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CANADIAN DANCE ASSEMBLY
COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 11, 2010

THE CANADIAN DANCE ASSEMBLY WELCOMES ITS NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Toronto, ON - It is with great pleasure that the Canadian Dance Assembly (CDA) announces Nathalie Fave as the new Executive Director. “The CDA is thrilled to welcome Nathalie Fave to the position of Executive Director. As an artist and social advocate she brings to the role a potent world view that is passionate, inclusive and forward thinking. Nathalie’s multi-faceted experience and exemplary leadership skills will serve Canada’s dance community in all its diversity”, says Board President Michael Trent.

French born in Paris, Nathalie’s passion for arts and culture resulted in publishing numerous works in literature and poetry, and founding a cultural space in Senegal which housed fashion shows, an art gallery and a jazz club. While in Senegal she also established a communications corporation providing consultations to the Ministry of Culture. After living in Africa for 18 years she came to Canada in 2006 and has worked in management positions in the community development and social sector.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is charged with leading the Canadian Dance Assembly into the next phase of its development, with its mission, vision and community values as a guide. Nathalie’s keen sense of fundraising skills and leadership skills will serve the organization well in this next phase of growth.

Please join the organization in welcoming Nathalie to the Canadian Dance Assembly, she can be contacted at: (416) 515-8444 or nathalie@dancecanada.net 

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Media Contact: Aviva Fleising – Programs and Services Manager
Tel : 416-515-8445
Email : aviva@dancecanada.net

 



June 6, 2010
 


 


June 3, 2010
 



 


April 29, 2010

CANADIAN DANCE ASSEMBLY – STRATEGIC PLAN

The National Council of the Canadian Dance Assembly, as part of its ongoing commitment to planning and evaluation, engaged in a Strategic Planning Process to encompass the fiscal years 2009/2010 – 2012/ 2013, in the fall of 2009.

A membership based, National Arts Service Organization with charitable status, The Canadian Dance Assembly was formed in 2002 to facilitate the dynamic exchange of information relevant to Canadian professional dance of all forms and aesthetics, to cultivate a strong national voice for Canadian professional dance, and to support the development of resources for this field of artistic expression.

At its inception the CDA faced a diverse and fragmented dance community, which had not been served by an encompassing national service organization for almost 15 years. Over the last seven years, despite many challenges, the organization has established itself as an essential contributor to the development of the dance and culture sectors. It has effectively developed both its mandate and strategic directions, served the community successfully, and built its membership and profile. The CDA is now entering a period of maturity and national leadership that will benefit not only its many members, but also the entire dance milieu and its partners in the arts and culture sector.

Please see attached document for further details.
 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 7, 2010

Spring into action with International Dance Day April 29, 2010!
The Canadian Dance Assembly welcomes all to come out and celebrate
 

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Dance Assembly (CDA) invites all Canadians to participate in the numerous activities taking place across the country during International Dance Day, 2010. CDA members will host an array of performances, workshops and activities to promote the art of dance to the public. On the heels of the Cultural Olympiad, let us continue the momentum of spirited celebration and embrace the abundance of talent within our borders!

Initiated in 1982 by the International Dance Committee of the UNESCO International Theatre Institute (http://iti.unesco.org ), International Dance Day falls on April 29 of every year, commemorating the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, a distinguished choreographer that brought about significant reforms in ballet production. Every year, an international message authored by a well-known
dance personality is circulated around the world as part of International Dance Day celebrations. Additionally, since 2005, the Canadian Dance Assembly has issued a Canadian message in conjunction with the UNESCO message.

This year, the Canadian Dance Assembly has invited award winning dancer-choreographer Crystal Pite to author the International Dance Day message. Pite has received critical acclaim both in Canada and abroad and is known as one of Canada’s most innovative and exciting choreographers. Pite’s message speaks to the nature of dance that lives in us all; she invites us to delight in our existence and “to be danced by experience”.

“On April 29th, we invite you to celebrate International Dance Day. You are dancers, all of you. Life moves you; life dances you. To dance is to investigate and celebrate the experience of being alive. Like life, a dance creates and destroys itself in every moment. Like love, it is beyond reason. Ephemeral as breath, concrete as bone, dance is made of you. You sculpt space. You write with your body in a wordless language that is deeply understood. You grace the space within and around you when you dance. Force, trajectory, inertia, and recovery: dancing is a ride, a duet between your instinct and imagination. To dance is to heighten your experience of the present moment. Your body is your location - when you dance, you are profoundly engaged in being there. To dance is to feel the
resonance of your life, to delight in your existence. To be human is to be danced by experience, energy and emotion. On International Dance Day, let’s celebrate the life that moves us.”

The International Dance Day Message, commissioned by ITI – UNESCO, has been written this year by Julio Bocca. Julio has been a guest artist with major ballet companies around the world; he is the recipient of numerous awards and currently is director of Ballet Argentino which he founded in 1990. His message is as follows:

“Dance is discipline, work, teaching, communication. With it we save words that perhaps others would not understand and, instead, we establish a universal language familiar to everyone. It gives us pleasure, it makes us free and it comforts us from the impossibility we humans have to fly like birds, bringing us closer to heaven, to the sacred, to the infinite. It is a sublime art, different each time, so much like making love that at the end of each performance it leaves our heart beating very hard and looking forward to the next time.”

The following pages provide an overview of some of the highlighted activities taking place in celebration of International Dance Day. Also, new this year, be sure to check out the International Dance Day - Canada Facebook page; become a fan of dance!

British Columbia
From contemporary to flamenco and salsa to hula hooping, Vancouver celebrates International Dance Day with a series of events at the Scotiabank Dance Centre. Free events include an open rehearsal and introductory flamenco class with Spanish Passion Productions, a beginners’ salsa/merengue class with Corey Solomon of Dance4U, an introduction to hula hooping for adults with Pixie Hoops, and an open rehearsal with No Hitting. As well, Scotiabank Dance Centre’s lobby will host a new photo exhibit by Lola Dance, in honour of the late choreographer Lola MacLaughlin who passed away last year.

