History

In 1974, a group of independent dancers led by Andraya Smith and Marcy Radler came together to create, commission and perform new choreography. In its early years, Dancemakers worked collaboratively, forming commissions and creative relationships with choreographers from many styles and associations.

Dancemakers has a history as a centre for multiple voices, perspectives, and collective decision-making processes. Artistic Directors have included Anna Blewchamp, Carol Anderson, Patricia Miner, Peggy Baker, Patricia Fraser, Bill James, Serge Bennathan and Michael Trent.

In 2014, Dancemakers launched the Incubation Production House model, a re-framing of the company. This model shifted the focus to intensive three-year residencies for local, national, and international dance artists. The new position of Curator replaced the traditional role of Artistic Director, and Amelia Ehrhardt was hired in September 2015.

However, the company faced internal and external challenges. Dancemakers’ profile in the dance community declined with a perceived lack of transparency. Rising occupancy costs of studio space in Artscape Distillery and the departure of artistic leadership in late 2019 were compounded by the impact of the global pandemic. In reaction, the serving Board of Directors made plans to permanently shutter operations. When announced in November 2019, broad community outcry led to a complete Board turnover and the appointment of five artists from the community in February 2021.

This new Artist-Board is tasked with ensuring the resources invested in the organization remain dedicated to the Ontario dance milieu, and facilitating a re-birth of Dancemakers with an inclusive, community-focused, and sustainable future.

To read the Dance Current’s article On the Brink by Dylan Schoenmakers published in their Spring 2021 issue, visit: https://thedancecurrent.com/article/brink/

To read Canadian Arts’ article On the Life and Death (and Life) of Dancemakers by Emma Doran in an online essay from March 2023, visit: https://canadianart.ca/essays/dancemakers/

To access Dancemakers’ archive at Dance Collection Danse, visit: https://discover.dcd.ca/items

Company photo, 1982 / Photo by Andrew Oxenham

Banner photo: James Kudelka’s unfinished business, 1984 / Photo by Cylla von Tiedemann