Suddenly Dance Theatre

The mandate of Suddenly Dance Theatre Society is: To educate and provide opportunities for dancers and choreographers to improve in their craft; and, To educate and increase the public's understanding and appreciation of dance by providing performances of an artistic nature in public places. Now entering our 18th season, Suddenly Dance Theatre consistently presents quality dance works to the public through original commissions, collaborations, and through Romp! A Festival of Independent Dance (12 festivals).

Suddenly Dance Theatre's vision is to support the development, creation, presentation, and preservation of the dance arts through collaboration and diverse media to reach the widest possible audience. We believe the collaboration of dance with other art forms is vital for audience development and for creative regeneration. In addition to touring and live performance, we recognize how global media can contribute to the mass dissemination of dance via television, gallery installation, photography and the internet.

We are also known as producer and curator of the annual Romp! Festival of Independent Dance and the newly created UNODANZ Performance Award Program. Here, we are able to present dimensional, social, and artistic messages direct from emerging and established independent dance artists, to reflect a pulse in the international dance scene. Related activities include free or low-cost dance classes and workshops available to the public, discussion groups, professional mentorship, and the stimulation of other dance related productions.

Suddenly Dance Theatre Society is based in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada and was formed in 1992 by David Ferguson, Lori Hamar, and Miles Lowry. We are a charitable non-profit society (BN #885685636RR0001). We gratefully acknowledge the ongoing support of The British Columbia Arts Council and Capital Regional District Arts Development.

Significant reference: www.suddenlydance.ca

David Ferguson
		David Ferguson is a contemporary artist working in dance, film, and new media. As a Founding Artistic co-Director of Suddenly Dance Theatre Society in Victoria, B.C. (1992-present) David has been a producer/curator of numerous collaborative, multi-media projects and dance productions, including the M Award winning Romp! Festival of Independent Dance and the new UNODANZ Program. His recent original works include OPIUM, a made-for-television dance film seen nationally on Canadian Television; NATURE ECSTASY, a silent dance film made for composers; and AISLING – We Saw A Vision, a recent 4 minute Bravo!FACT. In 2008, he choreographed and performed with dancer Jung ah Chung for two Tours to South Korea, including appearances at The World Dance Stars Festival, Busan International Dance Festival, and the Next Wave Dance Festival. He is seen as famed theatre director Tyrone Guthrie in GUTHRIE SWIMS THE LAKE, a new Bravo!FACT short. In March 2010, supported by The Belfry Theatre’s INCUBATOR/ SPARK! Festival 2010, he will premiere his new multi-media stage play AGNES B.
Miles Lowry
		Miles Lowry is a visual artist, writer, composer and director. He is a Founding Artistic Co-Director for Suddenly Dance Theatre in Victoria. In 2005 he wrote and co-directed OPIUM for Bravo! CHUM Television inspired by French poet Jean Cocteau. In 2007, he introduced the film at Lincoln Centre, in New York. His Bravo!FACT dance film AISLING – We Saw a Vision - is based on Irish poet Liam Mac Uistin's poem. Released in 2008, his latest book Blood Orange is based on the life of writer Paul Bowles. His music and design are featured in Suddenly Dance Theatre’s latest touring performance COURTYARD FOR A BIRD. In April 2009, he created the video design for Pacific Opera Victoria’s major production of The Magic Flute. His second Bravo!FACT short GUTHRIE SWIMS THE LAKE, will premiere in early 2010. www.mileslowry.ca