Canada dances around the world

Robin McPhail and Chris Grider, Persephone’s Lunch, Toronto Dance Theatre; photo: Peter Stipcevich
(Reference: Dance on Tour Canadian Directory, 2003)

Artist Profiles and Success Stories

Describing Canada’s professional dance scene, well-known Canadian arts advocate Max Wyman argues that it is “characterized by the same cultural richness and variety as Canada itself” and that the evolution of dance in Canada “mirrors to a remarkable degree the story of Canada’s emergence as a modern nation.”

Both have been enriched by the traditions of Aboriginal people; both have been influenced by European and American cultures; and both have been inspired by generations of immigrants who have come to Canada from around the world.

According to Wyman, the “pluralistic nature” of dance in Canada today is “the most visible reflection” of this country’s “experiment in nation-building.”

Building on this idea, the Canada Council for the Arts has created an online directory at http://www.canadiandanceontour.ca/ that features some 60 Canadian dance companies and artists. It is a regularly updated working tool for international dance promoters, venue managers and festival directors, as well as an information resource for the general public.

Sandra Bender, market development co-ordinator in the Canada Council’s Audience and Market Development Office, says the council’s dance section selects companies and artists based on their previous touring experience — initially to European and Asian markets, and currently to U.S. markets.

Other factors considered are a company or artist having “an interest or intention” to develop tours and performances outside of Canada over the next two years, and which have work available for touring.

To be listed in the Dance on Tour Canadian Directory, participants must also have an agent or management structure in place to undertake touring activities outside their home market, adds Bender.

Each listing features details about a company or artist, and often includes background and contact information, photographs and video clips. Information on additional Canadian dance companies that tour internationally is available under a section called “Organizations and Festivals.”

Canadiandanceontour.ca was recently updated to include an online events calendar that will provide visitors to the site with a snapshot of the touring schedules of all Canadian dance companies and artists listed.

As well, London-based International Arts Manager magazine has partnered with the Canada Council to produce a printed insert on Canadian dance companies, a joint initiative launched at the 48th annual conference of the Association of Performing Arts Presenters in New York (January 2005).

- Christopher Guly