DanceWorks is a community-focused, artist-centered choreographic presentation platform based in Tkaronto, colonially known as Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 

Established in 1977, and stewarded by Founding Dance Curator Mimi Beck until 2023, DanceWorks is now led by Co-Executive Artistic Producers Dedra McDermott and David Norsworthy, and General Manager, Neetika Sharma. DanceWorks programming includes performances, artist residencies, open rehearsals, workshops, artist talks, and community conversations. 

Mission Statement

DanceWorks is a presenter of choreographic performance—championing stories, explorations, and lived experiences that challenge euro-centricity, heteronormativity and dominant culture to uplift the possibilities of life beyond the norm. We empower artists and audience members to hold difference, exchange knowledge, build community, and form bonds of solidarity. 

Organizational Values

Reciprocity, Intersectionality, Transparency, and Accountability.

Vision Statement

DanceWorks contributes to the well-being and creative vibrancy of our society by: 

i.) cultivating a space for artists and community alike to engage in a thoughtfully nuanced discourse that critically reflects on their contemporary lived experience. 

ii.) advancing the communities that engage with dance and choreography.

We contextualize dance with attention to its history, culture and purpose such that it nourishes our human needs for connection, dialogue, and inspiration; positioning ourselves in the Toronto arts ecology as a vital presentation platform.