"I
took my first dance class in a church basement in my hometown of Elmira, and
haven’t stopped dancing since. I studied
ballet at Academy of Dance Waterloo, modern and break dance at McMaster
University Centre for Dance, and danced professionally in Hamilton and
Ottawa. I am currently a physiotherapist
at Speed River Physiotherapy with a special interest in dancer’s health and in
improving communication between dancers, dance educators, and health care
professionals."
Why are donations important for an organization
like us?
"To
use dance terminology, our donors keep us “grounded”. They build the foundation of our
organization, both with their time and with monetary donations. Our donors also fuel us to 'share [our]
vision, push creative boundaries and engage community audiences.'"
Heather contributes her time, money, ideas, and enthusiasm to Guelph Dance. "Contributing
to Guelph Dance fuels my passion for dance and allows me to share this passion
not only with the dancers I dance with, but with my entire community here in
Guelph."
Lynda Walters
Lynda has been with Guelph Dance for 4 years. Lynda says Guelph Dance "provides an avenue for my
interests, talents, and energies to help present and preserve (video) my passion
for performance art."
Lynda's background:
"I have a Fine Art Degree from University of Guelph. This expanded to include art performance and multimedia. I also taught dance at University of Guelph."
Donations to Guelph Dance:
"Donors are the lifeblood of charities such as Guelph Dance. Regular funding can be unreliable so community support is essential for both creative expression and education."
Lynda's Contribution:
"Through my volunteer position as a videographer I get to preserve this 'time space art form' of dance in Guelph. Dance only exists in the moment, then it's gone. I preserve that moment through video record keeping."
Neal Kennard
Neal is our newest Board Member, being with us for a few short months. Neal is a "professional fundraiser and has worked in the non-profit sector for a number of large national charities.
"I attended
last year's festival and immediately appreciated what the festival brought to
the community and knew I needed to get involved at some capacity."
When Neal was asked what keeps him on the board, he answered "My
appreciation for dance and knowing what I can bring to the organization to help
them grow and continue to promote dance in the community."
Importance of Donations:
"Donations are important to keep the good work of Guelph Dance going, not
only for keeping the festival which is an important part of our community
going, but also the year round activities and community outreach that Guelph
Dance is involved in.
What does Guelph Dance mean to you?
"Guelph Dance is important to me because I think it is important to
bring awareness, appreciation and support of dance through education,
accessibility and exposure. All things that Guelph Dance does in order to
contribute to our community."
What do you
contribute to the organization?
"I bring a fresh perspective on fundraising
and reaching out and marketing to new audiences as well as past
supporters."
Michelle Miller
What Guelph Dance means to Michelle:
"I have been a
board member for 4 years. I have been a
huge supporter since the festival's inception! Guelph Dance is energetic, embracing new artistic visions and ideas. Willing to take risks and explore new boundaries. Supporting excellence in dance.
"I was drawn
to Guelph Dance because of love for Contemporary Dance.
I stay
because I share their vision of supporting excellence in dance, challenging the norm and pushing the boundaries."
Michelle's Background and Contribution to Guelph Dance:
"I did my BA
in Theater and have worked in craft and design my whole life.
I offer my skills for helping with their merchandising. I usually help when there is need for new marketing, I add my eye for design.
I also like to think that I add enthusiasm and passion to the event itself by helping host artists and get people excited about the event. Kind of like a team cheerleader."
Importance of Donations:
"I believe
donations to our organization are important because it helps to create a very
supportive community. I believe in the concept that it takes a community to
build a nation. We are all responsible for what our community are and can
become."
Lynda Murray
Lynda has been with Guelph Dance for 2 years - one as a consultant and one as a board member. Lynda has a background in Marketing, Branding, and Strategic Planning. To Lynda, Guelph Dance means "A passion for active creativity and community engagement."
Lynda was drawn to Guelph Dance by:
"The commitment of the
leadership to evolve and change … constantly pushing the boundaries."
Importance of Donations:
"As a non-profit organization donors are essential to enhancing the quality of work we do and the impact we have on our community."
Thank you!
In the spirit of Giving Tuesday we would like to thank our Board Members for their ongoing time and support!
A big thank you to all our supporters in the community!
I
have been one of Guelph Dance’s biggest cheerleaders since its inception almost
20 years ago, when performances were presented in a church basement. I
was so thrilled to be able to see live dance in my hometown. And thrilled that
there was an audience of people yearning to see and experience dance and performance
that was a little more on the edge. I had studied theatre at the University
of Guelph, and unfortunately never quite found my footing in a community of like-minded
theater people here. The interest in dance in the community seemed promising.
Soon, the Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival came into being, and I became one
of GD’s most loyal audience members. I shouted from the rooftops; I gathered my
friends; I rallied my family to come out and support each and every festival.
