Alana Elmer with Sonja Boretski, Peter Kelly and Yuichiro Inoue during b solomon’s rehearsal for RBC Pilot Episodes (2021).
Artist Residencies
From Pilot Episodes to Plug-N-Play, artist residencies are an integral part of TDT’s commitment to supporting the professional development of Toronto’s dance artists as it is an opportunity for creators to take artistic risks as they develop new dance works. While each type of residency program at TDT has its own unique offerings, the residency format overall is a powerful way of exploring today’s ideas to build tomorrow’s dance works and productions. Residencies are a platform for developing a discourse in contemporary dance – allowing artists the freedom to research and experiment in their creative practices and processes. Through residencies, TDT provides creators with the necessary resources to succeed such as rehearsal space, technological and production expertise, and mentorship.
Students during Studio Series (2016).
Education & Outreach
TDT is committed to cultivating meaningful cultural and learning experiences for young people and our audiences through a range of education and community outreach initiatives. We provide programs for students that aim to contextualize performances, demystify the creative process, break down common misconceptions about contemporary dance, and make the art form accessible to a wide range of audiences.
TDT delivers a significant portion of its outreach through its Studio Series program, offering a transforming experience around contemporary dance to approximately 700 students across the GTA each year, and a total of over 6,000 students since 2000. With programs such as this, students have the opportunity to engage in a performance (live or virtually) followed by a movement class led by a TDT company member or the choreographer of a featured work. Dance ignites something indescribable in young people and supporting TDT ensures the next generation can reach their full potential through the arts.
HOUSE LEGACY FUND
The House Legacy Fund was formed back in Summer 2020 when we celebrated Christopher House’s leadership before passing the torch to Andrew Tay. As TDT remains focused on sustaining the company’s legacy of nurturing the next generation of remarkable choreographers and artistic directors, the House Legacy Fund is committed to providing a significant annual professional development opportunity for emerging and mid-career Indigenous and Black/African Diasporic choreographers. This included receiving mentorship and an opportunity to create works on the company in their voices. Your contribution, big or small, will help us achieve our fundraising goal of $25,000 to support this significant initiative.
Leelee Oluwatoyosi Eko Davis’ project Ease + Agita (soft place to land) (2021/22 Season) marks the first project supported by the House Legacy Fund.