Performances to check out include MovEnt’s thrilling and highly physical style of contemporary dance in two performances as part of The Dance Centre’s popular Discover Dance! noon series. At 8pm, the company also performs Helesic’s full length Around the Block (runs through to Saturday May 1). For more information on activities taking place at Scotiabank Dance Centre, phone (604) 606-6400 or visit www.thedancecentre.ca.

In Victoria, Dance Victoria will present Wen Wei Dance’s show Cockpit May 1. Digging deep into his personal history, Wen Wei creates a new work that recalls his time as a young teenager at a boarding school in Mao’s China. Visit www.dancevictoria.com for details.

Alberta
LiveStyle: Calgary’s annual Urban Arts Festival will take place celebrating positive youth engagement through music, art, and dance of urban culture. The event has 3 major components including a celebration on International Dance Day at City hall. Blue Collar Dance will host this exciting free lunch hour demonstration. Also, be sure to check out a special showcase presented in Olympic Plaza May 1.

In Edmonton, celebrated activities range from Salsa lessons to live performances to dinner theatre! Enjoy a meal while taking in the Good Women Dance Collective or the Edmonton Métis Traditional Dancers. Or, try your hand at salsa dancing with Salsaddiction. Mile Zero Dance will present a free showing of work that has been created with artists from the Nina Haggerty Centre for the Arts. The showing is at 12 noon and will involve invited guests and a short film by Anna Rambow. Also, catch The Cold Lake Cloggers who will host an Open House in Cold Lake, Alberta. For more information on the International Dance Day events taking place across Alberta, please visit www.abdancealliance.ab.ca .

Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan will mark International Dance Day with a lineup of performances and workshops. In Regina, Wen Wei Dance performs their show Cockpit April 27, 28 at the Conexus Arts Centre. Wen Wei creates startling and provocative performance works of a distinctive trans-cultural sensibility. "I try to have my own voice - not modern, not ballet, not Chinese Classical dance, yet it is all of these things. It's all dance movement." (Wen Wei Wang). Wen Wei Dance will also lead a series of workshops and Master classes April 26, 27 and 29.

In Saskatoon, Free Flow Dance Theatre Company will host a performance on April 30 which will feature a showcase of a variety of local dance talents. Tickets are just $5 at the door. For more information on these events or to register for the Wen Wei Dance workshops visit www.dancesask.com .

Manitoba
In celebration of International Dance Day, Mouvement/Winnipeg Dance Projects will present Landscape Dancing at 1pm April 29. Come and meet on the stairs at the front of the Legislative building on April 29 at 12:30 pm and celebrate dance in Manitoba. Enjoy the beautiful movements of Landscape Dancing and be part of a group photo with the Minister of Labour and Immigration, Jennifer Howard and other government officials. Other performances taking place in Winnipeg include Canada’s Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Val Caniparoli's A Cinderella Story April 28-May 2 at the Centennial Concert Hall, tickets at 204-956-1360. Also, May 5-9 Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers presents Between the Sycamore at the Rachel Browne Theatre.

For those who are interested to sign themselves up for a workshop, Brenda Gorlick will host a special 4 hour Musical Theatre workshop April 14th for participants ages 10 and up. Confirmed workshop leaders consist of Chris Brauer, Sofia Costantini and Naomi Foreman. To learn from Manitoba’s finest coaches visit www.brendagorlick.ca .

Ontario
DanceTO proudly presents an afternoon of free dance activities at Yonge-Dundas Square May 2 between 1 -5pm to mark International Dance Day. The show will feature b-boy battles, capoeira matches, Nia demonstrations, contemporary choreography, belly dancing, ballroom lessons, hip hop routines, dance-theatre shows, African dance, and more. Situated in the open heart of Toronto, this special public event offers an eye-opening and interactive experience, highlighting Toronto’s rich, diverse and inclusive dance community. This event is fun for all and everyone is encouraged to participate! For further details on this event visit www.danceumbrella.net/idd.htm .

The Dance Ontario Youth Board has organized a unique performance that will take place at the Toronto Pearson airport, Terminal 1 on April 29. There will also be many performances taking place in and around Ontario during this time, please check the Dance Ontario website for information on upcoming shows www.danceontario.ca .

Quebec
From April 26 until May 2, the Regroupement québécois de la danse (RQD) presents Pas de danse, pas de vie! This year marks the 5th edition celebration of Pas de danse, pas de vie!,and also the 25th anniversary of the RQD. A variety of exciting free activities will be offered to the public. Dance classes, street performances, public rehearsal, discussions with artists, roundtables and more! For event details please visit the RQD website www.quebecdanse.org.

In Quebec, the Conseil de la culture des régions de Québec et de Chaudière-Appalaches will be offering its 12th year of free programming activities for the public in celebration of dance. Watch out for activity planned for April 25th, 2010 under the banner, « À pied levé... dansez! ». www.culture-quebec.qc.ca/jidanse/.

Nova Scotia
The province of Nova Scotia has declared April 24 to May 01 to be Nova Scotia Dance Week! The Canadian message will be read aloud at events happening throughout Nova Scotia during this time. Three dance artists of different generations and dance forms will read the Canadian dance message at Live Art’s presentation of Denise Fujiwara on April 29th . Additionally, the message will be read aloud in classrooms throughout the province.

