2025-26 Community Engagement
Dance West Network’s Community Engagement projects have grown and changed over the years,
becoming an integral part of the work to connect dance and communities around the province.
Community Engaged Projects Co-Produced with Artists
Through the many programs offered by Dance West Network, we have built long-term relationships with many of the artists involved. As a result, DWN is able to support some of these artists in their community engaged dance projects, be it through grant writing support, publicity, or mentorship. Check these projects out at Co-Productions
Community Engaged Projects with the
Community Dance Connectors
Dance West Network engages with a group of dance artists and community cultural leaders- aka Community Dance Connectors, CDCs - in ten locations throughout the province to provide peer-to-peer networking to share ideas and resources, as well as offering access to funds, training and planning assistance.
Our work supports the individual efforts of the CDCs, their community-engaged dance projects in rural/remote BC, as well as their collective work to make dance more accessible to all in the province. Some of the CDCs are affiliated with a local theatre venue, while a majority work independently as community engaged artists.
In 2023, we began building a new group of Ancillary CDCs to support more dance in the province. Welcoming these community engaged cultural leaders into our network became a first step towards building relationships with them and their communities. This has allowed us to support more dance in more communities, allowing exciting new projects and collaborations to emerge!
CDC - Secwepemc (Secwepemcul’ewc), Ktunaxa, Syilx Okanagan, and Sinixt Territory (Revelstoke)
Emily Carlson
Artist Nick Miami Benz and videographer Vita Spinelli travelled to Ktunaxa, Sinixt Territory (Revelstoke) in late January.
With the help of THE STUDIO: Dance and Wellness,Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre,Arts Revelstoke,Tourism Revelstoke, and Queer Shred, the queer community and the artist community, we made space for a wonderful Burlesque and Drag show and a Runway workshop. Nick fostered a relationship of giving mentorship and advice to many local artists (Emry Johnston, Hailey Johnston, Ayla Farley, Janine Arellano, Hailey Christie-Hoyle and Emily Carlson) and inspired an enthusiastic audience - tickets for the show sold out in 24 hrs!
Nick teaching some great Runway poses to workshop participants!
Photo: Vita Spinelli
One of the audience members said it best: "When will you be coming back?" This was a tremendously impactful event that has nourished the community of Revelstoke with inspiration.
Thanks to funding from Tourism Revelstoke, videographer Vita Spinelli filmed the activities as well as interviews with local artists, and will be producing a short documentary offering a window into the local community to raise the visibility of LGBTQ2S+ voices.
Thank you to funders : Cascadia Credit Union and Tourism Revelstoke
”That was incredible. The variety of storytelling and talent was so amazing. We need to have more events like this in Revelstoke! -“ Audience member
Nick Miami Benz thrills the audience in their work titled Orange Photo: Vita Spinelli
"Congratulations on an incredible event! The show was fantastic, the audience loved it, and your artists were incredible.Thank you for letting RVAC be a part of your event.” - Director Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre
June, as part of Gay Pride month, the Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre offered the premier showing of REVELATION! at their gallery, attended by local community members and artists! Photo Taylor Sandell.
Watching this documentary reminded me that being queer in a small town isn't just about challenge. It's also about finding community, expressing ourselves through art and creating spaces where everyone belongs. Thank you to everyone who made this possible.- Attendee
During Nick’s visit to Revelstoke, videographer Antonio Spinelli filmed the workshops and performance, as well as interviews with the local artists involved in RevRevBurlesque.
The result is REVELATION! - a short documentary offering a window into the local community to raise the visibility of LGBTQ2S+ voices, featuring local artists Jackie Daytona, Big Dickie Daytona, Miss Ayla, Demi Amour and Emily Carlson!
The Grand Finale! Artists (l to r) Jackie Daytona, Nick Miami Benz, Miss Ayla, Big Dickie Daytona,
From participating local artists:
"Thank you so much for all your work putting on the event! It was a blast to be a part of. Everyone did such amazing performances”
"I had the best time thank you SO much for having me”
Wow, what an incredibly organized event. It is a pleasure to be able to just perform and not have to host and perform and organize etc. I have never felt so prepared for a performance!"
