the dance centre
case for support
We don’t walk through life. We dance.
Classical ballet. Hip hop. Tango. Bhangra. Contemporary. Flamenco. Tap. Few if any performing arts have more diversity than dance. Dance is a painting that unfolds in front of us; a mesmerizing, in-themoment swirl of emotion that is never the same experience. The Dance Centre holds the first position for the dance community in British Columbia. We build bridges between the many genres and styles of dance, forging new partnerships and alliances to strengthen the dance movement across the province – promoting talent nationally and internationally.
Established in 1986, The Dance Centre is dedicated to developing dance across British Columbia, through our four core program areas: 01/ presentation of dance programs 02/ management of Scotiabank Dance Centre 03/ promotion of dance to the public 04/ professional development for dance artists Programs
The Dance Centre runs programs and projects that support the professional development of dance creators and performers, and nurture new audiences. Key programs include Artist-inResidence, where a choreographer undertakes creation, performance, teaching and outreach activities over an extended period of time; DanceLab, in which choreographers collaborate with professionals from other disciplines; Global Dance Connections, a contemporary dance performance series featuring artists from BC, Canada and overseas; and Discover Dance!, an informal noon performance series. Dance In Vancouver is a biennial event showcasing BC-based contemporary dance artists, both to the public and to presenters of dance from around the world.
Scotiabank Dance Centre
Professional Development
For over two decades The Dance Centre spearheaded the drive to create a home for BC’s dance community. In 1995 it created The Dance Foundation, an independent not-for-profit society to fundraise for, construct and own the building. Today The Dance Centre manages this state-of-the-art facility, which opened in September 2001 in downtown Vancouver, on a site donated by its title sponsor. The building has become a hub for dance activity, housing The Dance Centre’s programs, as well as rehearsals, classes, workshops, performances and events by dance artists and companies from Vancouver and beyond. Scotiabank Dance Centre generates an estimated 60,000+ visits annually.
The Dance Centre’s members include professional dance companies and individual artists, teachers, choreographers, performers and dance enthusiasts. They benefit from resources and information about funding, jobs, auditions, training and other opportunities; Dance Central, a bimonthly publication, E-Central bulletins, and specialist dance publications and directories; and information sessions and networking events. Video facilities include access to equipment and an editing suite, and an extensive dance video library - the largest one in Western Canada. Members receive free or discounted places on workshops and training initiatives; can apply to participate in Dance Centre programs; and receive consultations with experienced staff on topics such as grant writing, marketing and incorporation. A range of Awards not only acknowledge the talent of BC dance makers, but also contribute financially to research in dance and to the production of new works.
Promoting BC Dance
The Dance Centre is the primary source for information about dance in BC. The public can access information about hundreds of dance performances, classes, companies and organizations. In addition to events such as Dance In Vancouver, The Dance Centre promotes BC dance internationally, producing information for presenters and promoters around the world: the BC Dance Directory lists hundreds of BC dance organizations. We build connections between BC dance artists and artists from around the globe.
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Dance is a language that speaks directly to the human heart. The Dance Centre is the only organization in British Columbia dedicated to promoting the full spectrum of dance as a performing art. Our stage serves to deliver powerful stories that captivate, inspire and delight.
The Dance Centre has expanded far beyond its origins as a service organization to offer a range of activities unparalleled in Canadian dance. It has developed programs that support the professional development of dance creators and performers, nurture new audiences, and introduce new ideas into the cultural landscape.
Over fifty artists, at all career stages and from many cultural and artistic backgrounds, participate in The Dance Centre’s programs every season.
These programs are at the heart of the many activities taking place at Scotiabank Dance Centre, the facility operated by The Dance Centre, and contribute towards the establishment of a stronger infrastructure for dance in BC and Canada.
“The body says what words cannot.” Martha Graham
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The Dance Centre is much more than a building for dance. We are committed to professional development, establishing creative residencies and developing and nurturing emerging talent and new works.
