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Help Build Bright Futures for Dancers

Choose How You Would Like to Make an Impact

As the only organization in Canada dedicated to supporting professional dancers through career development and transitions, the DTRC is a trusted resource for dancers as they navigate change, explore new possibilities and build what comes next.

DONATIONS

Make a one-time or monthly gift and help provide
essential programs and services to professional dancers across Canada.

Your generosity makes our work possible.

Whether you make a donation today, explore another way to give, or include the DTRC in your future plans, your support helps ensure dancers across Canada have access to counselling, retraining, career development and a community that understands their journey.

Other Ways to Give

Generosity comes in many forms.

In addition to making a traditional donation, there are other ways you can support the DTRC while choosing the giving option that works best for you.

GIFTS OF SECURITIES

Donating publicly traded securities, stocks or mutual funds can be a tax-effective way to make a meaningful contribution in support of professional dancers across Canada.

Learn More

Dancer: Emily Honegger

DONOR-ADVISED FUND

If you have a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF), you can recommend a gift to the DTRC through your fund. Your contribution will support professional dancers across Canada.

Learn More

Dancer: Shana Wolfe

A native of New York City, Joysanne Sidimus M.S.M. attended Barnard College where she studied Comparative Religion before joining the New York City Ballet. She subsequently performed as a soloist with London’s Festival Ballet and as a Principal Dancer with the Pennsylvania Ballet and The National Ballet of Canada.

After performing she taught extensively and, for the last 35 years, has been a Balanchine reptetiteur, most notably with the National Ballet of Canada and internationally. In addition to her work as a repetiteur, Ms. Sidimus is the founder of the Dancer Transition Resource Centre and was Executive Director for 20 years. She has written two books, served on numerous advisory committees and was the founding Vice-President of the Board of Directors of the Artists’ Health Centre Foundation (now the Artists’ Health Alliance).

Ms. Sidimus is the recipient of many awards and honours, including the Governor General’s Meritorious Service Medal for making a significant contribution to the cultural life of Canada in founding the Dancer Transition Resource Centre. As well, Ms. Sidimus was a recipient of the 2006 Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Life-time Achievement.

Susan Kendal is an arts administrator and textile artist who has a deep, enduring history with dance. After training at the Edmonton School of Ballet while growing up, Susan did her post-secondary training with the School of Toronto Dance Theatre‘s Professional Training Program over the turn of the millennium. She went on to work as an independent dance artist based in Toronto and Barrie, Ontario (2001-2016), choreographing, performing, and designing costumes under the moniker Pocket Alchemy. Susan taught for the Young Dancers Program at The School of TDT from 2003-2014.

As an administrator, Susan worked for The Dance Current magazine (2003-2011) in various capacities including managing editor, office manager, and writer. More recently, she worked as the core administrator for Marketing for Hippies, a Canadian ethical marketing coaching company (2014-2024).

Textile art has become Susan’s primary artistic practice since 2014-ish. Working in various mediums, she is passionate about wool (and natural fibres of all kinds!), plant dyes, traditional rug hooking, weaving, knitting, felting, and embroidery, playing between techniques regularly. Her work is featured in the book Strange Material: Storytelling Through Textiles by Leanne Prain. Her outdoor installation Pop Goes the Forest spent five months of 2022 hanging in the renowned Halliburton Sculpture Forest.

Susan lives in the small town of Deep River, Ontario on the unceded territory of the Anishinabewaki and Omàmìwininìwag (Algonquin), Williams and Robinson-Huron/Treaty 61 territory, along with her husband, two teenage sons, and one kitty.

Gifts of Securities

By donating securities directly through CanadaHelps to the DTRC, as opposed to selling them and donating the proceeds, the capital gains tax can be eliminated. This means more of your donation goes directly to dance artists and a greater charitable tax credit for you.

A gift of securities helps the DTRC provide vital career development and exploration, counselling, skills and study grants, financial literacy and resources to dancers across Canada as they navigate change and build sustainable futures.

It’s simple and easy. Get started today.

Rachel Dupéré is a trained classical pianist who grew up in the Montreal area. Passionate about classical music as well as the human being, she undertook college studies in the humanities and music to finally set her sights on piano practice. Holding a bachelor’s degree as a performer at the University of Sherbrooke, she is now pursuing her studies in piano accompaniment, more particularly ballet accompaniment, an artistic field that fascinates her and that she wishes to integrate into her career as musician. In conjunction with her studies, Rachel joined the DTRC team as a member service administrator in Quebec, while teaching piano and taking amateur ballet lessons.

Carola made her transition into the not-for-profit sector after a solid 15+year career in the Commercial Real Estate industry, in order to further expand and develop her existing passion for community outreach. She has been an advocate and strong supporter of various organizations across the Greater Toronto Area over several years, mostly focused in Youth Programing, as well as Women and Youth Empowerment movements.

Carola was most recently the Development Manager, and Strategic Partnerships with Theatre Ontario https://www.theatreontario.org/ where she was part of the organization for close to 3 years. During her time, she became a valuable supporter for the theatre community and artists across the province. She has also served as a consultant with organizations such as I Can, We Can!, Elizabeth Correia Enterprises, and Think 2wice where she was responsible for partnership acquisitions and program development.