Dance Nova Scotia has challenged all of the province’s schools to “Dare to Dance” for twenty minutes on International Dance Day, a prize of 18 hours of dance workshops for the school that has the highest percentage of student and staff participation. A similar challenge has gone out to all of the municipal recreation departments in the province. You can catch dance in other locations such as the Municipal libraries where dance collections will be on display. Or, come see The Smokin’ Hot Contra Band which will play in the Grand Parade in downtown Halifax at lunch time on April 29. Invitations are being sent to all offices in building in the blocks around the Parade Square and to all government offices to encourage their employees to turn out to celebrate the fun and fitness of community dancing. Check out the Dance Nova Scotia website for updates. www.dancens.ca

The Canadian Dance Assembly is a proud supporter of destination dance~danse, Canada’s first online stop for Canada – wide dance listings. For more detailed listings on International Dance Day activities and performances throughout the country visit www.destinationdancedanse.com. This calendar is provided and maintained by Dance Media Group/Groupe Danse Média, publishers of The Dance Current magazine.

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The Canadian Dance Assembly (CDA) is the voice of the professional dance sector in Canada and advocates for a healthy, sustainable environment in which professional dance practice can grow and thrive. CDA is a reputable source of information on the current state of dance in Canada and provides representation to policy-makers and the public. CDA enables its national membership of dance professionals and organizations to connect with their peers through regular communication, forums, conferences and workshops, and facilitates opportunities for networking, dialogue and exchange on topics relevant to the Canadian dance sector.
 

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March 23, 2010

JOB POSTING
Executive Director, Canadian Dance Assembly

The Canadian Dance Assembly is seeking a full time Executive Director. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is charged with leading the Canadian Dance Assembly into the next phase of its journey, with its mission, vision and community values as a guide. The scope of responsibility will include oversight of external and community relations, membership services, revenue generation, long range planning and the overall internal operational, financial and administrative responsibility for the organization. The Executive Director will maintain an institutional culture that balances the diversity and richness of the Canadian dance milieu with the efficacy of best business practices, fiscal accountability and institutional impact.

Term: Full time (with the possibility of a flexible schedule)
Compensation: Commensurate with experience
Start Date: 1 June 2010

The Canadian Dance Assembly (CDA) is the national service organization representing the professional dance sector in Canada. Together with its membership of over 360 dance professionals and organizations, CDA advocates for a healthy, sustainable environment in which professional dance practice can grow and thrive. CDA is a reputable source of information on the current state of dance in Canada and provides representation to policy- makers and the public. CDA enables its national membership of dance professionals and organizations to connect with their peers through regular communication, conferences, forums and workshops, and facilitates opportunities for networking, dialogue and exchange on topics relevant to the Canadian dance sector.

Job Description:

Advocacy and Organizational Advancement
Identify stakeholders, develop strategies and define how key messages will be delivered to various individuals, funders and organizations to maximize visibility, brand and earned and contributed revenues. Guide the public image and brand awareness of the organization, clearly articulating its mission, vision, programs and impact, and acting as a primary spokesperson with the Board President and/or the Chair of the Advocacy Committee.

Operational and Strategic Planning and Management
Oversee short-term operational and long-term strategic planning and implementation processes, including the effective mentoring and supervision of the organization’s professional and volunteer human resources, mobilization of technical resources and decision making related to appropriate use of fiscal resources.

Finance
Working in close collaboration with the Board, the Executive Director will be responsible for resource management, including the preparation of government and foundation funding proposals for operations and projects; development of a workable annual budget, monitoring financial activity and cash flow regularly, ensuring ongoing accurate and informative reporting, and making decisions in accordance to financial realities, priorities and risk management contingencies and development of marketing and public relations programs that achieve earned income goals.

Governance
Provide support to best utilize the talents and resources of the Board, stimulate involvement, recruit new members and work closely with the Board to ensure fiscal health and effective governance of the organization.

Traits and Characteristics
The ideal candidate will possess the following traits and characteristics.

  • Imagination, vision, leadership and a passion for furthering the artistic and community development of the dance milieu;
  • Results oriented leadership with ability to organize and motivate people to accomplish goals while creating a sense of order and strategic direction. The ability to build and sustain collaborative team efforts;
  • Broad ability to interact with internal and external stakeholders in a positive manner with superior interpersonal, verbal and written presentation abilities;
  • Strong reading, writing and verbal skills in English, with a competency in communicating verbally in French;
  • An undergraduate degree or commensurate professional experience.
  • Sensitivity to the diverse constituencies and the complexity of the dance community, with the depth of knowledge to make appropriate, effective and tactical decisions within this context;
  • Ability to distil ideas, clarify issues and think strategically with pragmatic knowledge and a hands on approach to accomplishing goals and objectives;
  • Good organizational and administrative skills with the ability to plan, set goals and objectives and follow through;
  • Senior level management experience, including an excellent knowledge of fiscal management, with strong skills in technology, organizational image building, marketing, external relations, revenue generation;
  • Integrity and fairness with the highest ethical standards.
  • A dedication and interest in the arts.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter by 14 April 2010 to:

Search Committee
Canadian Dance Assembly
55 Mill Street, Suite 312, Case Goods Building Toronto, ON M5A 3C4
Fax: 416-515-9444
Email: info@dancecanada.net

Submissions accepted via post, fax or email (in Word or PDF format only). No phone calls please.

To download this document in pdf format, please click here.
 

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News Release
March 5, 2010

Dance Sector Commends Government for Protecting Cultural Investment

Ottawa, Friday, March 5th, 2010 – Yesterday in the House of Commons, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty delivered the much anticipated federal budget. As expected, Budget 2010: Leading the Way on Jobs and Growth stays the course and focuses on job creation and increasing prosperity.