Dance In Vancouver is a biennial event showcasing performances by some of BC’s most exciting contemporary dance artists. Popular with the public, the event brings dance presenters from around the world, and also features studio presentations and roundtable discussions. The Artist-in-Residence program supports choreographers in creation, teaching, outreach and performance activity over an extended period of time. Since 2002 the program has included Helen Walkley’s outreach with the GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Burnaby Women’s Prison and the Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre; Martha Carter’s contemporary dance/hip hop multimedia work iDub; Co. ERASGA’s cross-cultural collaboration with taiko drummer Eileen Kage and pianist Alison Nishihara; Carolyn Deby’s site-specific work in the Downtown Eastside; and many more. DanceLab provides fully subsidized studio space for artists to engage in intensive research with other artforms such as visual art, film, music and theatre, culminating in an informal public studio presentation.
Global Dance Connections presents artists from BC, Canada and across the world, in performances, talks, workshops and other events. Past visiting artists include Lynda Gaudreau (Montreal), Philippe Decouflé (France), Nigel Charnock (UK), Eddie Ladd (Wales), Karine Ponties (Belgium), Hiroaki Umeda (Japan), Tribal Crackling Wind (Toronto), and Francesco Scavetta (Italy/Norway). Discover Dance! takes place at noon once a month. These accessible hourlong sessions combine performance and discussion, and feature dance styles ranging from contemporary, flamenco, and classical East Indian, to Chinese and African. Twelve Minutes Max, co-hosted with The Firehall Arts Centre, takes place twice a year. Emerging and established artists present new pieces less than twelve minutes in length. They receive support from the series’ curators; and audiences enjoy a snapshot of the latest in dance and interdisciplinary work.
International Dance Day is celebrated on and around April 29 with a series of events around Vancouver, including performances, workshops and other events. All forms of dance are featured at a wide variety of locations. The annual Scotiabank Dance Centre Open House offers a day of open classes, events and performances every September, marking the anniversary of the opening of Canada’s flagship dance facility. The Isadora Awards are presented each year to honour artists who have made an exceptional contribution to dance in BC. The Iris Garland Emerging Choreographer Award is presented every two years to a young choreographer who shows outstanding promise. The Santa Aloi Award assists choreographers in hiring dancers to perform their works, while the new Lola Award will support mid-career and senior choreographers. The Dance Centre also partners with organizations including the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival, Asian Heritage Month, Dancing on the Edge Festival, the Chutzpah! Festival, Made In BC – Dance on Tour and the Vancouver Art Gallery. THE DANCE CENTRE / CASE FOR SUPPORT // P.08 P.06 / 09 07
The Dance Centre was created to be not only the physical centre for the dance profession in British Columbia, but also its public and emotional heart. Our role within the dance community is to provide infrastructure in the form of resources and studio space, as well as artistic leadership. To the public, we are the face of dance; to the dance profession, we are the voice.
Dance is perhaps the most demanding of artforms, requiring intensive physical training and practice over many years, a space to work in and bodies to work with. And all this within what are typically short, demanding and underpaid careers for performers.
Dance is historically the ‘poor relation’ amongst the arts, lacking visibility, support and resources. In addition, our geographical isolation on the West Coast puts further pressure on what can be a small and sometimes fragmented community.
