2010-2011 Annual Report
Propeller Dance
provides dance programming to
people with and without disability.
We are inclusive and foster an
integrated approach to professional
dance making and arts education
that bridges dance and community
development.
Table of Contents
President’s Message: 2 • The People: 2 • Message from the
Co-Executive/Artistic Co-Directors: 3 • Propeller Dance Company: 4
Dancer’s Report: 4 • Artistic Highlights: 5 • School Program: 6
Publicity: 6 • Dance Training: 7 • Donors & Supporters: 8
Financial Report: 9
www.propellerdance.com
P.O. Box 67115 Westboro, 421 Richmond Road, Ottawa, Ontario K2A 4E4
President’s Message
As we enter our fifth year I am happy to
see how well Propeller Dance is doing.
Our classes are full and the Propeller
Dance Company is performing more and
more—including a first road trip with
the entire company of eight dancers to
another city.
Because of some funding hiccups we
weren’t able to accomplish everything
we hoped to in 2010-11 but our staff
showed that their creativity goes
beyond the stage and the dance floor
and managed to ensure that our main
goals were all accomplished.
David Scrimshaw,
President
The goal of sustainable growth for
Propeller Dance continues to be realistic.
Our Co-Directors Shara Weaver and
Renata Soutter have moved to almost
full-time hours. We have been able
to continue to support professional
development opportunities for staff
and dancers. And the Propeller Dance
Company is becoming more professional
every year.
As always the board of directors is
enormously grateful for all the work that
Renata and Shara do. They have always
gone beyond what we could reasonably
ask of them.
— David Scrimshaw
The People
Our achievements have been possible due to the incredible community of people involved with Propeller Dance:
Our Board, Co-Executive/Artistic Directors, Company Dancers, Participants, Musicians and Volunteers.
Board of Directors: David Scrimshaw, President; Bob
Bowes, Vice-President; Elizabeth MacKinnon, Treasurer;
Robert Chartier, Dancer Representative
Co-Executive/Artistic Directors:
Renata Soutter & Shara Weaver
Company Dancers: Bella Bowes, Phil Charbonneau, Robert
Chartier, Julia Gutsik, Moni Hoffman, Jessie Huggett,
Alan Shain, Renata Soutter, Shara Weaver, Liz Winkelaar
Musicians: Mike Essoudry, Mark Rehder, Dominique Saint
Pierre, Jason Sonier
mpany 2010-2011
The Propeller Dance Co
nd
Photo by Phillipa Maitla
Dance Teachers: Ximena Puente, Liz Winkelaar
Teaching Assistants: Jessie Huggett, Moni Hoffman,
Phil Charbonneau
2010-2011 Annual Report
2
Message from the Co-Executive/Artistic Directors
In our fourth year Propeller Dance
continued to grow. Our operating budget
increased yet again and we received a
total of 10 grants including our first from
a corporation – Telus. Our number of
individual donors increased as well as
the value of donations for our main silent
auction fundraiser. Nineteen artists and
one administrator were paid contract
fees for their work with Propeller Dance.
The company performed their best works
to date and company dancers continued
to hone their performance and teaching
skills.
Weaver,
Renata Soutter & Shara
tors
ec
Co-Executive/Artistic Dir
Photo by Keane Shore
Our work was presented in four cities
outside of Ottawa: Montreal, Calgary,
Toronto and Winnipeg. While on the
road we learned that Propeller Dance
is one of the only integrated dance
organizations in the country operating
year round with activities that include
a company, school programs, dance
training and outreach programs. Our
work is truly making an impact!
Propeller Dance is committed to creating
and presenting high quality professional
contemporary dance works so that the
beauty and emotive power of integrated
dance is recognized by society at large.
An equal priority for Propeller Dance is
to continue our role as arts educators.
Through our children’s wing and our
school performances and workshops,
young people are discovering integrated
arts and attitudes are changing as a
result.
