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Table of Contents

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Executive Director’s Welcome

Welcome from DV Board President & Season Sponsor

Welcome from Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture & Sport

Board of Directors + Staff

An Evening at the Theatre

30 Years of Dance

Out Innerspace

Christos Papadopoulos / The Lion and the Wolf

Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker

Dance Days

Martha Graham Dance Company

Kidd Pivot

Gauthier Dance//Dance Company Theaterhaus Stuttgart

Supporting Dance Creation in BC

Underwriter Program

Our Donors + Sponsors

Cover: Martha Graham Dance Company. Photo: Deborah & Ken Ory. Courtesy of NYC Project. Left: Martha Graham Dance Company in Lamentation. Photo: Elyse Mertz.

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Executive Director’s Welcome Welcome to the theatre. Whether you are a Dance Victoria subscriber, a Night Moves or Pay Your Age member, or brand new in the audience, we are thrilled to share with you Dance Victoria’s 30th anniversary season. To celebrate this milestone, we are spotlighting icons of contemporary and modern dance, alongside a new guard of artistic voices. The season launches with a debut Canadian tour by Christos Papadopoulos / The Lion and the Wolf. My Fierce Ignorant Step has brought audiences across Europe—including me, when I saw the piece at Festival de Marseille in 2025—enthusiastically to their feet in response to captivating movement and a soundscape inspired by the choreographer’s childhood in Greece. For the first time, Martha Graham Dance Company will perform in Victoria! Celebrating a 100-year legacy, the prolific ensemble will share classic Graham repertoire—including the iconic Lamentation—and bold new commissions. We welcome back audience favourite Kidd Pivot with the award-winning Assembly Hall by Crystal Pite and Jonathon Young. Victoria is among the production’s final stops as it concludes a multi-year international tour—don’t miss it! Finally, we present Germany’s Gauthier Dance//Dance Company Theaterhaus Stuttgart in FireWorks, an explosion of styles, energy, and choreographic signatures by twelve of the world’s top creators. I am especially excited for the finale: a reimagined, trampoline-powered Bolero by Greek choreographer Andonis Foniadakis. This year, we’ve planned a special “pre-season” presentation

at the McPherson Playhouse: Out Innerspace’s Rhino. Co-produced by Dance Victoria, Rhino is a “comedy and tragedy tightrope” existing in an expressive, theatrical world that has become signature to Artistic Directors Tiffany Tregarthen and David Raymond. Royal Winnipeg Ballet returns with its gorgeous production of Nutcracker, accompanied by the Victoria Symphony. Dance Victoria’s anniversary is an important moment to celebrate where we began, and the organization’s many milestones, memories, and supporters. I want to recognize and thank Founding Producer Douglas Durand (1995-2000) for envisioning and bringing to life the Victoria Dance Series, with its inaugural season in 1997/98. Thank you to long-time Executive Producer Stephen White, who, from 2000-2022, grew Dance Victoria into a national industry leader and cultivated the enthusiastic audiences and supporters without whom none of what we do today would be possible. We are deeply grateful to Dance Victoria’s first advisory committee, which would become the Board of Directors, and all the passionate staff, Board members, funders, partners, and champions who have contributed to our mission over the years. Finally: we are grateful to you! Thank you for deciding to buy a ticket, for being part of this community, and for sharing our belief in the transformative power— the magic—of dance.

Yours sincerely, Gillian Jones

DANCE VICTORIA — 7

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President’s Welcome Welcome to Dance Victoria’s milestone 30th anniversary season! As President of the Board, it is my absolute privilege to welcome you to what promises to be a spectacular lineup of world-class dance performances. Reaching three decades offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments. From humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of our region’s cultural landscape, Dance Victoria has consistently brought the world’s best dance to our community while nurturing local artists. While we honour this rich history, we are also looking ahead, actively planning for an exciting future that will ensure dance continues to thrive in Greater Victoria for generations to come. But most of all, I invite you to embrace the present joy of this

season of breathtaking performances, the shared energy in the theatre, and the pure magic of live movement. This milestone would not be possible without our dedicated board, passionate staff, tireless volunteers, and generous supporters. Your collective dedication is the heartbeat of this organization. On a personal note, this season marks the end of my term as President. I could not be more grateful for this deeply rewarding experience. Thank you for your trust, passion, and applause. The future of Dance Victoria is incredibly bright! Enjoy the show!

Sincerely, Colette Baty

Welcome from Season Sponsor Derma Spa Derma Spa is back! We are so appreciative to have the opportunity to support Dance Victoria again—and what a terrific program this season of dance brings to Victoria! Gillian and her team have chosen a line up of exceptional companies to perform for us, enhancing the artistic and cultural life of our beautiful city. Derma Spa is happy to be part of the community of support needed for Dance Victoria to showcase these artists and their amazing productions during the 2026/27 season. Sincerely, Jane & Dr. Harlow Hollis

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A Message from the Honourable Anne Kang BC Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport On behalf of Premier David Eby and the Government of British Columbia, I am honoured to offer my congratulations to Dance Victoria on its 30th anniversary. For three decades, Dance Victoria has been a pillar of the arts community in Victoria, enriching our communities by nurturing talent and bringing dance companies from around the world to Vancouver Island. The arts bring people together and give us a chance to understand one another and the world around us. Dance Victoria has played a pivotal role in introducing audiences to the highest level of artistic excellence and celebrating the diverse and innovative perspectives of Canadian and international dance artists. It has also been a vital part of the arts community on Vancouver Island, showcasing exceptional Vancouver Island talent and administering prizes, grants and paid residencies to help choreographers

from many different backgrounds develop their artistic talent. Our government is committed to supporting a thriving arts and culture sector because we know how vital it is to our communities, the well-being of our society and the British Columbians who depend on it for their livelihoods. Since 2021, the Province of B.C. has supported Dance Victoria with more than $680,000 in funding through the BC Arts Council so that the organization can continue to support artists, offer innovative programming and help make dance accessible for everyone. My heartfelt thanks to the audiences, artists, community partners, and supporters who have contributed to Dance Victoria’s success. Your dedication to the arts continues to inspire future generations. Sincerely, Anne Kang

Rough Cut performance by Isak and Eowyn Enquist. Photo: Dayna Szyndrowski

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Board of Directors

As of October 1, 2026, prior to our Annual General Meeting.

