Toronto, (September 10, 2018) – DanceWorks, Toronto’s longest running contemporary dance series, is delighted to announce that TD Bank will be premier sponsor for the 2018/19 Mainstage Series.
DanceWorks’ five Mainstage productions emerge from the keen choreographic imaginations of dance artists confronting today’s socio-political reality. Topics range from the politics of aging, to Indigenous re-matriation, human endurance, survival and connection. Montreal’s RUBBERBANDance group opens the season with Victor Quijada’s latest foray into contemporary and street dance forms, interpreted by a company of 10 dancers. In an intimate, revelatory journey, Louis Laberge-Côté takes us to The Citadel: Ross Centre for Dance, a new venue for the Mainstage series. Women’s voices prevail as choreographer Santee Smith reveals the second in her trilogy created through Indigenous process from a Konkwehon:we (Indigenous woman’s) perspective and Roshanak Jaberi centres experiences of refugee women. A world premiere by Heidi Strauss/adelheid closes the season, inviting us into an immersive experience that draws attention to place and perspectives. All of these remarkable artists put themselves on the line and ask us to cross over with them.
TD sponsorships in the past have allowed us to offer free matinees to schools in priority neighbourhoods as well as support artists from the African diaspora. This increase in support allows DanceWorks to provide audiences with performances and a context for current trends in choreography from Canadian contemporary choreographers from a diversity of backgrounds.
DanceWorks began as a collective of independent dance artists in 1977 and has grown to become Toronto’s leading presenter of independent dance. Strong in the belief that dance has the power to illuminate, engage and transform all who participate, DanceWorks offers seasons of eclectic, exhilarating choreography programmed to intrigue, challenge and enthral. DanceWorks adds to the theatrical experience with Carol’s Dance Notes and pre or post-performance conversations with artists.