Katie Wertz
CDC - Wet'suwet'en Territory (Smithers)
Workshop: Camino y Despedida — A Creative Process on Migration & Hope
Dance Artist Marco Esccer - a queer Mexican dance artist, Dance Movement Therapist, and TEMPO Co-Director - will lead a creative process workshop offering an opportunity to connect with the ideas, practices, and questions behind Camino y Despedida, the interdisciplinary performance touring with TEMPO Dance & Visual Art. The workshop invites participants of all bodies and experience levels into an embodied exploration of migration, hope, change, and belonging. Using guided movement, improvisation, writing, and collective reflection, participants will engage with the symbol of the suitcase and the figure of the traveller as entry points into personal and shared stories.
All publicity for the workshop was produced in both English and Spanish, with the intention of offering a welcoming invitation for participation from local members of the Latin American community.
In January, FakeKnot’s artistic director, Ralph Escamillan, offered a wonderful textile workshop to the Nelson community, sharing his creative process for his recent work, Croquis.
Central to this work is the materiality and structure of a garment constructed entirely out of paper, which is created new each time the work is performed.
In this workshop, Ralph took participants on a crafting journey—sharing his unique process for building the paper dress for Croquis. The participants were then invited to explore the packing paper medium and his techniques to create their own paper garments. Each garment was a unique creation. The workshop finished with a runway-style showcase, allowing for an exploration in movement and a celebration and sharing of each other's creations in a supportive environment. Several participants were professional artists looking to learn new techniques and work with new mediums, and one participant was an art therapy educator.
In collaboration with Slava Doval's DanceFusion Studio, Ralph also offered a workshop for local dancers, encapsulating his current interests of integrating textile/weaving techniques through the body—Scraping, Knotting, Shuttle, Hit, and Plucking—generative movement developed from his Philippine Textile work “PIÑA”. This movement vocabulary will be used in the new expanded group version of “Croquis” with the Winnipeg Contemporary Dancers later this November, and these local dancers learned a short section of the work!
Some of the students who enjoyed the class with Ralph - Photo by Anneke Rosch
"Being so far removed from an urban centre, having the opportunity to learn from a professional touring artist is a privilege, and we were very grateful."
Anneke Rosch
CDC - sn ayckstx Sinixt Arrow Lakes and the Yaqan Nukiy Lower Kootenay Band peoples, Nelson
Photos: Anneke Rosch
"I really didn't know what to expect, but it looked cool so I signed up! It was really cool how each dress was completely different, how much room and encouragement there was for individual creativity and expression." - Participant in Textile Workshop
Claudia Moore
CDC - Okanagan Nation Territory, Kelowna
Community dancers , led by CDC Claudia Moore, bring joy to Kelowna audiences at Music in the Park, July 2025!
It was another beautiful time dancing together at Music in the Park to Lucas Wentworth's inspiring song In the Rain. All 12 of us were thrilled to move to the music before a wonderful audience on a lovely summer evening in the Okanagan Valley. We're grateful to the United Way BC / Southern Interior for a Local Love grant that supports these essential community initiatives, bringing joy and connection to all who participate! - Claudia Moore
Holly Bright
CDC - Snuneymuxw homelands, Nanaimo
Body Talk HiP HoP PoW WoW 2026
Spring Break workshops and performance
Rupert Richardson Sninik Agis/Supernatural Hands and a member of Quatsino First Nations. Rupert brought the Grandfather Drum offer teachings on Pow Wow Dancing and Spirit. (not pictured)
Quuia Charleson, Nuu chah nulth First Nation, Hesquiat
shared a prayer song and the images on Hishuk’ish Tsawalk ladies’ capes (not pictured)
Sninik Agis/Supernatural Hands (Rupert Richardson), Quatsino First Nations
shares Pow Wow teachings on the Big Drum.
Kyle Shepard is a whirlwind of creativity, blending music, theater, and spontaneity into performances that spark joy across generations. He reminds us all that music isn’t just something to listen to—it’s something to jump into, feet first with loud and proud voices.
Dave Spirit Wolf Bodaly, a Snuneymuxw Band Member, Knowledge holder and Cedar Weaver. (not pictured)
and Body Talk Program Participants
Participants playing the Big Drum facilitated by Rupert Richardson
From Holly: We are blessed, and occasionally challenged, by the extraordinary experiences that take place each year in the Body Talk HiP HoP PoW WoW Program. From the person who doesn’t dance the first day who becomes the central character in the choreography by the last – to the sacred teachings offered through First Nation Leaders.
This year we received teachings on Hip Hop Dance, Cedar Weaving, Prayer Songs, and the Big Drum – the Pow Wow drum.
