FROM OUR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR:

I hope that this finds you all happy, healthy, and safe during this unprecedented time. We understand that it can be a difficult time for many, so I hope this message can reconnect us and bring you along on our journey.

Our tireless staff has been working overtime to ensure that our dancers have all the online resources they need to continue their education, and our intrepid faculty and choreographers have been generously sharing their creativity and resourcefulness. I would like to extend our sincere thanks to the staff and faculty, as well as all our guest teachers and artists with whom we can no longer work with this term. We look forward to seeing you all again soon once it is safe to do so.

In our new reality, we wanted to let you know that our students are all still actively engaged in classes, rehearsals, and assignments – all happening online, in the safety of their own homes, all across the country. I want to thank our students for their positive attitudes and commitment to their training, despite the challenges of isolation, different time zones, and unique workspaces. Your dedication is inspiring us to provide all that we can for you to continue your educational journey. 

The health and safety of our community is still a top priority, and we will continue to monitor and follow guidelines set by the government. As a result, we have cancelled the remaining performances of this season, all community programming, and our annual fundraiser, and as well, the graduation ceremony for the class of 2020 will be re-configured to happen online. We are committed to moving forward by re-structuring and adapting our activities as circumstances unfold, and finding alternative ways for us to engage and celebrate. We will let everyone know of any updates as they are confirmed.

We are all facing the social and financial impacts of the pandemic and we are humbled by the continued support from our community. I want to thank all our ticket buyers and recreational program participants for converting their fees to donations. Your generosity is more vital than ever. All donations will continue to support excellence in dance training and we will uphold our commitment to our Scholarship and Bursary program. We are truly grateful for the support you continue to provide, and in the coming weeks, we will continue sharing other meaningful ways for you to show your involvement and support.

At this time, we are cautiously hopeful that we may still be able to host our summer school, but will re-evaluate this possibility as the situation evolves.

Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard since the onset of this pandemic. Our heartfelt best wishes to all of you; may we all continue to keep our distance, respect the directives, and take care of each other.

We look forward to welcoming you back at 80 Winchester.

Patricia Fraser
Artistic Director