Colette Baty President

Brendan Ralfs Vice President

Sarah Millard Treasurer

Marlon Murr Secretary

Kemi Craig Director

Aaron Lukoni Director

Joost Pelt Director

Philip Pierce Director

Carrie Smart Director

Emily Zeng Director

Linley Faulkner Director

Dance Victoria Staff

From left to right: Shireen McNeilage, Kiera Shaw, Anne-Sophie Cournoyer, Holly Vivian, Gillian Jones, Larissa Sharma, and Anderson Gomez. Not pictured: Sahara Jared and Haida Davies-McDermott. Photo: Jeffrey Bosdet 12 — DANCE VICTORIA

An Evening at the Theatre There’s more to a Dance Victoria presentation than the magic that unfolds on the Royal Theatre stage. Before each Dance at the Royal performance, audience members are invited to attend free Preshow Chats, featuring a company’s Artistic Director or senior leadership. These intimate conversations offer insight into the companies, choreography, and vision behind each production. Pre-show Chats open a window into the artists’ worlds—and deepen our experience of the performance we’re about to see together. Dance Victoria’s long-time Pre-show Chat host is Dr. Allana Lindgren, dance historian and Professor in the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Victoria. We are deeply grateful for Dr. Lindgren’s expertise and generosity in making this program such a success. Pre-show Chats are sponsored by Avant-Garde Art, a Canadian art dealer representing high-calibre contemporary

Dr. Allana Lindgren in conversation with choreographer Crystal Pite at the CCN/Aterballetto Pre-show Chat.

visual artists. Thank you to founder Caroline Bergeron for introducing Dance Victoria audiences to new artists in the threatre lobbies throughout the season. Before each Royal Theatre performance, you may have noticed a “buzz” in the east lobby. On both Friday and Saturday evenings, YAM Magazine and Bespoke Homes Team, Engel & Völkers sponsor a popular happy hour for Night Moves (ages 30-45) audience members. Featuring a complimentary drink, snacks by Little Piggy Catering, and special guests, we raise a toast to this growing group of dance-lovers. Finally, before you take your seat, look for the stunning floral arrangements by Twyla’s Flower Farm—locally grown on a vibrant three-acre flower farm in Saanich! Many thanks to Twyla Rusnak and her team, who thoughtfully design bouquets and arrangements that set the tone for an unforgettable evening.

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Supporting Dance Creation in B.C. For 30 years, Dance Victoria has earned national recognition for presenting exceptional dance from around the world. We consider it equally important to nurture and champion dance creation here in B.C. Through artist residencies, co-commissions, Chrystal Dance Prize (CDP), and the Arabella & Robert Award for Dance (ARAD), Dance Victoria supports artists at every stage of the creative journey—from training, to early research and experimentation, to the creation and presentation of fully realized productions. DV’s Quadra Village studios have become a hub for this work, and one of B.C.’s leading centres for dance creation. Since 2010, the Chrystal Dance Prize has invested more than $690,000 in international collaborations, mentorship, and training opportunities for Western Canadian dance artists.

CDP Winners 2025/26 Plastic Orchid Factory with Guy Nader and Maria Campos (Spain) Verso Dance Collective with Farid Sarmiento, Salvador Chocolatl, and Victor Rugerio (Mexico) Punit Singh with James Olivo (UK) Elizabeth Hrushowy Clara Keefer-Urquhart Amélie MacDonald

ARAD Winner 2026 Gemma Ritchie

DV Residency Artists 2026/27 Action at a Distance

Broken Rhythms Dance Company Sophie Dow Eric Cheung & Kinui Oiwa FakeKnot Stacey Horton Impulse Theatre Treena Stubel Suddenly Dance Theatre Travelling Bodies Verso Dance Collective Visible Bodies Collective

1 2026 ARAD winner Gemma Ritchie. Photo: Emilie Grace Media 2 Eric Cheung and Kinui Oiwa rehearsing at DV Studios. Photo: Dayna Szyndrowski

LEARN MORE dancevictoria.com/for-artists 14 — DANCE VICTORIA

3 Eric Cheung and Kinui Oiwa premiered the CDP-Projects-winning IN/YANG at IGNITE!, Dance Victoria’s annual season launch party. Photo: Alger Liang

Action at a Distance Future Alternates Avant-premiere May 28 • 7 pm May 29 • 1 pm DV Studios

Choreography by Chrystal Dance PrizeProjects Winners Vanessa Goodman & Simona Deaconescu

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Underwriter Program Did you know there’s a growing community of individuals contributing to Dance Victoria through our Underwriter program? Individual Underwriters choose specific programs or presentations that are most meaningful to them—often providing earmarked support beyond their annual charitable giving. These tax-deductible gifts make a significant and direct impact on Dance Victoria’s ability to take artistic risks, and to continue elevating the work we bring to our audiences. The Underwriter program benefits from dance champions in our community come forward to discuss how we may align their interests and financial contributions with an area of need or potential growth. This past season, for example, a group of Underwriters collectively supported Dance Victoria’s

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increasingly sought-after Artist Residency program. Another supporter chose to invest in community engagement, making it possible to expand the impactful Share Dance program and bring more free movement workshops into local schools and community venues. Last but not least, we are grateful to the incredible Underwriters who have pledged support for Dance Victoria’s international presentations. These gifts are vital to ensuring we can continue to bring largescale international productions to our city’s stages, and to our community. Start a conversation about underwriting today by contacting Shireen McNeilage, Development Manager, at shireen@dancevictoria.com.

Verso Dance Collective performs CLUBGARDEN at DV Garden Party. Photo: Anne-Sophie Cournoyer.

World-class Dance—At a Price You’ll Love! Learn about Dance Victoria’s ticket access programs. Pay Your Age (ages 12–29) Night Moves (ages 30–45)

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30 Years of Dance

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2026

1996 1997/98

2011

2002/03

2016

Photos left to right (excluding poster): Les Grands Ballets Canadiens by Damian Siqueiros • Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater by Andrew Eccles • Kidd Pivot by Michael Slobodian

2023

2018/19

2025

2024/25

2026

Ballets Jazz Montreal by Thierry deBois • Ballet Edmonton by Cooper and O’Hara • Dancers of Damelahamid by Michael Slobodian • Compañia Rafaela Carrasco by Beatrix Mexi Molnar

1995

Founding Producer Douglas Durand begins groundwork for the Victoria Dance Series (VDS).