With the uplifting realization that the First Nation communities that we generally work with were offering their own Spring Break versions - we were a small cohort, yet still we soared.
Hishuk’ish Tsawalk Dance Group led by Quuia (Greg Charleson). Photo by Samantha Titian-Prince
Robbyn Scott
CDC - xʷənen̕əč, Salt Spring Island
Being the Forest workshops
In July, Robbyn offered her Being the Forest workshop to participants of Hana Kamea Kemble’s (founder of The Movement Arc: Somatic Education and Therapy Centre) Expressive Embodiment Foundation program
Robbyn leads a Being the Forest outdoor movement exploration in Ruckle Park with participants of the Expressive Embodiment Foundation
Robbyn’s Being the Forest workshops with children was a highlight of Transitions Saltspring’s Annual Report and AGM 2026!
Claudia Moore
CDC - Okanagan Nation Territory,
Kelowna
Dance Salons, Spring 2026
Sean Ling-Allen; Claudia Moore; Hailey McCloskey; Sophie Dow and Olivia C. Davies
Sean Ling-Allen had people up and moving!
Claudia Moore Photo Eliseo Santillan
Dance Salon #3: Artist Hailey McCloskey had a large group of dancers come out to her class in Contact Improvisation, some familiar with the form and others new!
Dance Salon 1 with Sean Ling-Allen was a delight! What a gift to witness him in motion up close. His class encouraged curiosity, revealing insights that surprise. Thanks to his young son Branson who joined right in and helped out too!
“Gratitude for the chance to learn from Sean Ling a most accomplished dance artist! More of these please.” Participant
“ I really enjoyed this class! Sean guided us in a series of dance and Pilates-based movements that energized and balanced both body and mind. His dance demonstration at the end of class was a joy to watch in its’ creativity and fluidity of movement. Thank you for a great Sunday afternoon session!” Workshop Participant
Dance Salon 2, led by Claudia Moore, was also a good time with a class that included some beautiful improvisations by the participants. Claudia then performed a solo by the late great Tedd Robinson and held a lively discussion on the health benefits of dance.
Claudia and workshop participants embrace the love of moving our bodies!
Artist Hailey McCloskey
Dance Salon #4: Artists Olivia C. Davies and Sophie Dow gathered with the community to listen, gather, and explore the reciprocity of the circle and cycles within our stories, memories from the earth and the imprints within our own bodies.
Translating our stories into movement with our bodies, led by Olivia C.Davies. Photo Eliseo Santillan
Photos: Eliseo Santillan
Artist Sophie Dow shared a movement solo with worshop participants
Sharing stories. Photo Eliseo Santillan
Katie Wertz
CDC - Wet'suwet'en Territory, Smithers
Gather Scatter with Robin Lough
On May 31, 2026, Katie and her community participated in Gather Scatter: A Community engaged outdoor experiment for all ages, held at Riverside Park Campground, Smithers, Wet'suwet'en Territory
Participants and their families from the local community were invited to experiment with the interplay between visual arts and dance in a creative process. We moved through self-directed stations: painting/mark making, dancing, and socializing/eating (snacks provided) - focusing on sensations of comfort, ease and play. The dancing/moving bodies inspired colours, textures, shapes, and tension in the painting and mark making with natural materials. The visual arts became a form of documentation that offered many points of reflection and curiosity. Words like: gather, flight, back to youth and scatter were revealed in a closing conversation
"I enjoyed the free-form approach, involving the kids, everyone chatting, while also making art and being thoughtful! " - Participant
"It was lovely to hang out with a mixed group (from kids to seniors) and be inspired to play and move" - Participant
Robbyn Scott
CDC - xʷənen̕əč, Salt Spring Island
Workshops with Ballet Kelowna
Ballet Kelowna Community Ballet class taught by Joanna Liget, Rehearsal Director at Ballet Kelowna
In March 2026, Ballet Kelowna was on Salt Spring Island to perform at ArtSpring Theatre, and offer some workshops to the lucky dancers from River-Points Dance Works!
Two classes were offered, one for Junior/intermediate level dancers ages 10 to adult, and another for Advanced level dancers ages 13 to adult. CDC Robbyn Scott generously shared her studio, Antler Ridge Dance Studio, for the classes and also Ballet Kelowna company class!
