Bold. Breathtaking. Boundless.
Experiences From Around the Globe
In just two months, Dance Victoria will kick off its 2023/24 season – bringing fearless creators and creations from every corner of the map to our city stages.
Seven mainstage productions feature companies from nine countries in a kaleidoscopic vision of sizzling contemporary dance; athletic street styles; high-flying circus; storybook ballet; cultural expressions; and so much more.
This is your invitation to read on and discover the artistic adventures that lie in store…
Dance Victoria’s Dance at the Royal Series
Gibney Company (New York) • Nov 17 + 18, 2023
Compagnie Hervé KOUBI (France and Algeria) • Feb 2 + 3, 2024
Nrityagram Dance Ensemble and Chitrasena Dance Company (India and Sri Lanka) • Mar 8 + 9, 2024
Ballets Jazz Montréal (Montréal) • Apr 26 + 27, 2024
Royal Theatre
Special Presentations
Ukrainian Shumka Dancers’ Nutcracker with Victoria Symphony (Edmonton and Ukraine) • Dec 1-3, 2023 • Royal Theatre
Circa (Australia) • Feb 10, 2024 • Royal Theatre
Õkāreka Dance Company (New Zealand) • Mar 27, 2024 • McPherson Playhouse
Gibney Company: Mixed Program (New York, USA)
Nov. 17 + 18 at Royal Theatre
From its home at the heart of Broadway, New York’s Gibney Company has been making waves around the world for both its virtuosic performances and empowering activism.
The company’s creation-based repertory showcases masterful contemporary dance pieces from world-renowned choreographers and emerging visionaries. For their Victoria debut, they arrive with three diverse works:
The free-spirited Bliss, by choreographer Johan Inger (former Associate Choreographer, Netherlands Dance Theatre/NDT), sets jazz pianist Keith Jarrett’s legendary ‘Köln Concert’ in joyful motion.
A Measurable Existence, by choreographer Yue Yin, is an intimate meditation on how our lives and journeys are so often defined only by their intersections with others.
Rounding out the mixed bill, Israel’s Sharon Eyal and Gai Behar’s SARA is an articulate jewel of a piece that finishes the evening on a shining high note.
Gilbert T Small II: A Familiar Face
Longtime Dance Victoria fans will be excited to know audience favourite Gilbert T Small II, will make his return to the city. Gilbert danced with Ballet BC for the decade leading up to the pandemic before relocating to New York and eventually taking on the role of Director at Gibney Company. Fans of this gifted artist can get a glimpse of his new Brooklyn-based life in this illuminating New York Times feature story.
Ukrainian Shumka Dancers’ Nutcracker with Victoria Symphony (Edmonton and Ukraine)
Dec. 1-3 at Royal Theatre
Christmas isn’t complete without the Nutcracker! This glittering production, with its pairing of lyrical classical ballet and Ukrainian folk dance bravura, enchanted audiences when it debuted on the Royal stage in 2019.
Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, along with special new additions from Yuri Shevchenko, will be brought to life by the gifted musicians of the Victoria Symphony, while the Royal Theatre is filled with a gliding, whirling, and lavishly costumed company of more than 80 artists!
Compagnie Hervé KOUBI: The Barbarian Nights (or The First Dawns of the World) (France/Algeria)
Feb. 2 + 3 at Royal Theatre
After astounding Dance Victoria audiences virtually, 13 powerful street dancers from Algeria, Morocco, France, and Burkina Faso take to the Royal stage in the flesh.
Bringing ‘a touch of theatrical magic’ (New York Times), the company’s visually stunning, ritualistic performances explode with athleticism, verve, and irresistible, raw force.
Circa: Humans 2.0 (Australia)
Feb. 10 at Royal Theatre
Stripping away all pretense and ornamentation, Brisbane’s contemporary circus innovators share a bold spectacle that challenges audiences to redefine existing beliefs around physical limits and possibilities.
Eradicating the lines between artist, athlete, and acrobat, the ten performers push themselves to breathtaking extremes, while offering a deeply engaging commentary on the nature and meaning of being human.
Nrityagram Dance Ensemble with Chitrasena Dance Company: Āhuti (India and Sri Lanka)
Mar. 8 + 9 at Royal Theatre
For two-and-a-half decades, the artists of Nrityagram have brought their vibrancy and brightness to Lincoln Centre, Edinburgh Festival, Sydney Opera House, and the world’s great stages.
Artfully blending tradition and innovation, it is no exaggeration when the New York Times declares ‘they are among the world’s greatest dancers!’
In this special program, the women of Nrityagram share the stage with the artists of Sri Lanka’s Chitrasena Dance Company and with live musicians in a collaboration that spans style, place, and era.
Õkāreka Dance Company: Mana Wahine (New Zealand)
Mar. 27 at McPherson Playhouse
An ensemble of five powerhouse women shares a dreamlike journey of strength, spirit, and beauty. Translating to ‘Powerful Women’, the genre-defying work blends dance, theatre, and film into a poignant and profound feast for the senses.
Drawing on ancient Māori traditions and utilizing cutting-edge multimedia, the work entwines old and new – spirit world and earth – into a spellbinding tapestry that is both testament and tribute to the strength of womanhood.
Ballets Jazz Montréal: Essence (Montréal)
Apr. 26 + 27 at Royal Theatre
A Dance Victoria audience favourite returns with a program of all-female choreographers, featuring some of our most beloved creators:
Crystal Pite’s Ten Duets on a Theme of Rescue is a classic showcase of the choreographer’s singular style, blending humour, invention, and insight into a deeply human work.
Les Chambres des Jacques by Aszure Barton is a madcap romp that showcases not only the dancers’ technical skill but also their distinct individual personalities. A new creation for BJM’s 2022 season, We Can’t Forget What’s His Name from company member Ausia Jones deftly explores concepts of time, community, togetherness, and isolation.
Find out about single ticket pricing including our Pay Your Age and Night Moves programs.
Four-show subscriptions to Dance at the Royal Series remain on sale. Save Up to $146 by Subscribing Today.
How To Buy
- Visit the Royal and McPherson Theatres website for current Box Office details.
- Visit or Phone the Royal McPherson Box Office: 250-386-6121 or toll free at
1-888-717-6121, Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The Royal Theatre Box Office is closed until September 4. - Online: DanceVictoria.com
About Dance Victoria
Dance Victoria brings the World’s Best Dance to the Royal Theatre and supports the development of new dance for the international stage from its studios in Quadra Village. Dance Victoria is a non-profit charitable society. DanceVictoria.com
Thank you to our 2023/24 Sponsors including long-time season sponsor Derma Spa.
Media Materials
High-resolution images with photo credits are available upon request. Please submit your request here.
Media Contact
Gillian Jones, Executive Director
[email protected]
250-595-1829