Dance Alchemy project

The Dance Alchemy project began in 2015. It was hosted by the Victoria Arts Council and facilitated by Joanne Cuffe.

IPhoto of 11 adults in a circle, with everyone reaching one or two arms up above their heads. Some are holding hands. Three people are using wheelchairs and eight people are standing.n 2016, four artists collaborated with four community dance groups, with dancers who experience disability, dancers who are older adults, and dancers who are newcomers. The groups came together for a Celebration in June 2016 to share their new works as well as mingle during a dance party. The first year was a pilot project, with funding from the BC Arts Council and partner organizations: Photo: 7 women facing the camera, smiling, posing with arms out holding ribbons.Glenshiel Housing Society, Wellspring Support, Garth Homer Society, the Victoria Immigrant and Refugee Centre Society, and MediaNet. The artists who collaborated in 2016 were Lori Hamar, Kirk Schwartz, Tiffany Tjosvold and Joanne Cuffe.

Photo of a dozen people dancing, a few holding hands, some on their own, five people seated and five people standing.The project received excellent feedback from participants and the initiative has influenced other projects that have emerged in subsequent years.

Photo of 6 dancers (ages 30-100) seated in a semi-circle, each with their right hand reaching to their right foot, and smiling to the camera.If you would like to volunteer with current projects, please be in touch with Joanne.