Ballet Kelowna Company class
Fíor Saoirse Skye
Ts’msyen La̱xyuup homelands, Prince Rupert
Udder Festival
CDC Fior Saorise Skye and community artists performed Immortal Stalemate the Eternal Dance an interactive performance art piece for the 2025 Udderfestival in Prince Rupert. The work explores conflict, war, identity and resistance through a symbolic battle of chess pieces. The work was performed 3 times to over 75 people!. Performers were Aaron Lamontagne, Alex Enns, Fior Saoirse, Kim Loan, and Kodinna Anaka.
Kodi in Waving Flag
Resistance: Fior, Kodinna and Kim. Photo by Bob Pearson.
Shadow Dance electrifies the audience with Kodi and Kim in Immortal Stalemate: the Eternal Dance Photo by For Saoirse Skye.
Claudia Moore
CDC - Okanagan Nation Territory,
Kelowna
For the Trees
FOR THE TREES is an immersive art installation that brings the forest to life outdoors or on stage. Dancers adorned with white costumes, carry tree branches, and move through the performance space to embody various elements of the forest at night, performing subtle movements to represent the life of trees. Musicians complement the dance with a soundscape blending live improvised music, spoken word and vocalization that channels the ambiance and wisdom of the forest.
Each mover is invited to interpret the movement score from their own individual artistic background, fostering connections between diverse artistic practices.
For the Trees developed out of Claudia’s ongoing work with community dancers, particularly those 55+, in Kelowna
For the Trees on National Tree Day in Kelowna. Photo Laurie-Shawn Borzovoy.
Artists Claudia Moore and Katie Wertz in For the Trees, at Community Moves Festival on Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, Prince George
Photo Carla Alcántara
“Our Nuit Blanche performances of For the Trees in Kelowna on October 11 were magical, and transformative. The majestic chestnut tree gave us strength, purpose, pleasure and a deep connection to its power. Thanks for the music by Jessie Rivest, Darren Williams and Eliseo Santillan and the beautiful dancing by Hailey McCloskey, Rina Simoncioni, Monica Zeng, Janice Schmidt, Luanne Kumagai, Liam Whitney and Claudia Moore, plus the Centre culturel francophone de l'Okanagan for producing this terrific annual event! Claudia Moore
Photo Laurie-Shawn Borzovoy.
“We honoured and celebrated the trees on Sept 25th for National Tree Day! The wind danced with us and the crow's calling was a perfect ending. The music by Jessie Rivest and Darren Williams moved us in wonderful ways.” Claudia Moore
For the Trees, at Community Moves Festival on Lheidli T’enneh First Nation, Prince George. Photo Carla Alcántara
At Nuit Blanche in collaboration with Centre culturel francophone de l'Okanagan
Robbyn Scott
CDC - xʷənen̕əč, Salt Spring Island
Reconciliation Through Movement Languages workshop
My longtime friend and dance colleague, Seonagh Kummer, invited me to join her in developing a movement duet for the film-in-development Dances With Addictions, conceived by Stz'uminus Elder Daniel Elliot. The work led us to share our movement research with the Salt Spring community during Indigenous Peoples Weekend through the workshop Reconciliation Through Movement Languages, inviting participants into embodied exploration, shared learning, and movement inspired by the themes of "care" and "healing," while contributing to the evolving artistic vision of Daniel Elliot." Robbyn Scott
Daniel Elliot and Seonagh Kummer Photo Theodore Lowry.
Seonagh Kummer guiding Penelakut participants and other community members through the moves! Photo Theodore Lowry
What was most heart-filling was the opportunity to share, move and laugh together with diverse members of the community. Gathered in the workshop were elders, mothers, children creating small group dances through a carefully facilitated process. Gwenyth Dobie, Movement Theatre, Co-Artistic Director, Out of the Box Productions
Participating in the dance workshop at indigenous weekend was a heartwarming and community enriching experience. I felt uplifted by my companions, and inspired by the stories in their movements. Stefanie Denz, community member, visual artist/art therapist
I felt a little uncertain at first — but as we talked things through, suggesting ‘what if we tried this?’ or ‘how about doing it that way?’, the movement we created together in that short time felt surprisingly natural, as if it had always been that way. I also enjoyed watching the other groups’ movements, each with its own distinct character. Kumiko Bruecker, community member, Taiko Drummer
Seonagh and Robbyn sharing their joy and experience as leaders of the workshop! Photo Theodore Lowry