2018/19

Matinee performance added for Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal’s Dance Me, due to high demand.

1996

First advisory committee (later the founding Board of Directors) forms with Robert Milne, Lynda Raino, Anne Russo and Bonnie Light.

2019

Final year of popular dance tours hosted by Stephen White & Bill Hamar.

1997/98

Inaugural season features Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal, Ballet BC, Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and Western Ballet Theatre.

2019/20

2000

Stephen White hired as Executive Producer after Durand takes job at London Arts Council UK.

Record-breaking season with presentations by Aspen Santa Fe Ballet, Ukrainian Shumka Dancers, Kidd Pivot, and Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo before COVID-19 hits. On March 13, provincial health orders force the cancellation of Ballet BC’s sold-out performances of Romeo + Juliet.

2001/02

VDS becomes five productions per season. First contemporary dance presentations introduced.

2020/21

DV collaborates with Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria on viral Dance Days video contest.

2021

DV celebrates 25th anniversary and upgrades Vernon Studio to accommodate production of dance films.

2022

Gillian Jones hired as Executive Director upon Stephen White’s retirement.

2002/03 Les Grands Ballets Canadiens performs Ohad Naharin’s Minus One to standing ovations. 2006/07

VDS changes its name to Dance Victoria.

2008/09 DV moves administrative office from White’s basement to 2750 Quadra. DV commissions Crystal Pite’s Dark Matter, which goes on to be performed across North America and Europe. 2009/10

DV receives large bequest from Dr. Betty “Chrystal” Kleiman. The Chrystal Dance Prize is born.

2010

Dance Victoria Studios opens its doors.

Nutcracker Kids ticket access program expands under new umbrella of Dance Is for Everyone. 2023

First co-presentation with Victoria Symphony: Ballet Edmonton in Music in Motion by Wen Wei Wang.

2024/25

DV co-commissions and presents Dancers of Damelahamid’s Raven Mother at McPherson Playhouse. In partnership with Vancouver’s New Works, DV brings free Share Dance programming into Victoria schools and community centres.

First Chrystal Dance Prize is awarded to Jung-Ah Chung.. 2011

Sold-out performances by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. Inaugural Dance Days festival.

2011/12

LOLA Projects are born, named for late Lola McLaughlin.

2012

South Vancouver Island Dance Archives (SVIDA) established under volunteer Archives Committee.

2013/14

Launch of Night Moves (ages 30-45) and Pay Your Age (ages 12-29) programs.

2016/17

20th anniversary season attracts record number of subscribers and sponsors.

2016

Kidd Pivot + Electric Company Theatre perform the dance theatre work Betroffenheit.

2024

DV enters agreement with UVic Library & Archives to transfer SVIDA collection to UVic campus.

2025

First contemporary flamenco presentation at Royal Theatre: Compañia Rafaela Carrasco’s Nocturna. 15 years after its inception, Chrystal Dance Prize has invested over $690,000 in international collaborations, training, and mentorship for Western Canadian dance artists.

2026

Becoming design firm is selected to lead the rebranding of DV’s visual identity, which is unveiled at Design Victoria.

2026/27

Dance Victoria’s 30 th Anniversary Season. DANCE VICTORIA — 21

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VANCOUVER // DANCE THEATRE

Out Innerspace Rhino

“Tiffany and David make extremely cinematic, visual dance theatre, a kind of David Lynch film on speed, with a tremendous, insane physicality.” ANITA VAN DOLEN, AMSTERDAM JULIDANS FESTIVAL

For nearly 20 years, Out Innerspace has created extraordinary dance experiences with uncompromising rigour and ingenuity. Founded by Tiffany Tregarthen and David Raymond, the company is celebrated for its unique vision and ability to craft artistically challenging, yet accessible works. The company’s signature blend of theatricality, humour, and innovative production design has been presented at major international festivals, earning Out Innerspace a worldwide fanbase. Tregarthen and Raymond have been commissioned by acclaimed companies such as Ballet BC, Netherlands Dance Theater 2, Hessisches Staatsballett, and Gibney Dance. Dance Victoria’s relationship with Out Innerspace spans more than a decade. We first presented the company during Dance Days 2014 with Me So You So Me, followed by Major Motion Picture (2016) and the acclaimed Bygones (2023). With each visit, the company builds an increasingly enthusiastic following in Victoria. We are delighted to welcome audiences back for Rhino, the latest full-length work from one of

Canada’s most inventive contemporary dance companies. Rhino follows an unlikely constellation of characters past their heyday, asking whether their best days are behind them. Balancing comedy and tragedy, Rhino examines what endures through time and what must evolve in a world shaped by uncertainty and change. Rhino is a co-production of the CanDance Network Creation Fund, an initiative that supports Canadian dance presenters in commissioning new works from artists. Together with Agora de la danse (Montreal), the National Arts Centre (Ottawa), and La Rotonde (Quebec City), Dance Victoria invested in this project as an early supporter and champion. We are proud to witness Rhino’s development— from its initial project proposal to research and creation phases, and now, as it tours to Canadian and international stages. The project reflects Dance Victoria’s enthusiastic commitment to supporting dance creation and innovation in B.C. and Western Canada.

