Strengthening Dance in Canada – A Collaborative Blueprint
In June 2016, I was invited to support a pivotal conversation unfolding in Toronto that sought to address a growing tension in Canada's dance ecosystem. Convened by the Canadian Dance Assembly (CDA), the two-day Strategic Partnerships in Dance meeting brought together senior leaders, board members, and stakeholders from across the country. The challenge was clear: how could dance service organizations adapt to a rapidly changing cultural landscape while ensuring the sustainability of this vibrant art form?
At its core, this project aimed to confront the pressures of scarcity, decentralization, and audience shifts that have shaped Canada's dance scene in recent years. Drawing inspiration from a successful UK case study of mergers among dance organizations, participants examined the benefits and challenges of consolidation, focusing on the lessons that could inform Canada's unique context.
see the full report here
Key Findings and Themes
The discussions illuminated several critical insights about the current state of dance in Canada:
The Power of Relationships: Success in the field hinges on forming and sustaining meaningful partnerships. While institutions often take the lead in resource allocation, personal relationships remain a significant driver.
Broadening Representation: Efforts to decentralize and diversify Canada's dance offerings revealed deep systemic imbalances. Ballet and Western contemporary dance dominate, leaving other forms feeling marginalized.
Strategic Consolidation: Many organizations recognized the need for a more unified approach, but fears about losing specialized work, funding disparities, and potential layoffs emerged as obstacles.
Recommendations for Action
To navigate these complexities, the group generated actionable recommendations, emphasizing collaboration, clarity, and a long-term vision:
Enhanced Research: Collecting solid data on duplication of services and income streams would allow organizations to make informed decisions about mergers.
Visual Identity: Creating a shared visual representation for the merger process would help stakeholders and funders understand the mission and progress.
Private Disagreements, Public Unity: Facilitating difficult conversations behind closed doors ensures that a coherent, united position is presented to funders and audiences alike.
Progress and Next Steps
Since the meeting, the CDA and partner organizations took strides to sustain this dialogue. I will share out the results from 2017 which took the conversation in surprising new directions. Early collaborative initiatives, such as shared staff roles and joint grant submissions, quickly yielded benefits.
The outcomes of this project represent a shift toward a more resilient and inclusive future for dance in Canada. By addressing longstanding tensions and leveraging collective resources, the dance sector is poised to innovate and adapt while remaining true to its rich diversity. The steps taken today will shape how we celebrate movement, connection, and the human body for decades to come.