The Dance Centre faces these issues by providing the resources that the dance community needs to remain vibrant and sustainable: 01/ affordable studio space (or fully subsidized through residencies and other programs) 02/ information (consultations on fundraising, news about funding opportunities) 03/ connections (with other artists/ presenters across Canada and internationally, opening doors to tours, partnerships, residencies, new projects)
“ The Dance Centre was instrumental in supporting my explorations as an independent artist. Without their support, my work would not have been nearly as strong and positive, and as developmental for my career. They have given me a platform to excel at my craft and refine my abilities. I am sincerely grateful for their support and assistance of my art, and exceedingly thankful for their continued support of dance, art, and performance work.” Shay Kuebler, independent dance artist, choreographer/dancer/instructor
“ The Dance Centre’s presence, programs and support services have been an integral part in the development of my career and sense of community in the Vancouver dance landscape. The varying opportunities that the programs offer have provided me with many key stepping stones as an emerging level artist, but most importantly it is a sense of being part of the greater whole that I value the most. An anchor in the fury of creativity, a gathering place, and where the door is always open for dance!” Sara Coffin, independent dance artist, choreographer/dancer/instructor
04/ creative support (professional development opportunities such as workshops, research labs) 05/ visibility (performance opportunities, website calendar) THE DANCE CENTRE / CASE FOR SUPPORT // P.10 / 11
“ The Dance Centre exists as the core of our community, allowing artists of all mediums to come together with the public and experience dance on a wealth of levels. My term as a Resident Artist allowed the opportunity to work with four transitioned local dance artists to bring back works that may have never seen another life. The staff have always been supportive of my development and the access to the organization’s resources, guidance, space and community, has forever impacted my artistic evolution.” Josh Beamish, Artistic Director, MOVE: the company
At The Dance Centre, we believe that dance has the power to move people literally, intellectually and emotionally. We see it happen here every day. We see it in all its forms, shapes and sizes. It could be a class of small children learning their first dance steps, professional choreographers creating new works or couples learning to tango. Your support of this diverse, vibrant art form ensures that we all can continue to share in the emotions and experiences that dance can deliver. With over 60,000 visits per year, and over 50 artists featured in our programs annually, The Dance Centre is a significant contributor to the cultural life of our community.
“ My kids really enjoyed the show and the feedback was great. I spoke to my students, and here is their (and my) feedback: For my students, the biggest benefit was to be in the physical presence of dance professionals. They are a fairly sheltered lot, and for most of them it was the first time they had EVER seen dancers live. Plus the hotseat at the end was a fantastic way to reinforce the type of commitment and dedication it takes to dance, and to show how much passion they have for what they do.
It gave the students inspiration and motivation to push their work further when they see how far it can go and what the potential is. which always makes my day easier...� Megan Smye David Thompson Secondary School Discover Dance! Series
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There are three primary areas where we need your support:
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Education and Community/ Outreach Programs
Professional Development Opportunities
Presenting Premier Contemporary Dance
01/ Discover Dance! Discover Dance! takes place at noon each month. These accessible hourlong sessions combine performance and discussion in an effort to educate and build audiences for dance. The program features all sorts of dance styles ranging from contemporary, flamenco, and classical East Indian, to Chinese and African. Discover Dance! serves the needs of youth, schools, seniors and people of all ages.
01/ Artistic Residencies and Dance Labs (year-round up to 12 artists) The Artist-in-Residence program supports the professional development of choreographers by providing space for the creation of new works, supplemented by teaching, outreach and performance activity. DanceLabs are mini residencies geared towards research, where artists engage in dialogue with other art-forms such as visual art, film, music and theatre, culminating in an informal public studio presentation.
01/ Global Dance Connections Global Dance Connections connects Vancouver to the national and international world of dance. It expands experiences for the dance/ theatre audiences who expect to see high-calibre, risk-taking, thought-provoking and exceptional dance. We present artists from elsewhere in Canada and across the world, in performances, talks, workshops and other events.
Cost to produce the program (excluding staffing): $20,000 02/ International Dance Day International Dance Day is celebrated on and around April 29 with a series of events around Vancouver, including performances, workshops and other events. All forms of dance are featured at a variety of locations. International Dance Day serves communities across British Columbia, youth, schools, community groups, and seniors. Cost to produce the program (excluding staffing): $35,000 03/ Open House The annual Scotiabank Dance Centre Open House offers a day of open classes, events and performances every September, marking the anniversary of the opening of Canada’s flagship dance facility.