October 24, 2026 7:30 PM McPherson Playhouse Choreography

Tiffany Tregarthen & David Raymond

Running time

Approx. 75 minutes (no intermission)

Sponsors + Funders

DANCE VICTORIA — 25

WHY YOU'LL LOVE

Out Innerspace

Cinematic Dance

What is most remarkable about Tiffany Tregarthen and David Raymond’s artistic direction is that they create dance with the eye of filmmakers. Dreamlike and surreal, Out Innerspace’s works have the immersive quality of great cinema, with ingenious stagecraft that gives an arthouse edge. In Rhino, live video projections and unexpected lighting and sound design are woven into the choreography. The story is told through a cast of dancers at the top of their game—dynamic, agile, and dramatically expressive. 2

Strange, Unforgettable Characters

A rhinoceros, a skeleton, a matador, a cockroach, and… oil?! Rhino’s characters might seem wildly unrelated, yet together they make one of the most imaginative casts you’ll encounter on stage. Each stands at a crossroads and grapples with existential questions of survival, purpose, and reinvention. As the characters dance between absurdity and vulnerability, their shared journey invites audiences to reflect on these themes, perhaps recognizing a little of themselves in these eccentric, yet unmistakably human, figures. 3

Curator’s Note “Dance Victoria has a long history with Out Innerspace, making it an easy “yes” when the opportunity came up to co-produce Rhino. I saw the piece in a final studio showing at Vancouver’s Dance Centre, days before its world premiere at Amsterdam’s Julidans festival. The level of intricacy and imagination that has gone into Rhino’s production design—paired, of course, with the uncompromising precision of Tiffany Tregarthen and David Raymond’s choreography— stayed with me long afterwards.” Gillian Jones, Executive Director

B.C. Company with Global Reach

Out Innerspace’s work has earned a place among Canada’s most exciting contemporary dance voices. Since Rhino premiered in 2024, the work has toured nationwide, with stops in Whitehorse, Montréal, and Québec City, as well as international festivals in the Netherlands and Germany. Raymond and Tregarthen also share a long-standing creative connection with fellow Canadian choreographer Crystal Pite, both as dancers with Kidd Pivot and through ongoing artistic collaborations. Their work carries echoes of Pite’s kinetic, ever-shifting ensembles, while remaining distinctly their own. 26 — DANCE VICTORIA

Previous & current pages: Out Innerspace in Rhino. Photos: Mark Kelly

DANCE VICTORIA — 27

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GREECE // CONTEMPORARY

Christos Papadopoulos / The Lion and the Wolf My Fierce Ignorant Step “Observing the group generates a visual fascination, something very close to ecstasy” — SUSY Q

Christos Papadopoulos, founding member of The Lion and the Wolf, is among Europe’s most acclaimed contemporary choreographers. He has earned an international reputation for creating complex works through a seemingly simple movement language. Winner of the 2025 Sadler’s Wells Rose International Dance Prize, the prestigious biennial prize for new dance creations, Papadopoulos’ choreography is often described as minimalist. However, he insists that “minimal is not minimum energy, neither less dexterity,” but rather a kind of nakedness that strips away excess to reinvent movement within a form. My Fierce Ignorant Step expresses the euphoria of being alive. Created for ten charismatic dancers, the work unfolds as an ecstatic choreography of breath, voice, and movement. These elements build in a relentless swell as the dancers pulse with a rhythm that reverberates through the audience. This spirit is core to the experience. As Papadopoulos shares, “We do not dance

together because we are synchronized, but we synchronize because we are together.” The inspiration for My Fierce Ignorant Step comes from Papadopoulos’ sonic memories of his childhood in Greece. Rather than drawing directly from the music, the work explores the shared emotional landscape such memories evoke for the choreographer: youthful optimism, a sense of endless possibilities, and the desire to belong. Though grounded in personal reflections, My Fierce Ignorant Step reflects a universal and deeply human response to current social and political uncertainty. “In this bleak reality, where the lines of dystopia have already been crossed, I’ve recently found myself reverting to my adolescent years. I remember that lust for life, the speed, the unwavering drive, the sense that anything was possible. [...] This work is my attempt to revisit that feeling. To find it again.” The work invites audiences to rediscover this feeling in ourselves, as well.

November 6 + 7, 2026 7:30 PM Royal Theatre Choreography

Christos Papadopoulos

Running time

60 minutes (no intermission)

Sponsors + Funders

Special thanks to Jeff McEown & Helen Smith for generously underwriting this presentation. We acknowledge the support of the Canada Council for the Arts and the Onassis Stegi Touring Program.

DANCE VICTORIA — 31

WHY YOU'LL LOVE

Christos Papadopoulos / The Lion and the Wolf 1

Canadian Debut

It is always special to introduce Dance Victoria audiences to groundbreaking artists who have garnered acclaim in other parts of the world, yet remain new to our community. With training from SNDO (School for New Dance Development) in Amsterdam and the Drama School of the National Theatre of Greece, Christos Papadopoulos has developed a signature choreographic style that is internationally renowned. From his early works, to the award-winning LARSEN C, to prestigious commissions for Nederlands Dance Theater, Lyon Opera Ballet, and Dance On, Papadopoulos continues to stun audiences with the depth and complexity of his vision. My Fierce Ignorant Step marks The Lion and the Wolf’s highly anticipated Canadian debut. 2

The Power of Stripped-back Movement

Curator’s Note “This was the highlight for me while attending dance festivals in France last summer. Papadopoulos is a leading figure on the Greek contemporary dance scene. He’s now gaining international recognition for a movement language that is minimalist and precise, but also exudes a contagious energy that builds—and finally erupts—through this piece. The company’s much-anticipated debut in Canada has only two tour stops: Victoria and Montreal. We can’t wait to introduce this visionary, fastrising talent to DV audiences!” Gillian Jones, Executive Director

Papadopoulos’ choreography challenges expectations of what contemporary dance can be. His stripped-back approach invites audiences to notice details that often go overlooked—the weight of a step, the chemistry between dancers. My Fierce Ignorant Step expands the creative possibilities of a motion as simple and seemingly banal as walking. As the dancers move closely together, this everyday action soon becomes extraordinary, a feat that can only be attributed to a well-crafted choreographic style mastered through years of practice. 3

Greek Soundscapes

Original music by Athens-based composer Kornilios Selamsis is essential to My Fierce Ignorant Step’s overall emotional journey. Beginning with a steadfast beat layered with mechanical sounds, reminiscent of Greece’s industrialization, the score gradually weaves in fragments of Mikis Theodorakis’ Axion Esti (1964), a landmark work of Greek contemporary culture and a source of nostalgia for Papadopoulos. As the choreography builds, the dancers respond with endurance and fuelled energy, breathing in unison, becoming one with the music, and moving as one toward a shared climax. You will be transported! 32 — DANCE VICTORIA

