive space that supports emerging to established makers and prioritizes collective growth and development for local and national dance artists. I entered this role eager to support the evolution of DanceWorks; to focus on communal tending and building resilience through collaboration—looking to other arts sectors for examples of transitioning away from traditional, singular, decades-long leadership models. Over the last two years, it has been rewarding to seed new pathways and programs for artistic development. We have emphatically championed works where embodied practice translates diasporic experiences in Canada and illuminates the reality of global indigeneity, experimented with curatorial models that support deeper engagement and attunement, and collaborated on new partnerships for more inclusive audience experiences. None of this would have been possible without community support. Thank you to every partner, ally, artist, and audience member who has been part of this chapter! This experience has been the greatest education and I look forward to the future knowing that every challenge and achievement with DanceWorks has sharpened my emergent and evolving approach to artistic leadership.”- Dedra McDermott
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“Navigating this multifaceted role and contributing to a transformation of DanceWorks has been a humbling and significant learning experience for me. I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of DanceWorks’ important legacy, the insights I’ve gained, the beautiful relationships that have emerged, and for everyone who believed in our vision and offered their support. I am longing for a return to my artistic practice, and for new creative collaborations in the studio. It is time for me to make space in my life for the passion that has brought me here - the act of dancing itself. I will continue to invest my energy and ambition into my curatorial, producing, and artistic direction roles external to DanceWorks. As I reflect on my departure, I remain wholeheartedly convinced of DanceWorks’ pivotal role and incredible potential within our local dance communities, and I look forward to joining you as an enthusiastic audience member at DanceWorks events in the future.” - David Norsworthy
Neetika Sharma, who will be continuing in her role as DanceWorks’ General Manager, shares a statement on the upcoming transition:
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“I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Dedra McDermott and David Norsworthy for their extraordinary care and commitment throughout their time with DanceWorks. Their work has brought depth, innovation, and meaningful engagement to DanceWorks and to the many artists and communities they’ve touched. As Dedra and David move forward into their next chapters, I wish them every success and fulfillment.
DanceWorks remains deeply committed to its mission of supporting dance artists and fostering a vibrant, inclusive arts community. This work continues, with renewed focus and purpose. The organization is intentional and focused, with dedicated board and staff members working diligently to ensure a thoughtful new chapter of leadership and to carry forward the momentum of our work.
If artists or community members have questions, reflections, or would like to connect further about this transition, I warmly welcome those conversations.”
- Neetika Sharma
General Manager, DanceWorks