Much integrated dance work worldwide
never leaves the dance studio or stays
within local dance communities because
of a lack of artistic and administrative
support. As we continue into our fifth
year it is vital that operational funds
be secured to sustain our existing
programming, as well as deepen
our creative dance processes and
professional artists’ skills.
In 2010-2011 we were grateful to
the Ontario Trillium Foundation who
supported us with a three year grant
to enhance our administrative capacity.
Shara is working five days a week, Renata
four, but there is still a large amount of
work to be done to build our fundraising,
administrative and communications
capacity. We also need operational
support to pay the dancers in line
with industry standards and to mentor
them as emerging choreographers and
teachers and hire artistic collaborators
such as musicians, lighting, set and
costume designers. We are also in great
need of hiring dance support specialists
to assist individuals in our classes. We
cannot expand the amount of work we
do until this operational support is in
place.
We thank all the dancers, board
of directors, teachers, musicians,
volunteers, family and friends who
continue to give so much to the
organization. We are truly a community
that’s making a difference!
— Shara Weaver and Renata Soutter
2010-2011 Annual Report
3
Propeller Dance Company
This year the Propeller Dance company
gave 27 performances and 21 workshops
in professional and community venues,
including schools. We rehearsed weekly
throughout the year at the Ottawa
Rehabilitation Centre.
Our number of revenue generating
performances included shows at:
Propeller Dance Co
mpany
in Reaction
Photo by Peter Jura
nka
• Momo Dance Theatre, Vertigo
Theatre, Calgary
• The University of Ottawa’s
International Day for Persons with
Disability event
• Corps Atypik at Studio 303,
Montreal
• Arts Ottawa East’s Orleans Festival
at the Shenkman Theatre
• City of Ottawa Lunchtime
Performing Arts Series
• Ottawa Lumiere Festival
The company Co-Directors led outreach
workshops at the Royal Ottawa Hospital,
Carleton University Solutions for
Disability Conference, Salus, Carlington
Community Health Centre, Lester B.
Pearson’s Summer Camp and Ottawa
Children’s Treatment Centre. All of these
workshops were assisted by a company
dancer with disability as outreach is
a perfect way for dancers to practice
their teaching skills. Additional outreach
workshops were run by company dancers
at Thursday’s Child Nursery School and
the City of Ottawa’s Rock ‘N Roll Summer
Camp.
Dancer Report
Hi. My name is Jessie Huggett, I’m 21
years old, I have Down syndrome and I
am one of eight dancers in the Propeller
Dance Company. Dance is my passion
and my life and through Propeller Dance
I’ve been able to pursue my dreams of
becoming a professional dancer. In the
future I’m also interested in learning
how to become a choreographer.
Jessie Huggett,
Company Dancer/
Teaching Assistant
This is my first year out of school, which
was a little scary for me but I am getting
used to it. And now I’m focusing on my
dance career. To me, being a professional
dancer and dance educator is fun. It’s
great being able to share your passion
with other people and along the way
you get to network with a whole bunch
of new people. But it also means that I
get to express my feelings and emotions
through movement which I love. We
had a great year!
—Jessie Hugget
“Each dancer in the company has grown and evolved remarkably and individually. Partly this has stemmed from our
increased number of rehearsals. As well each dancer has set personal goals that include challenging ourselves physically
and artistically. As a result we have all become stronger and more focused in our art.”
—Liz Winkelaar, Company Dancer
2010-2011 Annual Report
4
Artistic Highlights for 2010-2011
Tracked at Studio 303 –
Corps Atypik, Montreal
Photo by Valerie Seguin
In March a new creation was also
presented by Studio 303 in Montreal as
part of an inaugural event called Corps
Atypik where Renata was also invited
to be part of a panel discussion on
Integrated Dance in Canada. Propeller
Dance was the only non-Quebec
company to be invited to this new
presenting series. Our newest creation
choreographed by Renata and Shara,
Tracked, was performed at Studio 303
by dancers Bella Bowes, Julia Gutsik
and Alan Shain to live original music
by Dominique Saint Pierre, video by
Elizabeth MacKinnon and computer
Propeller Dance
Company in Cycle 8
Photo by Phillipa Maitla
nd
Cross Over, Shenkman Ar
Photo by Keane Shore
Last year was one of great strides for
Propeller Dance. Renata, Shara and Alan
Shain went on their first Canadian tour.