The Canadian Dance Assembly (CDA) is encouraged by the budget’s acknowledgement of the important role that arts and culture plays in the social and economic health of the country. Jim Smith, President of the CDA notes: “We are pleased that investment will be sustained and that the Government will continue to deliver on stimulus measures identified in the Economic Action Plan”. In particular, CDA commends the Government for wisely protecting investment to the Canada Council for the Arts, and looks forward with interest to the unveiling of the Canada Prizes with hopes that this initiative will focus on celebrating the exceptional talent of our Canadian artists.
Going forward we urge Government to implement initiatives such as a new support for international market access and development and increased investment to the Canada Council for the Arts – ensuring Canadian cultural content maintains and enhances its presence and competitiveness at home and on the world stage.

As Canada embarks on a path of economic recovery, the arts sector is poised to play a key role in the revitalization of Canadian communities as an efficient engine of job creation across a number of sectors including industry, hospitality and transportation, that benefit from increased cultural activity. There is a growing consensus among leaders in all economic sectors that arts investment is a cost effective catalyst for high economic returns and encourage the Government lever this tremendous opportunity through new and increased investment in the arts going forward.

The Canadian Dance Assembly is the voice of dance in Canada, representing over 450 dance artists and organizations from across the country. CDA is a founding member of the Performing Arts Alliance and works in tandem with other representative bodies in the cultural and not­for­profit sector including the Canadian Arts Coalition, the Canadian Arts Summit and others.

For more information contact:
Shannon Litzenberger
Canadian Dance Assembly
shannon@dancecanada.net
Office : 416-515-8444
Cell Phone: 647-271-6354


Please see related news articles below:
Flaherty keeps status quo for arts and culture – Globe and Mail, James Bradshaw, March 4
Budget fails to impress arts groups – cbc.ca, March 4
 

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November 30, 2009

Dear CDA members, friends and colleagues,

November 30th marks my last day as CDA’s Executive Director. My five years with the organization have been an incredible time in my career and so my departure from this role is inevitably an important milestone. I have learned so much and feel proud of what we’ve accomplished together in the short time CDA has been in existence. The organization is a strong, unified voice for dance with a diverse and representative membership. It is a visible and credible ambassador for the dance community and has emerged as an arts advocacy leader in the broader arts and culture sector.

It is my hope that moving forward CDA will continue to build on this momentum and strengthen its role as an advocacy leader, supported by an informed, engaged and politically active membership. I cannot stress enough how critical it is for each of us to make advocacy an essential part of our working lives. We have already made great strides in asserting our presence on public and political agendas, and I believe our future success lies in our commitment to ourselves, to each other and to the value and importance of our work.

As the end of 2009 approaches, I hope you will consider making a financial contribution to the Canadian Dance Assembly, ensuring that we can continue to lead effective, coordinated advocacy efforts and deliver valued programming and services. A charitable tax receipt will be issued for your contribution. Donate by clicking on the following link:

http://www.canadahelps.org/CharityProfilePage.aspx?CharityID=s92936

As I conclude my role as CDA’s Executive Director, my challenge to you the members, supporters and friends of the CDA to renew your commitment to the dance community by contributing actively and often to the better future we all aspire to enjoy.

With warm wishes,


Shannon Litzenberger

N.B. Please note that going forward, CDA correspondence can be directed to either Aviva Fleising, Programs and Services Manager aviva@dancecanada.net or Michael Freethy, Membership and Communications Intern michael@dancecanada.net. My email address shannon@dancecanada.net will remain active as I will continue to manage CDA’s advocacy files in the short term. Advocacy-related inquiries can continue to be directed to me going forward.
 

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October 14, 2009

The Canadian Dance Assembly, The Dance Umbrella of Ontario and The Dance Current are collaborating on preliminary research to build greater public engagement in Canadian dance via a dynamic online portal or gateway (a web site of sorts).

The portal will gather, organize and frame existing online material about the Canadian dance scene and guide users to the kinds of information and resources that they seek. The idea is to create and promote a high-profile entry point into Canadian dance for members of the general public, and to provide simple and direct access to the diversity of art and activity in our dance scene.

We really want this to work for you. Please take a moment to give us your feedback - it will only take 5 minutes.

Plus, all survey participants will be entered to WIN A FULL YEAR SUBSCRIPTION (OR EXTENSION) TO THE DANCE CURRENT!

Click Here to take survey.


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August 20, 2009

NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF MEMBERS

Please take note that the Annual General Meeting for Members of the Canadian Dance Assembly will take place on Friday, September 25, 2009, commencing at 4:00pm, at The School of Toronto Dance Theatre, 80 Winchester Street - Studio D, Toronto, Ontario.

AGM business will include:

• President's Report
• Treasurer's Report
• Executive Director's Report
• Advocacy Committee Report
• Nominating Committee Report
• Other Business
• Open Forum

If unable to attend the meeting, a Member has the right to assign his/her/its vote to another Member in good standing. A proxy form is included for this purpose.

Non-Members are welcome to attend the meeting as observers. However, they may not participate in the proceedings.

Although advance notice of your participation is not required, your RSVP will ensure that we are able to provide sufficient copies of the documents and an appropriate venue for the expected attendance. Please RSVP the CDA office at:

shannon@dancecanada.net
tel: 416-515-8444
fax: 416-515-9444
 

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August 10, 2009
Media Release

Toronto, ON - Shannon Litzenberger, Executive Director of the Canadian Dance Assembly (CDA) will be resigning from her position as of November 30, 2009. Shannon began working with the CDA in 2004, and since that time has shepherded the organization to the forefront of arts advocacy leadership in Canada. "During her tenure at the CDA, Shannon has contributed much to the development of the Assembly and we, her peers and colleagues, recognize and appreciate her hard work and dedication." says CDA Board President Jim Smith.

In her role as the CDA's Executive Director, Shannon has contributed to shaping sector-wide policy positions on behalf of the arts and culture community. She has been called on frequently by a variety of different organizations and government agencies to provide consultation and to participate in committees and working groups in the areas of dance and cultural policy.

