October 2010

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Board and Staff Changes at Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival

On September 30, 2010, the Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival announced a number of changes to its Board of Directors and staff.

Long-time Board Member, Dr. Kim Bolton, has stepped down as President after completing three full, two-year terms --- the maximum length of time that a Board Member can hold a position as per the Festival’s by-laws. Dr. Richard Gorrie has transitioned from the role of Member-at-Large, succeeding Dr. Bolton as President.

Dr. Bolton notes: “I am very proud of my long association with the Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival. The GCDF [Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival] is a truly remarkable organization that brings high quality contemporary dance performances and educational opportunities to Guelph. I have enjoyed working with the amazingly gifted and committed staff and the inspiring Board of Directors. I am looking forward to taking more of a “backseat” role as Past President but will continue to offer my experience and advice (when needed) and will also continue to be an enthusiastic volunteer.”

Dr. Bolton has volunteered for the Festival since its inception in 1998. In 2002, she joined the Board of Directors, first as Treasurer and in 2004 as President. Dr. Bolton was a founding member of the Women’s Resource Centre and former President of the Board of Directors of Action Read where she also served as a tutor from 1990 to 1996. She currently teaches at the University of Guelph in Chemistry and Environment Sciences.

Catrina von Radecki, Co-Artistic Director/General Manager of the Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival comments: “It is with heavy heart that we see Kim Bolton step down as President of the Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival . Serving on the Board since 2002, Kim has guided the Festival with intelligence, passion and commitment. During her term, the Festival has seen tremendous growth. Kim’s generosity and commitment to dance in Guelph has been overwhelming.” In a personal vote of thanks to Dr. Bolton, Mrs. von Radecki notes, “You have really left the Festival in a better place, Kim! A huge thanks to you for all that you have contributed to the Festival and for agreeing to stay on as Past President to ease the transition.”

The Festival’s newly appointed President Dr. Richard Gorrie has served on the Board of Directors since 2005 and has been a patron of the Festival since it began. Dr. Gorrie has a background in the theatre: as an academic he studied the history of theatre riots and as a performer he has toured coast-to-coast-to-coast. Currently, he researches and supports educational technology at the University of Guelph, as a senior manager with Teaching Support Services.

Dr. Gorrie states: "I am honoured and excited to take on this role. I have loved watching the Festival grow and over the years I've been mightily impressed with the dedication and hard work of the artistic directors [Catrina von Radecki and Janet Johnson], as well as the many supporters of the festival. The Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival is a national treasure. It attracts top dancers from across Canada and beyond, while at the same time, it maintains strong roots in the local Guelph community. I look forward to helping people discover the thrill of contemporary dance. And I have to say, I'm relieved that Kim, the former President, will be close by."

After completing two full, two-year terms in the position of Treasurer, Christina Stavrou has also resigned. Dr. Kim Bolton has stepped into this position on an interim basis until another suitable candidate can be found.

Catrina von Radecki notes: “Christina was passionate, articulate, and clear thinking. She always had ideas to move us forward, to fundraise and to attract more people to the Festival. She has been indispensible in providing the Festival with a clear financial direction over the past four years. We will miss you and good luck with your new direction in life!”

Other Board changes are as follows:

- Cheryl McGowan will continue on in her role as Secretary, but she will now also serve in the newly created position of Vice-President.
- Mosa Neshamá McNeilly has taken leave from her position as Member-at-Large.
- Lina Fiore has resigned from her position as Member-at-Large, but she will continue supporting the GCDF as a volunteer.
- Sue Knox, Michelle Miller, Lynette Segal and Lynda Walters will continue to serve on the Board as Members-at-Large.

Jillian Cockburn has been appointed to the staff position of Publicist/Writer/Editor. Working in conjunction with Catrina von Radecki and Office & Volunteer Coordinator Daniel Poulin, Ms. Cockburn will be responsible for overseeing and coordinating the Festival’s promotional strategy and activities as well as editing and writing grants and other materials. As a Freelance Arts Administrator, Jillian Cockburn provides administrative support and consulting services to arts groups and independent artists throughout Ontario. Her previous work tenures include Interim General Manager at Odyssey Theatre and Development Manager at Ballet Creole. She has also completed internships as the Communications Assistant at the Toronto Arts Council and as the Marketing & Outreach Assistant at Ballet Creole. Mrs. Cockburn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Dance from York University and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Arts Administration/Cultural Management from Humber College. She currently serves as Interim Corporate Secretary for the Board of Directors of the Guelph Arts Council.

Dance Associate Spotlight

Guelph Youth Dance Training Program
guelphyouthdance.ca
The GYD Company seeks dancers for its 2011 winter/spring season. Please contact 519-780-2220 or catrinavonradecki@gmail.com if you are a passionate and committed dancer between the ages of 11-18 years old.
Registration for all GYDTP classes for the winter session is now open.

Fall On Your Feet Dance Lab Workshop Series
Embodiment: Butoh Based Training and Improvisation
with guest instructor Denise Fujiwara
November 23, 2010 | 9:30-12:30 | $30-$35
For info or registration contact lynette@lynettesegal.com

Ballroom Class
ballroomclass.ca
Offers group and private instruction in sizzling Latin and elegant ballroom for children ages 6 to 15, youth ages 16 to 18, adult couples and singles.

Symphonica Dance Company - Dianne Chapitis
diannechapitis.com
Performance, research, teaching, workshops and movement coaching.

Major Funding Partners 2011

The Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival recognizes the outstanding support of its major funding partners:

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