Editor's Note

Welcome to the (end of) Summer 2023 issue of Dance Central.

It has been a lovely summer in Vancouver. As I write from my home office, I can’t help but think about the fires that are raging through BC and causing a lot of people to be evacuated from their homes. My thoughts go out to them and the firefighters who are risking their lives against the wildfires. We have been experiencing climate change in BC more than ever for the past few years, with little knowledge of its effect on our health and well-being. What is certain, however, is that we are very much interconnected with the land and with one another.

It has been three years since I became the editor of Dance Central. I am happy to welcome new and returning contributors to Dance Central, as we continue to do so in this issue. Misha Maseka from Calgary talks to Isaac Gasangwa about his upcoming work, The African Dream and what it means to present more stories told by Africans for Africans and everyone else. Kristen Lewis brings her third piece to Dance Central with a personal reflection on Lee Su-Feh’s work Touch Me, Hold Me, Let Me Go.

As lands are increasingly being encroached upon, so is the space for dance writing. I am grateful for this publication called Dance Central, which has been serving the community of B.C. since 1987. May we continue to protect our lands and uphold spaces for artistic freedom, even when they seem to be shrinking. Our love for the land and the arts will guide us through difficult times.

In the spirit of generosity, Dance Central has always been accessible to all. We thank all the artists who have contributed, and we welcome new writing and project ideas at any time to make Dance Central a more vital link to the community. Please send materials by email to editor@thedancecentre.ca. We look forward to many more conversations!

Shanny Rann

Editor