Cost to produce the program (excluding staffing): $45,000 02/ Presentation assistance for Twelve Minutes Max Twelve Minutes Max, co-hosted with The Firehall Arts Centre, takes place twice a year. Emerging and established artists present new pieces less than twelve minutes in length. They receive support from the series’ curators; and audiences enjoy a snapshot of the latest in dance and interdisciplinary work. Cost to produce the program (excluding staffing): $10,000
Cost to produce the program (excluding staffing): $75,000 02/ Dance In Vancouver Dance In Vancouver is a biennial event showcasing performances by some of BC’s most exciting contemporary dance artists. Popular with the public, the event brings dance presenters from around the world, and also features studio presentations and roundtable discussions. Cost to produce the program (excluding staffing): $60,000
Where Your Support Goes
Your support of The Dance Centre goes directly to fund our operations and productions, allowing us to: 01/ present cutting-edge performances of both emerging and established artists 02/ encourage collaboration between dancers, dance companies and disciplines 03/ offer much-needed training programs,
professional development sessions and workshops for both the profession and the public
04/ equip and sustain the finest dance facility in the province 05/ keep studio rents at Scotiabank Dance Centre affordable for a wide range of dancers and dance companies 06/ preserve the most comprehensive dance video library in the province and ensure accessibility to its treasures 07/ foster communication between members of the dance community
Cost to produce the program (excluding staffing): $15,000 THE DANCE CENTRE / CASE FOR SUPPORT // P.14 / 15
The Choreographer’s Circle in support of The Dance Centre
The best way to experience all that The Dance Centre has to offer is to become a member of our Choreographer’s Circle. Join other dedicated and passionate individuals who share your love of dance through the Choreographer’s Circle. Enjoy priority ticket handling, invitations to private receptions, access to dress rehearsals, the opportunity to visit with resident dance artists, and so much more. OUR MISSION
The mission of the Choreographer’s Circle is to foster and shepherd dedicated philanthropy for The Dance Centre, to support dance artists and choreographers and the development of the art form in British Columbia through programs and services provided by The Dance Centre, and to inspire enthusiasm and camaraderie among arts lovers ensuring a future for dance in its evolving styles and forms.
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You are invited to become a vibrant member of the Choreographer’s Circle with the deep gratitude of The Dance Centre for your financial commitment, your participation, your enthusiasm and your valued advice.
Choreographer’s circle MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS Choreographer’s Circle members are donors who give $1,000 and more annually to The Dance Centre and commit to at least three years of giving. Because revenue from ticket sales account for less than 10% of operating costs, The Dance Centre relies on donor generosity to help us define excellence in dance. Your gift is an investment in the future of dance, ensuring that gifted choreographers get to work with talented dancers in a worldclass facility built just for dance.
Members of the Choreographer’s Circle receive these exclusive concierge services: 01/ Personalized ticketing assistance through our development office, including the right to reserved Choreographer’s Circle seating at Dance Centre productions 02/ Convenient electronic reminders of upcoming performances, workshops and events 03/ Voting privileges as a member of The Dance Centre at our annual general meeting
05/ An annual report on your investment 06/ Our heartfelt gratitude along with a tax receipt 07/ Invitations to members-only events designed specially for Choreographer’s Circle members 08/ Your name will be listed as a member of the Choreographer’s Circle in Dance Centre performance programs, on the annual donor wall in the Carter Family Hall and in our annual report. You may also wish to be anonymous in your support.