Representing the professional dance sector, Shannon was a founding member of Canada's Performing Arts Alliance (an alliance of the Canadian Dance Assembly, Orchestras Canada, Opera.ca and the Professional Association of Canadian Theatre). She was also a member of the Canadian Arts Coalition Steering Committee - Canada's largest ever group of artists, business leaders and volunteers assembled from across the country.

Shannon is leaving the CDA to pursue artistic activities. The community wishes her well in her endeavours and expects to see much of Shannon in the future, both in the context of the CDA and as part of Canada's professional dance community.

The National Council of the CDA will be striking a search committee within the month to lead the process of identifying a new Executive Director.

Media Inquiries:
Aviva Fleising, Programs & Services Manager
Tel : 416-515-8445
Fax : 416-515-9444
Email : aviva@dancecanada.net
 

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June 22, 2009

News Update June 2009

CDA is headed accross the country, look out for us in your province!

Dancing Through Cultures - Ottawa June 25-27, 2009
The Canadian Dance Assembly is pleased to host a community gathering in conjunctions with Canada Dance Festival’s 2009 event: Dancing Through Cultures. This year’s event is a celebration of the contributions culturally diverse and Aboriginal dance artists make to the Canadian stage. Audiences will have opportunity to experience amazing contemporary choreography along side community dialogue that confronts topics such as racism, generational difference and identity. www.canadadance.ca

Festival of New Dance - St. John’s July 22-26, 2009
Join CDA in St. John’s at the Festival of New Dance July 22-26. Meet for coffee and conversation at the CDA coffee house, A1C Gallery - July 23, 2:00pm. We will discuss topics such as news from the national scene, making connections with national peers, and CDA advocacy happenings. While on the island, CDA will also participate in a roundtable discussion about the state of Canadian dance. Chaired by Gordon Laurin, Neighborhood Dance Works Managing Director, this roundtable will include input from writer Philip Szporer, CDA Executive Shannon Litzenberger as well as national and international presenters. www.neighbourhooddanceworks.com

Canadian Dance Assembly AGM - Toronto September 25, 2009
CDA is pleased to announce our next Annual General Meeting will take place Friday September 25th in Toronto. Members will have the opportunity to hear about what the CDA has been working non in the last year and to contribute to discussions around CDA priorities and future directions and initiatives. An informal community reception will follow. In order to focus on regional program delivery across the country, CDA will not be hosting a national conference event this year. However, plans are already afoot for a major national event in the fall of 2010. Stay tuned as details emerge... www.dancecanada.net

Dance in Vancouver - Vancouver October 14-18, 2009
In partnership with The Dance Centre and the CanDance Network, CDA will co-host a community programming initiative at Dance in Vancouver this October. Dance in Vancouver is a biennial curated festival which raises awareness about contemporary dance by promoting BC dance to local, regional, national and international audiences. Along side this series of performances there are roundtable discussions, video screenings and studio showings which stimulates conversation, networking and exchange. www.thedancecentre.ca

CAPACOA conference - Calgary November 6-9, 2009
In November, CDA will visit members and colleagues in Calgary and Edmonton. Plans are underway to co-host programming activity with CAPACOA at the national conference November 6-9, 2009 in Calgary. www.capacoa.ca

For further details or inquiries contact aviva@dancecanada.net 416-515-8445


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April 8, 2009

Dance your way into Spring with International Dance Day April 29, 2009!

The Canadian Dance Assembly welcomes all to come out and celebrate.

Toronto, ON – The Canadian Dance Assembly (CDA) invites all Canadians to move and be moved in celebration of International Dance Day, April 29. On this day, CDA members will host an array of performances, workshops and activities across the country to promote Canadian dance and engage in community spirit. The Canadian Dance Assembly is a national organization representing the interests of over 350 dance professionals and organizations from across Canada and recognizes the UNESCO International Dance Day annually.

Initiated in 1982 by the International Dance Committee of the UNESCO International Theatre Institute (http://iti.unesco.org), International Dance Day falls on April 29 of every year, commemorating the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre, a distinguished choreographer that brought about significant reforms in ballet production. Every year, an international message authored by a well-known dance personality is circulated around the world as part of International Dance Day celebrations. Additionally, since 2005, the Canadian Dance Assembly has issued a Canadian message in conjunction with the UNESCO message.

This year the Canadian Dance Assembly invited Nico Archambault, dancer extraordinaire and winner of the inaugural season of So You Think You Can Dance Canada, to author a message to all Canadians. Together with his longtime dance partner and girlfriend, Wynn Holmes, they expressed a compelling message that reflects the inner-dancer in all of us:

"Dance...
without music - we will dance
without a stage - we will dance
without an audience, a rehearsal, or a piece of choreography - we will dance"

The International Dance Day Message, commissioned by ITI – UNESCO, has been written this year by Akram Khan. Khan has been the recipient of numerous awards and accolades and is a highly acclaimed choreographer living and working in Britain today. His message is as follows:

“This very special day is dedicated to the one language that everybody in this world can speak, the inherent language of our bodies and our souls, of our ancestors and of our children.
This day is dedicated to every god, guru and grandparent that ever taught and inspired us,
To every song and impulse and moment that's ever moved us to move.
It is dedicated to the little child that wishes it could move like its star, And to the mother who says, 'you already can'.
This day is dedicated to every body of every creed, colour and culture that carries the traditions of its past into stories of the present and dreams of the future.
This day is dedicated to Dance, to its myriad dialects and its immense power to express, transform, unite and delight.”

In order to commemorate International Dance Day 2009, members of the Canadian Dance Assembly have assembled an eclectic lineup of dance activity throughout the country. The following provides an overview of some of the highlighted activities.