Previous & current pages: Christos Papadopoulos / The Lion and the Wolf in My Fierce Ignorant Step. Photos: Pinelopi Gerasimou

DANCE VICTORIA — 33

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WINNIPEG // CLASSICAL BALLET

Royal Winnipeg Ballet + Victoria Symphony Nutcracker “RWB’s Nutcracker is still the stuff of wonder and dreams.” WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

For many young people, Nutcracker is their very first introduction to the magic of dance. Since the 1892 premiere, this beloved holiday classic has become the world’s most performed ballet! Across generations, audiences continue to be enchanted by the performance’s memorable characters, immersive set designs, and lavish costumes. Whether it’s your first Nutcracker or a cherished annual tradition, Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s uniquely Canadian production invites audiences of all ages to experience the joy and wonder that make classical ballet such an enduring art form. Set to Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, the story follows young Clara on a fantastical overnight adventure when her new nutcracker springs to life. Along the way, she encounters mischievous mice, travels to exotic landscapes, and meets new friends. Choreographed by Royal Winnipeg Ballet alumni Galina Yordanova and Nina Menon, the production offers everything audiences love about Nutcracker—with a Canadian

twist. Expect hockey players, Mounties, polar bears, reindeer, and even a battle on Parliament Hill as this delightful story comes to life through graceful pliés and dizzying pirouettes. Founded in 1939, Royal Winnipeg Ballet is one of Canada’s most celebrated dance companies and a cornerstone of Canadian classical dance history. Nutcracker remains Dance Victoria’s largest-scale production, bringing together over 100 performers, including more than 60 local youth dancers in the Children’s Ensemble who share the stage with the company’s professional artists. Adding to the magic, every performance features live accompaniment by Victoria Symphony’s full orchestra of 45 musicians. Join us as we herald the holiday season with Nutcracker, as many have before us. For some, Nutcracker will spark a lifelong appreciation of dance; for others, it will rekindle treasured memories of Christmases past, continuing a tradition that has been shared across generations for more than a century.

November 27–29, 2026 7:00 PM November 28 + 29, 2026 1:00 PM Royal Theatre Choreography

Galina Yordanova & Nina Menon

Running time

124 minutes (including intermission)

Sponsors

DANCE VICTORIA — 37

WHY YOU'LL LOVE

Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Nutcracker 1

Pre-show Sugar Plum Party

Join us in the Royal Theatre lobbies one hour before each performance for the RBC Sugar Plum Party, featuring craft stations, festive activities, and photo opportunities with Victoria Academy of Ballet dancers in beautiful costumes. This cherished pre-show tradition is a delightful way for the whole family to get into the holiday spirit before the curtain rises.

Local Youth on Stage

For young dancers, being part of Nutcracker is an unforgettable experience. It begins with auditions led by a Royal Winnipeg Ballet artist and continues through weeks of dedicated rehearsals under local Rehearsal Coordinator, Victoria Academy of Ballet’s Kerry Lynn Turner and Rehearsal Assistant Olena Zakharova, and culminates in on-stage performances alongside a whole cast of professional dancers. As polar bears, angels, party guests, and more, young dancers are integral to the story—and add to the charm of the production. Please join us in a loud round of applause for the Children’s Ensemble, with a special thank you to these young dancers’ families and caregivers for supporting them and their dreams to dance!

Curator’s Note “For the DV team, Nutcracker weekend marks the official start of the holiday season! Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s (RWB) gorgeous interpretation of the classic story is the largest and most elaborate production that Dance Victoria presents each year. RWB’s new Artistic Director, Christopher Stowell, is a former San Francisco Ballet Principal dancer and Associate Artistic Director of the National Ballet of Canada. We’re excited to see Stowell’s vision for the artistic future of this iconic Canadian company.” Gillian Jones, Executive Director

Sharing the Magic of Dance

Every year, Dance Victoria makes the magic of Nutcracker accessible to children and families who might otherwise face barriers to attendance by providing free tickets in partnership with local community organizations. We extend our heartfelt thanks to long-time Nutcracker Kids Campaign Chairs Julie Rust and Greg Phillips of Rust Phillips Group | Engel & Völkers, whose leadership and generosity have helped grow this program over the past decade. And thank you to the many donors whose support will make the holiday season brighter for countless Nutcracker Kids this year! 38 — DANCE VICTORIA

Previous page: Royal Winnipeg Ballet in Nutcracker. Photo: Michelle Blais

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DANCE VICTORIA — 39

JANUARY 22-31, 2027

Dance Days It’ll move you!

Studio Presentations Justine A. Chambers & Simran Sachar Today is the evening to strike lightning / Aaj To Bijiliyan Girane Ki Shaam Hai

Dance Days is an annual, city-wide celebration of dance featuring FREE classes, events, and performances that engages over 3,000 people each year.

January 24, 2027 Dance Victoria Studios, 2750 Quadra St. Free Admission Verso Dance Collective

CLUBGARDEN

4:00 PM

7:00 PM

Justine A. Chambers and Simran Sachar’s first choreographic collaboration is an act of devotion that collapses Waacking, choreographic scores, and gestures sourced from memories and images of their mothers dancing. The piece is a poetic consideration of dances past in order to surface what has been submerged over time. Today is the evening to strike lightning / Aaj To Bijiliyan Girane Ki Shaam Hai was commissioned by the Indian Summer Festival and premiered in 2025.

In a world premiere by Chrystal Dance Prize winner Verso Dance Collective, CLUBGARDEN blends ballet, contemporary, vogue, and ballroom influences to reimagine the relationship between performer and audience. The stage becomes a participatory space of freedom, resistance, and celebration. Choreographed by Ángel Ramos in collaboration with Mexico-based artists Victor Rugerio, Farid Sarmiento, and Salvador Chocolatl, CLUBGARDEN was awarded the 2025/26 Chrystal Dance Prize–Projects.

