MICHAEL TRENT, named Dancemakers' New Artistic Director

Michael Trent is thrilled to be joining the artistic team at Dancemakers. One of the country’s longest established dance ensembles, Dancemakers is also respected for its role in nurturing the work of emerging and established Canadian choreographers.

“What a thrill and an honour to be entrusted with taking the lead of one of Canada’s eminent dance companies and its Centre for Creation. I am particularly excited by the opportunity to explore new creation with the company’s incredible dancers and to welcome other creators, at various stages of their own choreographic journeys, to Dancemakers’ wonderful new home at the Distillery District. As Artistic Director, I look forward to engaging with the dance community and audience members alike in Toronto and on the road in the years to come,” says Trent. He will take over the Artistic Director’s role on August 1, 2006. [...]

RICHARD VAN DUSEN, named Dancemakers' Managing Director

Richard Van Dusen has developed an impressive career in arts management and administration over the last decade. Most recently, he was Arts Manager at the Dance Umbrella of Ontario.

His role as Managing Director will see him working closely with Michael Trent to support the company’s artistic vision. His mandate includes strategic planning, finance and administration, general operations, touring, and capital and operational fundraising for Dancemakers and Dancemakers Centre for Creation, founded by outgoing Artistic Director Serge Bennathan. Van Dusen succeeds Andrea Vagianos and resumes his new post on June 26, 2006. [...]

KATE HILLIARD & NEIL SOCHASKY, invited to join Dancemakers. [...]