British Columbia
Vancouver celebrates International Dance Day with a series of free events to celebrate the diversity of BC’s dance scene. At the Scotiabank Dance Centre, Kinesis Dance will give a sneak preview of their new work Box4, Eleonora Acuña will lead an open class and give a flamenco demonstration, Michelle Olson/Raven Spirit Dance will host a pow-wow class and informal showings will be presented by a variety of local artists. Events around the city include Jojo Zolina’s Waaking and Vogueing group, La Douche, which will give impromptu street performances in Vancouver’s downtown core. As well, dance book and photograph exhibits will be held at the Vancouver Public Library and the Scotiabank Dance Centre. For more information on these activities phone (604) 606-6400 or visit www.thedancecentre.ca  

In Victoria, Dance Victoria will present Hubbard Street Dance Chicago April 29 and 30 at 8pm at the Royal Theatre. For ticket information visit www.dancevictoria.com 

Alberta
In Edmonton, Mile Zero Dance presents a smorgasbord of free dance in and around Churchill Square over the lunch hour on April 29. This event takes on the form of a walking tour. In Calgary, Blue Collar Dance hosts a free lunch hour demonstration May 1 with various dance styles being presented in the Jack Singer Concert Hall lobby. For more information on the International Dance Day events taking place across Alberta, please visit www.abdancealliance.ab.ca 

Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan will mark International Dance day with a new annual event, the Movers and Shakers Dance Festival. This fun-filled celebration will bring together Saskatchewan’s dance community at the Refinery Arts and Spirit Centre in Saskatoon. Performances, dance parties and workshops will take place between April 30-May 3. Also on May 2 and 3, dancers have the opportunity to take class from the finalists of So You Think You Can Dance Canada and USA. These touring workshops are a great opportunity for dancers to learn from experts in their field and are not to be missed. For more information on these events, or to register for the workshops visit www.dancesask.com 

Manitoba
Leading up to International Dance Day, Dance Manitoba will also host the highly anticipated workshops led by guest teachers from the hit TV shows So You Think You Can Dance Canada and USA. Classes will be held in Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary and Breakdance, April 19 between 10am – 2:30pm. As well, in celebration of International Dance Day, Mouvement/Winnipeg Dance Projects will present Landscape Dancing at 1pm April 29. The event takes place at the Manitoba Legislative Ground. For more information on these activities email info@dancemanitoba.org or visit www.dancemanitoba.org 

Ontario
Dance Umbrella of Ontario proudly presents a free afternoon of activity at Yonge-Dundas square April 26. Between 1-5pm the square will be alive with bboy battles, capoeira matches, Nia demonstrations, contemporary choreography, belly dancing and more. There will also be open classes, interactive dance presentations and information available on other free public events taking place that week, including a special Open House by Toronto’s COBA Collective. Spectators may get recruited to participate in The Ministry of Silly Walks Walk - A -Thon, a wild and wacky public fundraising event in support of the Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists, Ontario Chapter (CADA - ON). Inspired by the famously absurd 1970’s Monty Python comedy skit, this walk-a-thon takes place at 5:30pm on April 29. Afterwards, artists are welcome to join CADA - ON at the Centre for Social Innovation in a knowledge café from 6-7 pm. This workshop aims to provide an open and creative conversation on a topic of mutual interest to surface collective knowledge, share ideas and insights. www.danceumbrella.net/idd.htm and www.cadadance.org 

Members of Dance Ontario will be performing around the province, including TILT sound + motion Slept Away at the Sheridan Auditorium in Sudbury Apr. 28-29, Wen Wei Dance at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa April 30-May 2 and Jenn Goodwin and Susie Burpee at the Enwave Theatre in Toronto April 30-May 2. As well, Dance Ontario’s Youth Board (DYOB) has organized a unique performance that will take place in two different locations at Toronto Pearson’s International Airport, Terminal 1 on April 29. www.danceontario.ca 

Quebec
This year the Regroupement québécois de la danse (RQD) will be holding its Second Estates General of Professional Dance in Quebec which will gather about 300 dance professionals and partners from around the province. April 23, 2009 is opening night and will be held at the Jean-Pierre-Perrreault Building of Circuit-Est Centre chorégraphique. Then, on April 24 and 25 the Estates General will move to the facilities of the Dance Department at l’Université du Québec à Montréal and l’Agora de la danse for two days of workshops. April 26 will take place at the Studio of l’Agora de la danse where close to 80 proposals will be debated and voted on in a plenary assembly. The proposals will form the basis for the Master Plan for Professional Dance in Quebec. For more information on this event contact Jean-Sébastien Rousseau (514) 523-1627 or email jean.sebastien@ca.inter.net and  www.quebecdanse.org 

April 18 and 19 the public is invited to Musée national des beaux-arts de Québec for Les Traces Choréographiques, an initiative of the RQD. This is a fun and unique interactive installation resembling a game of choreographed hop scotch. On April 26, a series of free presentations and workshops will be held in locations such as Musée de la civilisation and Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec. As well, there will be a special video and dance improv presentation held at the bar Le Cercle. All activities are free and are an initiative of the Conseil de la culture des régions de Québec et de Chaudière-Appalaches. For more information visit www.culture-quebec.qc.ca/jidanse 

Nova Scotia
Leading up to International Dance Day, Nova Scotia celebrates Arts Education Week, April 20 – 24 with dance projects happening in schools throughout the province. Concrete Roots “Class Is In” project introduces bboying to junior and senior high school systems, they will be giving performances and workshops throughout the week. The schools will also be coming up with their own creative ideas to celebrate dance as an important factor in a healthy and active lifestyle. www.dancens.ca 

Susanne Chui will spear head a city-wide project in Halifax where she teaches her movement piece The Longest Now, to dancers throughout the greater Halifax area. This choreography is of overlapping movement scenes performed by a group of dancers with music composed and performed by Rafael Franco. Susanne will summon her dancers to join her in a location to be announced on the afternoon of April 29. For those who want to participate, or observe further information is available at www.dancens.ca or contact Susanne Chui (902) 422-1749.