Visit DanceVictoria.com in January to explore the full calendar. 40 — DANCE VICTORIA

Simran Sachar. Photo: Marshall To

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NEW YORK // MODERN

Martha Graham Dance Company GRAHAM100 “To say that the 16-member troupe looked and moved beautifully is almost an understatement. Their very beings seemed infused with the spirit—and essence—of Martha herself.” FJORD REVIEW

As Dance Victoria celebrates our 30th anniversary, it feels especially significant to welcome one of the most influential ensembles in dance history: Martha Graham Dance Company. For a century, this iconic company has shaped the evolution of modern dance. The ensemble’s visit to Victoria—and to Canada—is a rare occasion that we are thrilled to share with our community of dance lovers. A pioneering artistic force of the twentieth century, Martha Graham (1894-1991) revolutionized dance with an expressive movement language rooted in the principles of contraction and release. Derived from the natural rhythm of breathing, these two movements form the foundation of the Graham Technique. Over a remarkable seven-decade career, Graham created a staggering 181 works. The Graham Technique’s impact on dance has been compared to ballet’s in its scope and significance. Today, under the artistic direction of Janet Eilber, the company continues to honour Graham’s revolutionary vision while embracing new choreographic voices. Pairing

Graham’s masterpieces with newly commissioned works, the company invites conversations between past and present, ensuring her legacy’s relevance for new generations. The program presented by Dance Victoria exemplifies this balance: Lamentation (1930), Errand into the Maze (1947), and Diversion of Angels (1948) draw from the company’s historical repertoire, while Hofesh Shechter’s CAVE (2022) and Baye & Asa’s Cortege (2025) illustrate how the company continues to expand the possibilities of modern dance a century later. Presenting Martha Graham Dance Company during this milestone season is both a celebration and a statement of purpose. For 30 years, Dance Victoria has connected our community with legendary artists who have shaped the course of dance—alongside trailblazers who continue to redefine the art form. The company’s visit represents not only a highlight of the season, but of Dance Victoria’s presentation history.

January 29 + 30, 2027 7:30 PM Royal Theatre Choreography

Diversion of Angels by Martha Graham Lamentation by Martha Graham Cortege by Baye & Asa Errand into the Maze by Martha Graham CAVE by Hofesh Shechter

Running time

120 minutes (including intermission) * Programming is subject to change

Sponsors

Special thanks to A&A King Family Foundation and Estate of Vivian Love for generously underwriting this presentation. DANCE VICTORIA — 43

WHY YOU'LL LOVE

Martha Graham Dance Company 1

The United States’ Oldest Company

Founded in 1926, Martha Graham Dance Company is celebrating its 100th anniversary—making it the longest-running dance company in the United States. The company’s exceptional legacy has influenced generations of artists, including Merce Cunningham, Paul Taylor, and Twyla Tharp. Collaborations with visionaries such as composer Aaron Copland, fashion designer Calvin Klein, and sculptor Isamu Noguchi pioneered interdisciplinary performance. The company has toured the world extensively, performing everywhere from the Metropolitan Opera to the foot of the Great Pyramids of Egypt. 2

Curator’s Note “This is definitely a “bucket list” company. To present this institution of modern dance—the oldest dance company in the United States, founded by the groundbreaking Martha Graham and celebrating its centennial with the GRAHAM100 tour—is a significant moment for Dance Victoria. I’m delighted to share it with our audiences.” Gillian Jones, Executive Director

The Mother of Modern Dance

Martha Graham, widely regarded as the Mother of Modern Dance, was named TIME magazine’s “Dancer of the Century.” Remarkably, she did not begin dancing until age 22 and founded her iconic company only nine years later. Graham conceived each new work in its entirety, including dance, costumes, and music, drawing inspiration from visual arts, Greek mythology, and historical female figures. She collaborated with many of the twentieth century’s leading artists; created roles for ballet stars Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, and Mikhail Baryshnikov; and taught celebrated performing artists (including pop icon Madonna!) to use the body as an expressive instrument. 3

Breathtaking Dancers

Artistic Director Janet Eilber describes today’s Martha Graham Dance Company artists as “some of the most expressive and powerful dancers in the world.” We’re not surprised! As one of the most prestigious companies worldwide, the ensemble exemplifies the highest standards of modern dance. Critics have lauded Graham dancers as “angelic athletes” (The Wall Street Journal), capable of outstanding virtuosity and emotionality. Martha Graham often said that “dance is the hidden language of the soul.” The dancers we’ll see on the Royal Theatre stage give that language a breathtaking and profoundly human expression. 44 — DANCE VICTORIA

Previous & current pages: 1 Martha Graham Dance Company in Diversion of Angels. Photo: Melissa Sherwood 2 Martha Graham Dance Company in Lamentation. Photo: Elyse Mertz 3 Martha Graham Dance Company in Cortege. Photo: I. Pagano

DANCE VICTORIA — 45

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50 — DANCE VICTORIA

VANCOUVER // DANCE THEATRE

Kidd Pivot Assembly Hall

“It’s a hugely enjoyable show if you can submit to its dream logic, let go of time and space, flow with the endless movement, and experience it all communally.” STIR

For Dance Victoria audiences, Kidd Pivot needs little introduction. Many of you will remember the company’s Royal Theatre performances of Betroffenheit and Revisor, two works by acclaimed choreographer and Artistic Director Crystal Pite and writer and director Jonathon Young. World-renowned for its radical hybrids of dance and theatre, the company creates witty and inventive works that distill universal questions into experiences that connect us to profound and essential parts of our humanity. Assembly Hall is another remarkable expression of Kidd Pivot’s ingenuity by long-time collaborators Pite and Young. At first glance, Assembly Hall begins quite unassumingly. A group of medieval re-enactors gather in a local community hall for their Annual General Meeting. As the Board of Directors, they oversee an event called “Quest Fest” that has fallen on hard times: membership is dwindling, debt is mounting, and the hall is falling apart.

Yet, in true Kidd Pivot fashion, the familiar soon gives way to the uncanny. The line between real and re-enactment begins to blur, ancient forces awaken, and it soon becomes clear that there is much more at stake than a mock-medieval tournament. Assembly Hall grew from an open-ended creative process in which Pite and Young envisioned “a group of individuals gathered around the remnants of an old story.” As the work evolved, they became increasingly interested in why people gather, the “age-old human need to congregate; to participate in a communal activity; to be recognized and feel a sense of belonging.” That search led through a meandering landscape of myths, rituals, medieval legends, governance manuals, community organizations, and philosophical reflections. Every detour helped shape the intricately layered world of Assembly Hall—a world as serious as it is hilarious, as mundane as it is magical.

