What We Do
As we transition to a new co-leadership structure and sharpen the activist dimension of CanAsian
We continue to implement the recommendations from our recent organizational review. Working collaboratively with the board, Artistic Lead Angie Cheng, the General Manager and the Curatorial Committee Members will revise the organization’s vision, mission, and values. This will help guide us on how to move forward with these programs as we co-create CanAsian Dance’s strategic plan.
CanAsian Dance strives to create a supportive and inclusive environment that centres, amplifies and celebrates the creativity of Asian diasporic dance artists., facilitating dialogue and cultural exchange, nurturing creativity, diversity and community solidarity.
Our work remains centred on dance, with four pillars of development:
— Programming that supports artists, builds community and strengthens ties between different dance forms practiced within Asian diasporic dance communities
— Creating programming and presentation contexts that foster criticality and knowledge-sharing, and recenter the dance sector to a more representative one.
— Developing reciprocal relationships with organizations (within and outside of Ontario) that share our curiosities and values in amplifying Asian diasporic dance activity
— Public programming that focuses on audience and community development to continue developing diverse conversations and familiarization with and appreciation of artists of the Asian diaspora and their work and processes.
Past Programs
KickStart
Through KickStart, emerging and mid-career choreographers are commissioned to create new work and presented in performance.
We endeavour to cultivate choreography and performance that has a point of view, artistic rigour and freshness. Every choreographer engages with these challenges in different ways and from different life and artistic perspectives.
We support each choreographer’s creative process with the opportunity to work with an experienced mentor who provides perspectives, provocations and other dramaturgical activations.
KickStart is a biennial event that starts with a Call to Choreographers. Join our mailing list to receive the notifications!
Grit: Short Dances
It takes a bit of grit under the shell of an oyster to seed the creation of a luminous pearl, and it is true grit, courage and resolve, that allows us to realize works of art.
Grit is an opportunity for emerging choreographers to develop a very short work and perform it. Choreographers propose a burning question or an idea they are curious about pursuing as a starting point for a very short new dance work.