The Canadian Dance Assembly is a proud supporter of destination dance~danse, Canada’s first online stop for Canada – wide dance listings. For more detailed listings on International Dance Day activities and performances throughout the country visit www.destinationdancedanse.com. This calendar is provided and maintained by Dance Media Group/Groupe Danse Média, publishers of The Dance Current magazine.

Media Contact: Aviva Fleising, Programs & Services Manager
Tel : 416-515-8445
Fax : 416-515-9444
Email : aviva@dancecanada.net
www.dancecanada.net ~ www.dansecanada.net


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February 3, 2009

Government recognizes arts as key industry in federal budget

The Conservative government announced $276 million in new investments over two years for arts and culture January 27 in their 2009 Economic Action Plan. Identified as a ‘key sector’ along with forestry, agriculture, the auto sector and others, arts and culture was recognized as playing a significant role in stimulating the economy.

A likely reflection of the Conservatives’ new cultural cheerleader, Heritage Minister James Moore, investments for arts and culture were substantive. Since his appointment, Moore has been working hard to repair tenuous relationships with the arts community. He spent the better part of January consulting widely with arts and culture organizations across the country, taking stock of where policies and investments could be most effective.

Budget highlights include $100 million to Arts Presentation Canada for marquee festivals, $60M to Cultural Spaces and $14M in new investment to the National Arts Training Contribution Program (NATCP), each over two years, with continued funding committed to NATCP going forward. The Canadian Dance Assembly (CDA) and other representative associations in the cultural sector called on the government to include the arts in a stimulus package and to focus investments in key centers of activity including support for the creation, production and dissemination of art (through the Canada Council for the Arts), arts training, public access, cultural infrastructure development, and organizational sustainability.

“We are delighted by the proposed increase to the National Arts Training Contribution Program, as our training institutions serve a central role in developing the next generation of Canadian artists and art forms. The program's funding had not been increased in many years,” reacts Jeff Melanson, Executive Director of the National Ballet School and member of the CDA Advocacy Committee.

Notably absent in the budget was any mention of new investment in the Canada Council for the Arts or for foreign market development and the promotion of Canadian artists abroad. “What is important to consider here is that this economic stimulus package offers temporary stimulus measures. Investment in the Canada Council and cultural diplomacy are not temporary needs. We are interested in working with this government to establish greater permanent investment in these, and other key centres of activity that will sustain the arts sector over the long term” says CDA Executive Director Shannon Litzenberger.

The Canadian Dance Assembly is the voice of dance in Canada, representing over 300 dance professionals and organizations from across the country. CDA is a member of the Performing Arts Alliance, the Canadian Arts Coalition and the Canadian Conference for the Arts.

Media Contact:
Shannon Litzenberger, Executive Director
Canadian Dance Assembly
416-515-8444
shannon@dancecanada.net

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April 25, 2008

CDA Conference Announcement and Registration

ADVANCING DANCE IN CANADA:
REALITY, VISION, STRATEGY, AND ACTION

JUNE 6-8, 2008
NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE
OTTAWA, ONTARIO

INSPIRE YOUR INNER ARTS ACTIVIST!

From June 6-8, dance professionals from across the country will convene in Ottawa for the Canadian Dance Assembly's Annual General Meeting, member Standing Council meetings and national conference, Advancing Dance in Canada: Reality, Vision, Strategy and Action.

You won't want to miss this opportunity for networking and dialogue with dance colleagues old and new. Highlights include provocative discussions around cultivating artistic excellence, living with popular culture, engaging audiences using new technologies, improving working conditions for dance artists and asserting leadership as cultural citizens. Learn about current models of collective standards in dance and participate in a workshop on developing relationships with politicians hosted by the CDA Advocacy Committee. Share your personal vision for dance in Canada. Design strategies and take action to raise the profile of professional Canadian dance.

REGISTER TODAY!
Click here for registration details and offers from Westjet and Greyhound. These documents are in "pdf" format.

Advance registration closes May 30th, 2008. In-person registration available throughout conference dates.

• Visit Ottawa, our nation’s capital.
• Meet new contacts, see old friends and renew professional relationships.
• Participate in provocative discussions about advancing the art form.
• Inspire each other with our stories and achievements.
• Discuss current and ongoing challenges throughout the sector.
• Design strategies and actions to raise the profile of Canadian dance.
• Get important dance advocacy news from CDA’s advocacy committee.
• Learn how to develop relationships with politicians.
• Celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Dance Current magazine at the closing reception.
• Plan to attend Canada Dance Festival performances, June 7-14th.
• Connect with your colleagues at member Standing Council networking meetings.
• Relax and enjoy informal networking opportunities at the afterhours lounge.


Inspiring Your Inner Arts Activist:

The Canadian Dance Assembly hosts its 4th annual conference Advancing Dance in Canada: Reality, Vision, Strategy and Action June 6-8, 2008 at the National Arts Centre

by Shannon Litzenberger
Translation by Lilian Kapp

Art is at the core. It is a source of inspiration, a cause that we believe in, and the reason we carry on despite resistance. In Canada, a career in dance – artistic or otherwise – means both a joy and a sacrifice, a privilege and a struggle. We work inside a delicate ecology that has many interdependent moving parts. Those that participate in this ecosystem - artists, educators, presenters, writers, consultants, agents and administrators - know that it is becoming increasingly fragile, though we carry on because we imagine a more positive future for dance.

But when we talk about a better future, what do we mean? Do we share a common understanding of this ideal? Do our individual actions currently contribute to advancing a shared vision? How can we work together to advance dance in Canada?

