About Us

Who We Are

Core Purpose

Dancers’ Studio West exists to support independent dance artists in Alberta.

Mission

To fulfill our purpose, Dancers' Studio West offers programming that cultivates independent artists' work from ideation to production so that artists can flourish in their chosen artistic movement.

Our Values

Artistic Values. Dancers' Studio West serves artists of any movement discipline whose work resonates with one or more of our artistic values of innovation, artistic rigour, and social impact.

  • Innovation. We value work that challenges artistic boundaries and is born from taking bold creative risks.

  • Artistic Rigour. We value work that evidently displays deep embodied and conceptual consideration. 

  • Social Impact. We value work that is socially conscious and is offered from a diversity of perspectives.


Organizational Values. At an organizational level, the values that guide our decision-making are impact, community, and curiosity.

  • Impact. We develop and deliver programs that are meaningful to our members.

  • Community. We nurture a safe, inclusive space in which independent dance artists can connect with each other and share a sense of belonging.

  • Curiosity. We are attentive to the environment around us and remain open to finding creative means of adapting to evolving circumstances in Alberta.

Our History

In 1980, Elaine Bowman and Peter Hoff established Dancers’ Studio West (DSW) in order to better steward the budding dance community in Calgary. As the Founding Artistic Director, Bowman taught extensively and established the memorable dance festival known as Alberta Dance Explosions as well as the Young Artist in Residence Program. 

Bowman and Hoff were not only instrumental to the development of contemporary dance in Calgary, but across Canada too, as they were founding members of the CanDance Network of Dance Presenters. 

The Alberta dance community is forever grateful for their service (from 1980-2000), as well as for Artistic Director Michèle Moss and Executive Director Damon Johnston (2000-2005), Programmer Bobby Todd (2005 – 2006), and Artistic Director Brian Hansen (2007-2008), who through tremendous effort, nurtured and sustained DSW and its celebrated programming.

For over 25 years, DSW served as a presenter for Calgary audiences, hosting reputable artists from across Canada. For much of that time, DSW was the only contemporary dance presenter in Calgary and one of a very few in Alberta. 

In 2008, Davida Monk accepted the position of Artistic Director. At that time, the dance scene in Alberta had begun to diversify and expand greatly and other companies and presenters emerged across the province. So, DSW decided to re-focus its energies and resources to offer a unique, holistic, and diverse range of opportunities instead of focusing predominantly on presenting. Between 2012-2018, Monk established many professional development practices, apprenticeship, and choreographic residency programs which implemented the organization’s new vision. 

In 2018, Sasha Ivanochko took over the role of Artistic Director and focused on increasing artists’ technical competency, deepening their understanding about the theoretical aspects of art-making, and guiding them through the creation of new works. In April of 2019, DSW found their home office at cSPACE Marda Loop, a hub and space for innovation, that deeply aligns with our values of collaboration, creativity and community.

Now, the current Artistic Director Rufi Oswaldo (2021-current) maintains the momentum of previous leadership and seeks to further deepen a sense of community, nuance creative exchange, and make space for a wider diversity of perspectives.

Team

Staff

  • Rufi Oswaldo

    ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

  • Wendy Wastle

    BUSINESS MANAGER

  • Siobhan Cooney

    PROGRAMME COORDINATOR

Staff Bios

Board of Directors

  • Alisa MacKinnon

  • Deanna Witwer

  • Kevin Leiver

  • Kourtney Pratt

  • Helen Cox

  • Jocelyn Leiver

  • Heather Ware

Board member bios

Message from Board Chair

Over my tenure on the board, we have worked to transform DSW. We’ve adapted to a changing environment and are continuing to work to be responsive to Alberta artists and our own sustainability. It is no small task, we on the board are grateful for the community’s, response, patience, and participating in our journey. 

On behalf of the board i would like to extend our appreciation to all our funders, donors, and volunteers who have supported us and continue to support us. We would not exists with out these contributions. Every hour volunteered, dollar donated, attendance at shows, and words of encouragement keeps DSW here. 

Lastly, I would like to thank the DSW Team. Their dedication, expertise, and unwavering drive to deliver the DSW programming year after year, on top of the internal organizational transformation is exceptional. I would also like to thank the board members. I feel insurmountable gratitude that I am able to work with each of them. Their knowledge, and commitment have been indispensable to DSW. We are enthusiastic for our years ahead, and hope to see your continued support. Thank you, 

Alisa MacKinnon

Partners

Previous Partners