The fall began with giving workshops
and three performances in Calgary
at the Vertigo Theatre presented by
our friends at Momo Dance Theatre.
From there we travelled to Winnipeg
to present our dance work ViewFinder
as the keynote address for Manitoba’s
Society for People with Disability annual
conference. Their provincial Minister
of Social Services was in the audience
to give the trio a standing ovation. In
Toronto the Creative Spirit Art Gallery
invited Shara and Renata to present
on Propeller Dance to their conference
participants.
ts Centre Theatre, Ottaw
a
animation by Adam Hill. Studio 303
also invited Propeller to lead a weeklong professional dance intensive on
integrated dance.
Cross Over was our self-produced
theatre show performed during two
evenings at The Shenkman Arts Centre
Richcraft Theatre on June 16th and
17th, 2011. Audiences came to their
feet quickly at our sold-out show on
the Friday night. Six dance pieces were
performed each night and repertoire
included five new dance creations. The
works were collaboratively created by
Renata Soutter and Shara Weaver with
input from all the dancers in both the
Propeller Dance Company and students
in our youth/adult recreational classes.
Musicians Dominique Saint-Pierre and
Mark Rehder accompanied the pieces
with live original musical creations while
Mike Essoudry was commissioned to
create an original piece of recorded music
for Amanda’s Dream. We also worked
with fellow artistic collaborator Elizabeth
MacKinnon and Adam Hill on video and
Benoit Roy on lighting design. Renata
and Shara both created the concept
for set designs and costumes for pieces
they individually choreographed. Guest
dancer Julia Gutsik joined the group in
a stunning and powerful performance of
Tracked.
dio 303,
tensive at Stu
ller Dance In
Prope
Montreal
2010-2011 Annual Report
5
School Program
“What was so striking about their performance was the level of engagement
that it drew from our students. They were riveted... Propeller Dance sets to
break through the barriers... Inclusion is danced, sung and shouted out with
vibrancy, confidence and talent as the dancers glide, ride, slide and leap through
their performance.”
– Principal, Elementary School
Propeller Dance
Company in All the Buzz
Propeller Dance is the first integrated
dance company in Canada to develop
a program for schools. We have been
performing specific repertoire for young
audiences since 2008-2009 thanks to
the support of the Ontario Arts Council
and an Anonymous Foundation. Our
repertoire danced by the Propeller
Dance Company in schools included All
the Buzz and Us. Mark Rehder joined us
as much needed tech support during our
school tour.
In our third year of offering our school
program we gave ten performances in
Ottawa schools: Dr. John F. MacDonald,
Riverview Alternative, Osgoode Public,
Ottawa Technical Secondary School,
Queen Mary, Centennial, Charles
Hulse, and Vistas After School program
at Charles Hulse Public School. Five
schools also had adjoining workshops to
provide students with active learning of
integrated dance technique.
For the 2011-2012 year we have been
selected to be part of MASC and will
continue to offer our program of
performances, workshops and residency
programs in schools.
“It is impossible to truly capture our students’ energy and excitement during
the Propeller Dance program. Our students learn a good deal about themselves
and gain a greater appreciation for dance and the performing arts. The
Propeller Dance program is an exemplary partnership between our school and
the arts driven by the positive energy, purposeful planning and professional
expectations of Propeller Dance.”
– Teacher, High School
’s
Propeller Dance Children
Program
nd
Photo by Phillipa Maitla
Publicity
We were featured in a two-page full-colour article in the Fall 2010 Abilities magazine.
A photo and caption in the front section of The Winnipeg Free Press called us “unique and enlightening entertainment”.
CTV reported on our Children’s show and articles appeared in 24 Hours Ottawa and EMC Nepean.
We continue to update our website1, Facebook group2 and blog3.