To advance dance in Canada, we must acknowledge our current realities with honesty. What are the important truths about our art? Are we creators and presenters of quality work that connects to publics in meaningful ways? What are the truths about the systems and layers of infrastructure that support our art? How does what we do connect to a larger context that takes into consideration the many influences that affect public perception of dance? Are there uncomfortable truths that we’re ignoring?

To advance dance in Canada, we must discover a shared ideal. What are we fighting for? What is our vision for the future? Who participates in this vision and what do we have in common? How are we individually and collectively contributing to this vision? As an art form, are we progressing or regressing? Do we need to change our behavior? Do we need to change our perspective?

To advance dance in Canada, we must explore ideas and strategies. Who is exploring innovative practices? How are we generating new initiatives and creative solutions that help move us closer to a stronger dance milieu? What have we done? Is it making a difference? What else could or should we be doing?

To advance dance in Canada, we must take action. Who should advocate for dance? What is a dance advocate? Besides increased funding, what should we be advocating for? In a competitive culture, how do we ensure our individual needs are met and still contribute to a collective movement to advance the field of dance? Do these needs compete or align? What can we do individually? What can we do together to affect change?

Engage your inner arts activist! Participate and become part of the solution! Join your colleagues from across the country for a spirited discussion on this topic and more, at the 2008 Canadian Dance Assembly Conference, Advancing Dance in Canada: Reality, Vision, Strategy and Action, June 6-8 at the National Arts Centre, in conjunction with the Canada Dance Festival.


From time to time, the CDA hosts community meetings in different regions of Canada in order to share important information about the national role we are playing in advocacy activities and to gain regional perspectives on pressing issues facing the dance community. We encourage dance colleagues like you to attend in order to find out more about the advocacy work that is already underway in support of dance in Canada, and to talk about how we can work together to better represent the dance milieu across the country.

Regional Meetings

Wednesday, February 7, 2007 [click for meeting report]
Toronto, ON
5:00pm
Dancer Transition Resource Centre
250 The Esplanade, 5th Floor
Local Contact: CDA’s Programs & Services Coordinator, Helen Yung

helen@dancecanada.net

Friday, January 26, 2007 [click for meeting report]
Toronto, ON
4:30pm
Dancer Transition Resource Centre
250 The Esplanade, 5th Floor
Local Contact: CDA’s Programs & Services Coordinator, Helen Yung

helen@dancecanada.net 

Friday, February 17, 2006 [click for meeting report]
Calgary, AB
1:00pm
Decidedly Jazz Danceworks
1514 - 4th Street S.W.
Local Contact: Bobbi Westman

info@abdancealliance.ab.ca

Tuesday, February 21, 2006 [click for meeting report]
Edmonton, AB
12 noon
Mile Zero Dance
The Landing Pad, #210, 10923 - 101 Street
Local Contact: Bobbi Westman

info@abdancealliance.ab.ca

Wednesday, February 22, 2006 [click for meeting report]
Saskatoon, SK
1:00pm
Dance Saskatchewan Inc.
205A Pacific Avenue
Local Contact: Jill Reid

dancesask@sasktel.net

Thursday, February 23, 2006 [click for meeting report]
Regina, SK
3:30pm
University of Regina
Education Building, ED 223
Local Contact: Anne Kipling-Brown

Ann.Kipling-Brown@uregina.ca

Friday, February 24 , 2006 * [click for meeting report]
Winnipeg, MB
1:30pm
Royal Winnipeg Ballet
380 Graham Ave., Board Room
*CDA representatives will also be available to meet by appointment
on Friday, February 24th and Saturday, February 25th between 10am and 3pm.
Local Contact: Gerard Roxburgh
groxburgh@rwb.org


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The CDA’s Board of Directors is most pleased to present our new logo, designed by Priya Thomas, a young professional artist and past CDA employee. The adoption of a newly developed logo reflects the vital changes and advances made by the CDA, internally as an organization, and externally as the national advocacy voice for dance.

We encourage you to display this logo on your communications as a proud member of the Canadian Dance Assembly. Please download it by clicking on the thumbnail and saving the large image.

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December 28, 2005

CDA Online forum - New Features

Dear CDA members,

Make it your New Year's resolution to log onto the CDA member discussion forums! Interesting topics such as 'Alternative Spaces' (Presenters forum), and 'International Dance Day' (Service and Support forum) and 'Dance and Parenthood' (Independent Artist forum) have fueled dialogue that is awaiting your input. These e-converstations help to drive CDA's advocacy agenda and contribute to the development of our programming for conferences and Standing Council networking meetings.

We've recently added two helpful features to the forums.

  • The first is a notification system that sends an email alert when a new posting has gone up (limited to a max of one notice per day to avoid inbox clutter).
  • The second feature flags all new postings at every log in, so you can quickly catch up since your last visit.

If you haven't already registered - make it your New Year's resolution to check it out!

Access the Online Forums:
To log onto the CDA forums, go to www.dancecanada.net and click on 'Online Discussion Forums' on the left menu.

Then, click on 'sign up for an account', and enter the members-only access password which is available by phone from our office. (We ask that you not distribute this password to non-CDA members).

After entering the access password, you will then be able to sign up for an account. This account is merely an access point. You will be asked for your name, email and your own personal password – which you will create at this point. You will not be asked for any additional information and your email address will function as your login id only. It will not be made public or be used to send you email.

Once your account is created, you will no longer need to enter the general access password each time you login, however you will need to remember your login id, and personal password for re-entry at each use.

Once you have created an account, you will be able to login, access all of the forums and be able to view postings and create your own postings. After you login, click on the forum that you are interested in and you will be directed to a topic list. Click on the topic and you will be taken to the discussion where you can read and make postings.

If you require assistance, please feel free to contact the office at 416-515-8444 or via email at info@dancecanada.net

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