For three decades, Dance Victoria has built a reputation as one of Canada’s largest dance presenters. Alongside presenting internationally acclaimed companies at the Royal Theatre, we are committed to supporting the creation of new dance works in B.C. and Western Canada through artist residencies, co-commissions, and the annual Chrystal Dance Prize (CDP).

This long-term commitment to dance creation has supported Canadian artists at every stage of the creative process—from early research and studio development to the presentation of fully realized productions that go on to tour nationally and internationally.

As a recent example: You may have experienced Belle Spirale Dance Project’s beautiful double bill UNIVERSUS, presented at the McPherson Playhouse in January 2026. Choreographed by Alexis Fletcher and Fernando Hernando Magadan, this ambitious project was supported from its earliest creation phase through the Chrystal Dance Prize. The company came to Victoria for two residency periods at DV Studios and, finally, were presented by DV. This investment over time exemplifies Dance Victoria’s dedication to support and uplift independent dance artists.

As we launch the 30th Anniversary Season, we're excited to present another co-commission: the full-length work Rhino by Vancouver’s Out Innerspace (OIS). Rhino is a co-production of the CanDance Network Creation Fund, Agora de la danse, Dance Victoria, National Arts Centre (NAC), and La Rotonde.

‍Rhino follows an unlikely constellation of characters past their heyday, asking whether their best days are behind them. Balancing comedy and tragedy, Rhino examines what endures through time and what must evolve in a world shaped by uncertainty and change. The production showcases Out Innerspace’s signature theatricality, humour, and interactive design elements.

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Out Innerspace, founded by co-artistic directors Tiffany Tregarthen and David Raymond, has spent more than 20 years creating genre-defying dance. The company has been presented at Julidans (Amsterdam), Torino Danza, Colours Festival (Stuttgart), Teatros del Canal (Madrid), Dansens Hus (Stockholm), and the NAC, among many others. Tregarthen and Raymond previously performed as dancers in Crystal Pite’s company Kidd Pivot (also touring to Victoria in March 2027). Both companies exemplify the rigour, creative storytelling, and technical innovation that have raised the profile of Western Canada’s contemporary dance scene.

Dance Victoria’s relationship with Out Innerspace began over a decade ago. We first presented OIS during Dance Days 2014 with Me So You So Me at Metro Studios. In 2016, the company returned with Major Motion Picture, and again in 2023 with the acclaimed Bygones at the McPherson Playhouse. Each presentation has brought an increasingly sizable—and enthusiastic—audience, creating a fanbase that eagerly awaits each new production.

As a co-commissioner and presenter for new works like Rhino, Dance Victoria plays a vital role in strengthening B.C.’s dance sector and ensuring Canadian artists have the resources and platforms needed to create bold new work for audiences here and beyond.Don’t miss Out Innerspace’s one-night-only performance on October 24 at the McPherson Playhouse! Discounted tickets are available through Dance Victoria's Pay Your Age (ages 12 to 29) program.