The Cycle of a Season

Dance Victoria brings the World’s Best Dance to the Royal Theatre and supports the development of new dance for the international stage from its studios in Quadra Village. As a non-profit charitable society, Dance Victoria operates with the mission to promote the appreciation of dance by developing and presenting diverse local, Canadian, and international artists, and by engaging the community in the celebration of dance. DanceVictoria.com

Dance Victoria Board:

President: Colette Baty

Vice-President: Maggie Bartold

Treasurer: Julie Robinson

Secretary: Kayleigh Harrison

Directors: Stacey Horton, Joost Pelt, Carrie Smart

Staff:

Executive Director: Gillian Jones

General Manager: Bernard Sauvé

Operations Manager: Shireen McNeilage

Marketing Manager: Tracy Smith

Production Manager: Holly Vivian

Studio Bookings Manager: Kiera Shaw

Accounting: Wendy Mahon

Graphic Design: Rayola Creative

Advertising Sales: Bonnie Light Advertising

If you’d like to volunteer for Dance Victoria please visit DanceVictoria.com and complete the volunteer form

Studios and Office: #111 – 2750 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC V8T 4E8

DanceVictoria.com for trailers, tickets and more information

Box Office: 250-386-6121

Footnotes is written by Tracy Smith and Gillian Jones (unless otherwise noted)

Planning a season typically begins one to two years before we have the pleasure of welcoming a company to the Royal Theatre. There are annual conferences and showcases where Bernard Sauvé and I see new work at the national and international level, as well as opportunities to experience performances by the diverse and talented artists in our own region. It’s a process that begins, ideally, with being moved by a piece that we see in person. At the recent International Association of Blacks in Dance Festival, which Bernard and I attended in Toronto last month, there were several moments we turned to each other, excitedly, after a performance and said, “What did you think of that?” If a performance aligns with our core programming values — artistic excellence, diversity, innovation, community connection — we continue the conversation. What follows are many months of information gathering and negotiation around timing, technical requirements, budget, and of course, how the company may elevate our vision for the new season.

As we wrap up Dance Victoria’s season planning process for 2023/24, I genuinely can’t wait to share what’s to come with you, our supporters and friends. You’ll find the full line-up in this issue of Footnotes. Dance Victoria subscribers will receive your official announcement and renewal form by mail this month. If you’re not yet a subscriber, do not “fear of missing out”! New subscribers are invited to secure their seats starting May 1. I hope you’ll consider joining our community of dance enthusiasts, and take advantage of the many benefits of subscribing, including saving up to $146 off regular ticket prices, freedom to keep your favourite seats from year to year, and flexibility with ticket exchanges.

Lucky for us, the season planning cycle never stops! This month, Bernard and I will attend the Coastal Dance Festival of regional and international Indigenous artists, produced by Dancers of Damelahamid in partnership with The Anvil Centre in New Westminster and the Museum of Anthropology at UBC. I will then join a convening of international presenters in Houston, TX, organized by the National Center for Choreography at The University of Akron (NCCAkron), for a presentation of the acclaimed Ragamala Dance Company. Our group will be participating in a series of facilitated conversations centering on the question: “What constitutes American dance?” I look forward to sharing what I learn.

With warmest regards,

Gillian Jones, Executive Director