March 12 + 13, 2027 7:30 PM Royal Theatre Choreography & Direction Crystal Pite

Writing & Direction Jonathon Young

Running time

90 minutes (no intermission)

Sponsors

DANCE VICTORIA — 51

WHY YOU'LL LOVE

Kidd Pivot 1

One Last Chance

Dance Victoria audiences have the unique opportunity to see Assembly Hall on one of its final stops before Kidd Pivot retires this acclaimed production. Since its 2022 premiere, the work has covered a lot of ground, with performances spanning Vancouver and Québec City to London, Paris, Barcelona, Seoul, Zurich, and more. Along the way, Assembly Hall has been met with rave reviews. The Guardian called it “incredibly rich, raising haunting questions about community and the need to belong and to strive. But it is also, simply, astonishingly beautiful. A wonder.” Assembly Hall earned the prestigious Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production in 2022. 2

Curator’s Note “Dance Victoria audiences have experienced the bold vision of Crystal Pite and her collaborators through past presentations of Double Story (2005/06), Dark Matter (2009/10), Betroffenheit (2015/16), and Revisor (2019/20). We are thrilled to continue our relationship with the company as we bring Kidd Pivot’s latest, epic dance theatre work to the Royal.” Gillian Jones, Executive Director

Homegrown Talent

Having grown up in Victoria, Crystal Pite’s trajectory to international acclaim is a source of great pride for our community. A former dancer with Ballet BC and William Forsythe’s Ballett Frankfurt, Pite has created more than sixty works for companies including The Royal Ballet, Nederlands Dans Theater, and the Paris Opera Ballet. Founder of Kidd Pivot, she is known for works that courageously explore themes such as trauma, addiction, conflict, consciousness, and mortality. Her bold and original vision has earned global recognition, inspiring the next generation of dance artists and earning honours including the 2022 Governor General’s Performing Arts Award and five Olivier Awards. 3

A Fusion of Forms

Kidd Pivot demonstrates how the meeting of two art forms can create something greater than the sum of its parts. Informed by her classical ballet background, Pite’s choreography combines rigorous structure with fluid embodied expression. Playwright Jonathon Young brings a distinctive theatrical dimension to the work through pre-recorded dialogue, voice-overs, and adept dramaturgy. It takes uniquely skilled performers to realize this vision, as dancers often mouth and mime the spoken text, bringing the story to life through a hyper-expressive and precise movement language. 52 — DANCE VICTORIA

Previous & current pages: Kidd Pivot in Assembly Hall. Photos: Michael Slobodian

DANCE VICTORIA — 53

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GERMANY // CONTEMPORARY

Gauthier Dance//Dance Company Theaterhaus Stuttgart FireWorks "By the final moments, the energy has escaped the stage entirely. It's in the room now, coursing through the audience, impossible to resist." ARTS TALK MAGAZINE

Founded in 2007 by Montréalborn dancer, choreographer, and musician Eric Gauthier, Gauthier Dance//Dance Company Theaterhaus Stuttgart has become one of Europe’s most energetic contemporary dance ensembles. Gauthier, himself a celebrated Stuttgart Ballet soloist for twelve years, envisioned a company with virtuosic performers that would embrace artistic risk and adventurous collaborations. What initially began with just six dancers has grown into an internationally acclaimed 16-dancer ensemble that is distinctly athletic, versatile, and charismatic. The company is based at Theaterhaus Stuttgart, a cultural centre built on the principle of “culture for all.” For four decades, it has championed an eclectic artistic vision in which theatre, dance, literature, comedy, and music thrive together. Jazz, especially, has

long been central to the centre’s identity. Through the acclaimed annual Theaterhaus Jazztage festival and year-round programming, the venue has become an important home for jazz in Germany, honouring the genre’s spirit of collaboration, inventiveness, and rhythmicality. The FireWorks program was devised to mark Theaterhaus Stuttgart’s 40th anniversary, honouring the theatre’s illustrious jazz tradition in an uplifting evening of dance. Eric Gauthier invited eleven all-star choreographers to create short dance works driven by musicality. Together, these creations form a joyful, high-octane tour de force that captures the company’s trademark wit and stamina. Culminating in Andonis Foniadakis’ triumphant Bolero +, performed entirely on trampolines, FireWorks will conclude Dance Victoria’s 30th anniversary season on a (literal) high note!

April 24 + 25, 2027 7:30 PM Royal Theatre Choreography

The Gathering by Barak Marshall Fully Blue by Mauro Bigonzetti old me NOW H by Dominique Dumais onstruo Grande by Marco M Goecke CHARLIE by Sofia Nappi A Thousand Thoughts by Johan Inger Thinkin about! by Stijn Celis Carousel by Virginie Brunelle ymn to Freedom H by Benjamin Millepied The End by Barak Marshall Bonus Track by Hofesh Shechter ABC by Eric Gauthier Bolero+ by Adonis Foniadakis

Running time

140 minutes (including intermission) * Programming is subject to change

Sponsors

DANCE VICTORIA — 59

WHY YOU'LL LOVE

Gauthier Dance//Dance Company Theaterhaus Stuttgart

Twelve all-star choreographers

FireWorks is a rare opportunity to experience twelve distinct choreographic voices in a single evening, with some of the biggest names in contemporary dance! In bringing together this exceptional roster of artists, Eric Gauthier has achieved the extraordinary: an ambitious celebration of choreographic diversity. The program showcases the limitless possibilities of contemporary dance alongside the mind-boggling range of Gauthier Dance’s 16-dancer ensemble. 2

Dance for Music Lovers

FireWorks will take audience members on a musical journey inspired by Theaterhaus Stuttgart’s legendary concert tradition. The program will delight music and dance lovers alike, with an eclectic soundtrack of jazz, classical, folk, and contemporary music. From the wild energy of Fanfare Ciocărlia and Chet Baker’s lyrical melancholy, to the more experimental sounds of Philip Glass, Laurie Anderson, and Kronos Quartet, each song becomes a choreographer’s playground. With music as its muse, Gauthier Dance’s virtuosic performers conjure the spirit of each composition—reminding us that dance truly is magic. 3