1
www.propellerdance.com;
2
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Propeller-Dance/95072518925; 3 propellerdance.blogspot.com
2010-2011 Annual Report
6
Dance Training
Our integrated dance training programs allowed 85 people from ages 4 to 65 to
experience dance.
Children’s Program
In our Propeller children’s program
lessons focused on space, colour, rhythm
and emotion while also teaching dance
sequences and creative expression. We
ran two weekly classes (4-7 year olds and
8-12 year olds) at Churchill Alternative
School. Under Shara Weaver’s direction
and ongoing mentoring we had quite a
team of leaders: Ximena Puente, who
has been teaching Propeller Dance
children’s classes for the past four years,
Jessie Huggett, Liz Winkelaar and Bella
Bowes. Jason Sonier accompanied with
live music for each class and original
compositions for the shows.
Propeller Dance
Recreational Class
Photo by Keane Shore
We continue to document our countless
number of original integrated dance
exercises for children. We are so proud
of our children’s wing which is a rarity in
Canada and abroad. This year’s season
ended in our largest and most striking
children’s performance yet at the Canada
Space and Aviation Museum.
“Dance class is the highlight of my
daughter’s week. She loves it.”
—Parent of student in
adult program
Youth/Adult Program
Our two youth/adult classes taught by
Renata Soutter and Shara Weaver were
held weekly from September to May at
Richelieu-Vanier Community Centre and
Nepean Creative Arts Centre and remain
very popular. Both classes were at full
capacity with waiting lists. The students
performed in our annual year end show.
Ximena Puente taught two new
Propeller Dance sessions for the City of
Ottawa’s ABI Day program and Service
Coordination’s Day program. These filled
an existing gap in city programming
and steps are in the making for a future
workshop series.
“The Propeller Dance Children’s program is
one of the most amazing classes that I have
taught in my career as a teacher. Each class is a
new experience; children are real teachers for
me. The art of movement gives everyone the
possibility of being part of this unique group
that believes everybody can dance! I am part
of an incredible process of learning.”
—Teacher Ximena Puente
’s
Propeller Dance Children
Program
nd
Photo by Phillipa Maitla
2010-2011 Annual Report
7
Donors & Supporters
FONDS DE DOTATION
ENDOWMENT FUND
Individual Donors
Anonymous
Merle Adam/National Capital Dance Educators
Alexis Andrew & Steve Moran
Larry & Myrna Baker
Caroline Barriere
Rohini Bhalla
Bob & Lynda Bowes
Rosamaria Durmond
Nicole Ferland
Alannah Fitzgerald
Janet George
Eleanor Glor
Barbara & Marcelo Grinfield
Mehrunisha Harji
Heather Hartley
Wendy Hartley
Mary Huggett
David Hoffman
Megan Jerome
Regina Tracyzk Jurjonas
Maggie Laverriere
Christpher Luesby
Karen Lynn Palmer
Helene Peladeck
Julie Quigley
Wendy Sarsons
Nancy Burgoyne Schutte
Martin & Uta Soutter
Heather Sword
Patricia Reynolds
Craig and Lin Rowsell
Shara Weaver
Volunteers
Liz Babiak
Christine Bell
Manon Blouin Bob Bowes
Lynda Bowes
Robin Bowes-Wint
Jamellia Camel
Kate Charles
Chris Conrad
Julia Cross
Sapir Fellus
Rotem Fellus
Sebastian Graterol-Puente
Daneila Graterol-Puente
Donna Hiscott
Joe Hiscott
Linda Hoffman
Silent Auction Donors
Agave Grill
Barbara Grinfeld
Barbara Wright
Basement Artists/Marcus Lamoureux
Body Shop - St.Laurent
Canada Agriculture Museum
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Canadian Museum of Nature
Canadian War Museum
David Weaver
Epicure Selections - Chyloe Sangster
Cineplex
City of Ottawa
Collected Works
