New Horizons. Bold Voices.
Dance Victoria’s 29th season of the World’s Best Dance centres bold artistic voices from around the world. Taiwan’s Hung Dance, led by rising star Lai Hung-Chung, makes its Canadian debut with the visually stunning BIRDY. Italy’s acclaimed CCN/Aterballetto follows with a thrilling program featuring works by Victoria’s own Crystal Pite alongside fresh international creators. This rare North American engagement is not to be missed.
New York’s GALLIM, led by visionary choreographer Andrea Miller, brings the unapologetic energy that captivated audiences in last season’s YEAR by A.I.M by Kyle Abraham. The season closes with Boca Tuya (New York), whose Puerto Rican founder, Omar Román de Jesús, is celebrated for the deep humanity of his storytelling.
Special presentations include Belle Spirale Dance Projects’ UNIVERSUS—a double-bill awarded the 2023/24 Chrystal Dance Prize. Finally, Ukrainian Shumka Dancers return to the Royal Theatre with their energetic rendition of Nutcracker accompanied by the Victoria Symphony.
Our team at Dance Victoria can’t wait to welcome you back to the theatre! Enjoy our “staff picks” for the coming season below.
“I am truly excited for all our presented companies next season. (Do I have to pick just one??) That said, I can’t wait for our audiences to experience the Canadian premiere of Taiwan’s Hung Dance (Nov. 14 + 15). I had the great fortune of seeing the company’s first performance in North America at the American Dance Festival (ADF) last summer. The precision, originality, and gorgeous visual references in the full-length work BIRDY are going to stun on the Royal Theatre stage.” – Gillian Jones, Executive Director
“As a new member of Dance Victoria’s family and proud of my Latin roots, I’m drawn to Boca Tuya (Apr. 10 + 11). Their work brings our barrios to life, blending just the right amount of sabor and passion with telenovela drama and the warmth of community. It’s not about any one title; it’s about seeing our stories on stage and feeling that Latin heartbeat at the Royal Theatre.” – Anderson Gomez, General Manager
“This coming season of bold, burgeoning talent is thrilling! Alongside young, boundary-pushing companies from three continents is the Ukrainian Shumka Dancers (Nov. 28–30)–an impressive Canadian company with a 65-year history that includes performing for the world at Expo ’67 in Montréal. Trailblazers themselves, Shumka returns to our Royal Theatre stage with their joyous, unique Nutcracker. I can’t wait!” – Shireen McNeilage, Development & Operations Manager
“One of my 2024/25 season highlights was seeing Andrea Miller’s YEAR as part of A.I.M by Kyle Abraham’s mixed program. That performance left a strong impression, and I’m eager to experience more of her groundbreaking work with GALLIM (Mar. 6 + 7), Miller’s dance company. Set to music by Joanna Newsom, Sade, Nicolas Jaar, and others, I’m anticipating fresh, unconventional creations brought to life by some of NYC’s most accomplished dancers.” – Anne-Sophie Cournoyer, Marketing Manager
“It’s so hard to pick a favourite, especially before the first time we see the works in person… For me, I’m looking forward to CCN/Aterballetto (Feb. 6 + 7) not only for its contemporary ballet appeal, with a piece by Crystal Pite in the works, but also because each of the 3 pieces in the upcoming repertoire comes with its own unique technical challenges, and it will take some good collaboration to bring it all together.” – Holly Vivian, Production Manager
“I’m thrilled to welcome Boca Tuya (Apr. 10 + 11) to Victoria! As Community Engagement Manager, I’ve been collaborating with the company to support inclusive, meaningful outreach during their residency and greatly admire their thoughtful approach to community connection. I’m especially excited to experience Los Perros del Barrio Colosal—a bold, poetic work shaped by Artistic Director Omar Román de Jesús’s Puerto Rican roots. Inspired by Telenovela characters, he describes it as bursting with drama, humour, and glorious mayhem onstage.” – Larissa Sharma, Community Engagement Manager
“Belle Spirale (Jan. 16) has a long relationship with Dance Victoria, supported through the Artist Residency program and Chrystal Dance Prize – Projects. At the premiere of UNIVERSUS in Vancouver, I was captivated by the two distinct and potent worlds filled with humanity and athleticism. It will be a special moment to celebrate this milestone with them as they take their work, developed at DV Studios, to the McPherson Theatre!” – Kiera Shaw, Artist Programs & Studio Manager
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