A Finale that Defies Gravity

The final work of the evening, Andonis Foniadakis’ Bolero+ brings FireWorks to a triumphant close. Maurice Ravel’s Bolero is an iconic work of classical music, instantly recognizable for its rousing melody and gradual buildup to an elating climax. Foniadakis unexpectedly combines the pulse of the music with dancers jumping on trampolines, their rising and falling perfectly synchronized with the composition’s relentless rhythm. Brimming with energy, life-affirming joy, and a contagious love of dance, this exhilarating finale showcases Gauthier Dance at its most dynamic. 60 — DANCE VICTORIA

Curator’s Note “Gauthier Dance is fast-rising on the international dance scene—with a name that, over the past few years, has been a regular “wishlist” company in conversations with my Canadian presenter colleagues. I could not have imagined a better fit for Dance Victoria’s 30th anniversary season finale than this all-star ensemble performing what is going to be a jaw-dropping program by 12 leading voices in contemporary dance.” Gillian Jones, Executive Director

Previous & current pages: 1 Gauthier Dance//Dance Company Theaterhaus Stuttgart in Carousel. Photo: Jeanette Bak 2 Gauthier Dance//Dance Company Theaterhaus Stuttgart in Hymn to Freedom. Photo: Jeanette Bak 3 Gauthier Dance//Dance Company Theaterhaus Stuttgart in Bolero+. Photo: Jeanette Bak

DANCE VICTORIA — 61

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DECEMBER 17-20 2026

By Vern Thiessen based on the novel by Jack London The Call of the Wild was originally commissioned by the Stratford Festival, Ontario, Canada. Antoni Cimolino, Artistic Director & Anita Gaffney, Executive Director. The Call of the Wild is produced by rrangement with Kensington Literary Representation, 34 St. Andrew Street, Toronto, ON, M5T 1K6, kensingtonlit@rogers.com.

JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 7 2027 Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber Based on ‘Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats’ by T.S. Eliot

CATS is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of LW Entertainment. www.concordtheatricals.com

APRIL 16-24 2027

Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter Original Book by P.G. Wodehouse & Guy Bolton and Howard Lindsay & Russel Crouse New Book by Timothy Crouse & John Weidman ANYTHING GOES is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC. www.concordtheatricals.com

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Anonymous x 17 ACS Andrew Aitken Nicole Ardiel Nona Avren Meghan Baerg Clayton Baraniuk & Jason Dubois Mavis Bayer Tania Betiku Angela Bone Tove Buhlmann Christopher Butterfield & Merrie-Ellen Wilcox Paula Callahan Amanda Callin Maureen Colgan Lindsay Delaronde Mario Gonzalez Becerril Theresa Graham Gordon & Carolyn Greeniaus Ann Hadaway Isabel M. Hansen Susan Hellard Jane Henderson Viki Hildreth Anne Holtzman Sylvia Jarvis Dr. Whitney Laughlin Gillian Lawson Doug Linton Page Loten In Honour of Elizabeth MacDonald Arabella Martin Mariko Matsumoto Christina McCarthy Emrys Miller Denise Moraze Bridey Morrison Morgan Marlon Murr Avril Nagel Susanne Palmer Gordon Peddle Christina Plaschka

Tamara Plush Prov. Employees Community Services Fund Meghan Saunders, in honour of Kayla Carman Adrienne Shaw Holly Slaney Brian & Barbara Smith Gail Squire Petr Storojenko June Swanson James Thurmeier Bonnie Treacher Joseph Vaesen Jillan Valpy Amanda Vasilakopoulos Leslie Warnock Halina Willms Heesun Yang Bonnie Yarish * Pass-through Grants Fund through the Victoria Foundation ** Through the Victoria Foundation LG = Legacy Giving If we have omitted your name, or made a different error, we sincerely apologise and would appreciate you letting us know so we can remedy the mistake. Please contact Shireen McNeilage at shireen@dancevictoria.com.

Legacy Giving We are deeply grateful for our supporters who have included Dance Victoria in their estate and legacy planning. For more information about Dance Victoria’s Legacy Giving program—or, if you have already included Dance Victoria in your will and would like to share your wishes with us—we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Gillian Jones, Executive Director, at gillian@dancevictoria.com. DANCE VICTORIA — 67

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Our Sponsors Dance Victoria is grateful for the support of an enthusiastic community of businesses (and the individuals who lead them!)

Season Sponsor Derma Spa | Jane & Dr. Harlow Hollis and Alex Russell & Susan Hollis

Receptions & Special Events Mayburry & Associates Wealth Management, Raymond James | Dee-Ann Mayburry The Courtney Room | Bill Lewis & Nicole Roberts Luxe Home Interiors | Elaine Balkwill, Janine Lange & Felipe Prado YAM Magazine, Page One Publishing | Lise Gyorkos & Georgina Camilleri Shine Financial Group, Assante Capital Management Ltd. | Charlotte Paul Adventure Clothing | Jennifer Robinson Turnabout Luxury Resale | Joy Mauro & David Raposo The Natural Hair Salon | Natalie Grunberg-Ferreira & Philip Ferreira Cameron Izard Snell Chartered Professional Accountants LLP | Matt Cohen, Ross MacPherson, & in memoriam, Susan Snell

Special Programs RBC Royal Bank of Canada | Carmen Stossel Rust Phillips Group, Engel & Völkers | Julie Rust & Greg Phillips Langford Physiotherapy & Medical Acupuncture | Rod Mitchell Avant-Garde Art Canada Inc. | Caroline Bergeron Victoria Harbour by Chartwell | Jennifer Squair YAM Magazine, Page One Publishing | Lise Gyorkos & Georgina Camilleri Toes ’n’ Taps Dance Shoppe | Ellen & Amy Cole Bespoke Homes Team, Engel & Völkers | Marlon Murr Dance Praktika | Victor Golubkov Victoria Academy of Ballet | Bleiddyn Bellis

DANCE VICTORIA — 69

Fastrac Print & Marketing is a proud supporter and sponsor of Dance Victoria.

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If you’d like to know more about what we could do together, we invite you to contact us today: T: 778-265-1315 | E: info@fastracprint.com

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72 — DANCE VICTORIA

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