Cosmic Adventures
Domus Café
H’Art
Hannah Irving
Happy Goat Coffee Company
Jennifer Haney
Jody Benjamin/Michael Ball from
Ball and Chain
Judith Spencer
Kathy Willoughby
Lafleche Adventure
Larry and Myrna Baker
Les Fougères Restaurant
Linda Hoffman
Little Ray’s Reptile Zoo
Liz Babiak
Louise Crandell
Martin & Uta Soutter
Dave Hoffman
Anna‐Lee Hoffman
Hannah Irving
Adam Hill
Nancy Huggett
Carolyn Hunter
Asha Jain
Laurie Kovachik
Zander MacDonald
Keir MacDonald
Elizabeth MacKinnon
Philippa Maitland
Cora Marta
Caitlin O’Connor
Emily O’Connor
Lisa O’Connor
Sebastian Puente
2010-2011 Annual Report
Montana’s Restaurant - Pinecrest
Mother Tongue Books
Mrs Tiggy Winkles
Museum of Science and Technology
National Art Centre - Dance
Papanack Park Zoo
Paul’s Boat Lines
Renu massage therapy and spa
Russel Levia
Sally Robinson
Scissors Hair Studios
Senators Foundation
Sheila Galbraith
Silver Snail
Super-Girl events + design
Susan Rosidi
Teresa Tsang
The Extra Ordinary Baby Shoppe
The Mud Oven
The Ottawa School of Speech and Drama
Via Rail
Wearable Ceramics - Erika Ferrarin
Wendy Waserman
Windhorse Yoga
Community Partners
Ximena Puente
Krysia Pazdzior
Pierre Richard
Brenna Rivier
Quinn Rivier-Gatt
David Scrimshaw
Keane Shore
David Sims
Uta and Martin Soutter
Celeste Thompson
Michelle Thompson
Teresa Tsang
Shellina Walji
Kathy Willoughby
Steve Wint
Thank you!
8
Financial Report
We received funding to:
• Develop and grow the
administrative capacity of Propeller
Dance.
• Create and produce new
professional dance works, tour
professional works, and run our
dance training programs for
children, youth and adults.
• Refine the company’s dance works
for school audiences and hire a
technician for school tours.
• Deliver school performances
and workshops to schools in
disadvantaged neighbourhoods
and communities.
• Rehearse and develop a new
dance work—Tracked—presented
by Corps Atypik at Studio 303 in
Montreal.
• Teach and mentor emerging
professional dancers,
choreographers and teaching
assistants in the Propeller Dance
company.
• Continue to work with arts
consultant Jane Marsland to
create an organizational plan that
includes Board development,
funding diversification and greater
connection with community. *This
project was extended into the
2010-2011 fiscal year.
Ordinary Income
2010/2011
2009/2010
Earned Revenue
28,865
22,245.61
Fundraising Events
4,637
4,591.10
Donations – Individual and Corporate
10,300
3,637.79
Foundation Grants
77,000
44,244.00
Government Program Grants
44,650
59,650.00
Total Income
165,452
134,368.50
Expenses
2010/2011
2009/2010
Contract Fees
61,306
20,525.55
Artistic Fees
71,835
67,828.32
Production
11,142
9,833.46
Space Rentals
6,535
5,856.03
Marketing
1,582
2,378.08
Fundraising
449
532.49
Professional Services
2000
4,005.00
Professional Development
0
1,793.19
Administration
4709
3,244.76
GST/HST
9,412
2,848.53
Total Expenses
168,970
118,845.41
Propeller Dance’s financial position
continued to grow in the 2010-2011
fiscal year, and the funding base
continued to diversify. Although project
funding from public sources decreased, it
was replaced and surpassed by support
from foundations and individual and
corporate donations. The organization
received its first corporate donor this
year—TELUS—as well as grants from the
Ontario Trillium Foundation, Community
Foundation of Ottawa, Anonymous
Foundation, Ontario Arts Council and
City of Ottawa.
Dancer Hannah Irving.
Photo by Keane Shore.
The adjacent financial statement is a
general-purpose financial report that
has been prepared in accordance with
applicable accounting standards.
2010-2011 Annual Report
9