Moving Forward

DanceWorks’ Artistic Leadership Transition

To learn more about our April 2 Info Session + Community Consultation, click here.

To view the recording of our February 24 Info Session + Community Consultation, click here.

Building on Founding Dance Curator Mimi Beck’s impressive legacy, we’re excited to be entering a new chapter with the inspired artistic leadership of Dedra McDermott and David Norsworthy joining forces with the DanceWorks team and General Manager Neetika Sharma.

Dedra McDermott (L), Mimi Beck (C), David Norsworthy (R). Photo by Kendra Epik.

David and Dedra joined DanceWorks as the new Co-Executive Artistic Producers on August 1, 2023. You can read their biographies on our Team & Contact page.

We celebrated Mimi Beck’s retirement on November 16, 2023. You can view photos of the celebration and read more about Mimi’s legacy with our organization on our Celebrating Mimi Beck page.

Throughout late summer and autumn 2023, we engaged in numerous conversations with artists and partners to inform our next chapter. To support our transition, we assembled an Artistic Advisory Committee including Mimi Beck, Ravyn Wngz and Devyani Saltzman. You can read their biographies on our Team & Contact page. Additionally, we organized an informal community conversation event called the Mallo Meet-Up on December 10, 2023 in partnership with Mallo Coffee & Bar.

In January 2024 we released our updated Mission, Vision and Values, our new Curatorial Statement, and our Artistic Introductions + Ideas Form on this new website.

In alignment with our commitment to dialogue and transparency, we are hosting a series of Information Session + Community Consultation events. The first event took place on February 24, 2024 on Zoom. You can view the recording and time codes for the start/end of each section by clicking here or scrolling down. Our second Information Session + Community Consultation event will take place in-person in Toronto on April 2, 2024. You can learn more and RSVP below.

Info Session + Community Consultation #2

Tuesday, April 2 (in-person): Event Details and RSVP

You’re warmly invited to participate in our upcoming Information Session + Community Consultation event! Attend to hear about DanceWorks’ next chapter and how you can get involved, ask questions, and contribute your feedback to the organization’s ongoing process of change!

DATE & TIME: Tuesday April 2, 2024, 4:00-6:00pm. You are welcome to join late/leave early as needed.

LOCATION: The Leadership Room at the Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre (640 Dundas St E, Toronto).

  • Parking: There is no dedicated parking available at this facility.

    Refreshments: Light snacks and coffee/tea will be provided. Please indicate any allergies when you RSVP.

    Photo/Video: Please note that a photographer will be present to document the event. All attendees are required to complete the Photo/Video release and waiver included on the RSVP form. If this poses a concern for you, please reach out to us so we can make an alternative arrangement!

  • The entrance to the Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre is fully wheelchair accessible all the way through and into the meeting room. There are two accessible washrooms located directly outside the room in the lobby area. ASL interpretation will be provided. If you have any access needs, please indicate them on the form when you RSVP.

  • 1. Welcome and Introductions of DanceWorks’ staff

    2. Brief self-introductions of meeting attendees

    3. Land acknowledgement

    4. Brief presentation about DanceWorks’ next chapter:

    - Updated Mission, Vision, and Values

    - New Curatorial Statement

    - Artistic Introductions + Ideas Form

    5. Questions, with answers from DanceWorks staff

    6. Small group discussions:

    - How is DanceWorks’ new direction resonating with you?

    - What programming could DanceWorks offer in the future that would be meaningful and exciting to you?

    - In what ways can DanceWorks address sectoral challenges for dance artists and choreographers based in Ontario?

    7. Open group discussion

After the event, please join us at The Citadel: Ross Centre for Dance (7 min walk) for the Opening Night of Citadel Spring Mix, featuring works by Caroline ‘Lady C’ Fraser and Esie Mensah, at 7pm.

If you have any questions, please email david[at]danceworks.ca or dedra[at]danceworks.ca.

Info Session + Community Consultation #1

Saturday, February 24 (online): Zoom Recording

You can view the full recording our our online session below, including ASL interpretation. You can enable automatically generated closed captioning by using the CC icon on the Vimeo player. If you’re looking for specific information, you can use the following time codes to skip to the relevant section:

Introductions of DanceWorks’ staff: 00:00 - 6:16

Online meeting housekeeping and meeting outline: 6:16 - 10:00

Self-introductions of meeting attendees: 10:00 - 21:00

Land acknowledgement: 21:00 - 23:46

Updated Mission, Vision, and Values: 23:46 - 33:34

New Curatorial Statement: 33:34 - 42:33

Artistic Introductions + Ideas Form: 42:33 - 57:56

Call for Board Members: 57:57 - 1:00:00

Questions, with answers from DanceWorks staff: 1:00:00 - 1:19:26

Wrap up and thank you: 1:19:26 - 1:23:29

Thank you to everyone who attended this event on February 24!

All participants were notified of this recording and it’s public use at the beginning of the meeting and on the RSVP form. If you have any questions or concerns please email david[at]danceworks.ca.