Dance Victoria announces three Chrystal Dance Prize (CDP) – Projects recipients for the 2024/25 season, committing $60,500 in commissioning support to projects by Ballet Edmonton, Action at a Distance, and independent artist Eric Cheung. Since 2010, Dance Victoria has awarded more than $544,000 through this prestigious award. The CDP – Projects supports dance artists, collectives, and companies from Western Canada in developing or researching new works in collaboration with international artists outside Canada.
Executive Director Gillian Jones shares: “Our jury panel this year was struck by the timeliness of the collaborations and themes reflected in each of these applications. The recipients span different disciplines, perspectives, and project scopes, but all are innovating and taking risks in response to issues and artistic opportunities of this moment. Dance Victoria is proud to contribute to this work and the development of dance in Western Canada.”
Ballet Edmonton, led by Artistic Director Kirsten Wicklund (she/her), receives $30,000 to support a new work of contemporary dance theatre in collaboration with multidisciplinary dance and theatre maker Marie Gyselbrecht (Belgium) and sound designer Raphaelle Latini (France). Gyselbrecht has worked with some of Europe’s most established theatre and opera houses and avant-garde organizations, including the renowned theatre and dance company Peeping Tom. Bringing dance, sound, storytelling, and theatre together into one creative process, this collaboration with Ballet Edmonton aims to create an immersive experience that expands and redefines ballet as a vehicle for abstract storytelling. The final piece is anticipated to be a 40-minute contemporary ballet to premiere in February 2026.
Vanessa Goodman of Action at a Distance receives $18,000 for Future Alternates, a creation developed in collaboration with choreographer Simona Deaconescu of Tangaj Collective (Romania). This new dance work decentralizes the human experience, exploring how the body might merge with non-human entities like machines, ecosystems, and even digital worlds. Drawing from Rosi Braidotti’s notion of the “posthuman subject,” the performance questions the anthropocentric worldview, asking what it means to be human in a world where technology and nature intertwine. Future Alternates raises urgent questions about agency, ethics, and survival in a world where technology is no longer a tool, but a force that reshapes what it means to be human.
Eric Cheung (he/him) receives $12,500 to support the creation of IN/YANG, a site-responsive dance duet in collaboration with dance artist and choreographer Kinui Oiwa (she/her) and sound composer Nouses Kou (Japan). The work delves into the importance of balance in today’s society and lives. IN/YANG seeks to discover approaches that challenge preconceived notions of balance through the philosophical and culturally similar practices of “Yin-Yang” and “In-Yo.” The project examines the history of cultural exchange between China and Japan, exploring an evolving relationship, both past and present.
For more detailed information about the 2024/25 Chrystal Dance Prize – Projects winners, including artist bios, please visit DanceVictoria.com.
About the Chrystal Dance Prize
The Chrystal Dance Prize (CDP)is generated from a bequest made by Dance Victoria patron, Dr. Betty “Chrystal” Kleiman, held at the Victoria Foundation. The CDP – Projects supports exceptional dance research and/or creation between a Western Canadian dance artist, collective, or company and an international dance artist. A committee of dance professionals is assembled each year to select the recipients. Prize recipients may also have the opportunity for a residency at Dance Victoria Studios. Recent CDP – Projects winners include Alexis Fletcher and Sylvain Senez of Belle Spirale Dance Projects, Justine A. Chambers, and Caroline MacCaull & Sammy Chien of Chimerik 似不像.
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 our studios in Quadra Village. Dance Victoria is a non-profit charitable society with the mission to cultivate a connection to dance by presenting and supporting diverse local, national, and international artists, and inspiring all communities through the magic of dance. Our vision is that everyone in Greater Victoria can experience the transformative power of world-class dance. DanceVictoria.com
For high-res photos of the Chrystal Dance Prize – Projects recipients, please contact:
Anne-Sophie Cournoyer
Marketing Manager
[email protected]
250-595-1829