04/ A copy of the BC Dance Directory upon joining, a copy of our season brochure in September and a copy of our annual report in January
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Levels of Support In addition to the benefits you receive from the Choreographer’s Circle membership, The Dance Centre offers several different levels of enhanced support, including:
“Dancing is the loftiest, the most moving, the most beautiful of the arts, because it is not mere translation or abstraction from life; it is life itself.” Havelock Ellis
Dance Artist At the $1,000+ level:
Artistic Director At the $5,000+ level
Impresario At the $25,000+ level:
01/ Invitations to exclusive events designed specially for Choreographer’s Circle members
01/ Complimentary use of the Marcuse Studio and rooftop terrace for your very own private event. (Please note this does not include catering or special rentals and technical costs although it does include special events staffing and professional guidance where requested)
01/ The opportunity to adopt an artistin-residence with your name on the residency or a program
02/ An invitation to an open rehearsal by a dancer or choreographer with a reception
Principal Dancer At the $2,500+ level 01/ Complimentary use of The Dance Centre board room (with advance notice and subject to availability) 02/ One pair of complimentary tickets to a
Dance Centre performance of your choice
02/ One pair of complimentary tickets to Summer Dances, The Dance Centre’s annual signature special event
Choreographer At the $10,000+ level: 01/ Three private social dance lessons with partner taught by a professional dancer in a style of your choice, i.e. salsa, cha cha, swing, jive, waltz, etc. 02/ An annual invitation to have lunch with a resident artist and our Executive Director 03/ Your name engraved in our Choreographer’s Hall of Honour
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02/ A signed portrait of the artist-inresidence under your name 03/ Complimentary admission to all Dance Centre performances and productions
Dance isn’t just for dancers, but for everyone who wants to share in the celebration of the human spirit. It is our mission to ensure that whatever happens on the stage or in the studio has a positive, lasting impact on the performers and audiences who share in the moment. Your support can make those moments possible. Dance is a dialogue of movement. We invite you to be a part of the conversation. To learn more about membership with the Choreographer’s Circle, please contact development@thedancecentre.ca or phone 604.606.6407 www.thedancecentre.ca
Photo Credits Front cover: The 605 Collective/dancers Josh Martin and Lisa Gelley. Photo Gary Cotter. Back cover: Wen Wei Dance/dancers Tiffany Tregarthen, David Raymond. Photo by Emily Cooper. P2-3: SiNS Dance by Reece Terris. P5: Thai Dance Company by Alan Smith; Scotiabank Dance Centre by Ivan Hunter; Aeriosa by Louise Cecil; Cori Caulfield by Daniel Collins; Open House by Chris Randle; Scotiabank Dance Centre by Ivan Hunter. P6: Simone Orlando by Lynne Spencer; South Asian Arts by Harry Brewster; Kinesis Dance somatheatro by Chris Randle; African Stages, courtesy of the company; Scotiabank Dance Centre by Ivan Hunter (x2); Andrea Božić by Anna van Kooij; Vancouver Korean Dance Society by Sidney Atkins; Moving Dragon by Adam PW Smith. P9: Flamenco Rosario by David Cooper. P11: Amber Funk Barton & Jennifer Clarke by Chris Randle; VanCity Dance, courtesy of the company; Eleanora Acuña by Valorie Pudsey; Colleen Lanki by Harry Brewster; Raven Spirit Dance by Jay Armitage; Dancers of Damelahamid by Ana Pedrero; Simone Orlando by Lynne Spencer; MOVE: the company by Lydia Nagai; SiNS Dance by Jennie Spinney. P12: International Dance Day by Chris Randle (x2); Fresh Groove by Chris Randle; Open House by Chris Randle; Chen Ling Academy of Dance by M4; Tessa Cunningham and Myles Munroe by Chris Randle; Aché Brasil by Christianne Odehnal; Open House by Chris Randle; Mandala Arts and Culture by Chris Randle. P15: Helen Walkley by jamie griffiths; Axe Capoeira courtesy of the company; Mutya Macatumpag by Katy Harris-McLeod; The 605 Collective by Chris Randle; Helen Walkley workshop by jamie griffiths; Open House by Chris Randle; Violet Moore Irish Dancers by Harry Brewster; Mandala Arts and Culture by Chris Randle; Mascall Dance by Tim Matheson. P16-17: Moving Dragon by Adam PW Smith. P19: Scotiabank Dance Centre by Ivan Hunter. P20: Wen Wei Dance by Donald Lee. P23: Sara Coffin by Chris Randle. Design: Hyphen Communications Inc.
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The Dance Centre acknowledges the gracious support of:
Scotiabank Dance Centre 677 Davie Street, Level 6 Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 2G6 Canada Main 604.606.6400 www.thedancecentre.ca