As Development and Fundraising Director, Carola is responsible for all activities surrounding programming partnerships and sponsorships, and overall donor management.

Giulia Tripoli is a multifaceted artist, choreographer, and educator who has been shaping stages and minds locally, nationally, and internationally since 2008. She is the founder of Tripoli Studios Inc. which has become a Montreal staple for any dancer or teacher looking to be in an open and accepting environment. Known for her signature style and deep-rooted passion for the arts, Giulia brings authenticity, innovation, and discipline to everything she creates. As a dynamic host and speaker, Giulia uses her voice to inspire, advocate, and spark meaningful dialogue—empowering the next generation of creatives while fostering connection and transformation through every performance, class, and conversation.

Donor-Advised Fund

A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is one of the fastest-growing and most flexible ways to support charitable causes in Canada. Through a DAF, you can make a charitable contribution, receive an immediate tax receipt, and then recommend grants to registered charities like the DTRC over time. DAFs are administered by public foundations and charitable organizations that help donors manage their philanthropy while supporting the causes they care about most.

When you recommend a grant to DTRC through your DAF, you are helping professional dancers across Canada access career development and transition services, counselling, learning programs, mentorship, and resources that improve wellbeing, resilience, and long-term success.

Ready to Recommend a Grant?

Mika Manning (she/they) is a dancer, arts administrator and photographer currently residing on the unceded ancestral territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, also known as Vancouver, BC. Mika graduated with a diploma in dance from Arts Umbrella in 2016 and completed her dance training at the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance from 2016-2018.

In 2019, Mika returned to Vancouver to pursue a freelance career and as a part of De leeuw/Gilbert/Manning she performed and created various works in collaboration, including “i know you know” which was presented as part of the 2022-2023 VIDF Livestream series. Mika also performed as a dancer in the Company 605 production of “Future, Futures” currently streaming on CBC Gem. Her photography work has been featured in the Dance Current Magazine’s 2020 July/Aug issue and in promotional materials for Arts Umbrella Dance.

Mika has recently completed her Bachelor’s degree with distinction in art, performance and cinema studies at Simon Fraser University.

Ysadora Dias is a dance artist based in so-called Vancouver, whose cultural heritage is at the heart of her practice. She explores cultural and ancestral memory, and how what we inherit from those who came before us continues to live in our bodies and shape the way we move through the world. She has collaborated and performed with several Vancouver-based companies, including Co. Erasga, MascallDance, Raven Spirit Dance, Inverso Productions, Action at a Distance, and Belle Spiralle.

Alongside her artistic practice, Ysa has worked in producing and administration with MascallDance and Dance//Novella. In 2025, she was part of The Cultch’s Youth Panel and served as a Youth Jury member for the Vancouver Latin American Film Festival.

Eugene “GeNie” Baffoe is a hip hop dancer, DJ, educator, and filmmaker from Montreal, Québec, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He has been studying hip hop culture for over a decade, teaching, performing and competing all over the world. GeNie is a high energy performer, instructor and educator dedicated to authentically delivering the culture to his community and colleagues.

Wai Liu is a Hong Kong-born artist and arts worker based in Toronto who wears many hats across the independent dance and performance community. Working through movement, arts administration, production support, communications, and community engagement, their practice is grounded in collaboration, care, and process driven artistic exchange. Alongside their work in contemporary dance, improvisation, and theatrical physicality, Wai has supported festivals, workshops, residencies, and independent productions through marketing, outreach, social media coordination, event support, and artist relations. As a newcomer to Canada, they are interested in building sustainable and community minded ways of working that support both artistic practice and collective growth. Wai continues to seek spaces rooted in curiosity, connection, and meaningful exploration.

Katrina Del Villar (she/her) is a recent graduate from Simon Fraser University with a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in Psychology and a minor in Counselling and Human Development. She worked as a faculty peer mentor and research assistant in both the Helping and Happiness Psychology Lab and the Lifelong Health and Wellness Gerontology Lab.

Katrina trained professionally in ballet at Alberta Ballet School and completed post-graduate contemporary training at Lamondance. She later danced with Modus Operandi Link and most recently joined Trek of Arts’ advanced competitive hip hop team. She has also taught children’s dance classes for the past four years within the Vancouver dance community.

Dance has deeply shaped Katrina’s identity. She understands the challenges dancers face and the DTRC’s role in supporting them. This fall, she begins her Master’s in Clinical Psychology, aiming to bridge her passions for research, mental health, and the arts.

Jocelyn Mah is a contemporary dance artist currently based in Mohkinstsis Calgary, Canada, whose practice has expanded to include puppetry, mask performance and interdisciplinary creation. Lively and collaborative, her choreography weaves exaggerated fictional characters, metaphorical imagery, and music-dance synergy into eccentric tapestries.

Jocelyn’s choreographic work has been presented across Canada as well as in the UK and Europe, at The SummerWorks Performance Festival, Dance Ontario’s Dance Weekend, Springboard’s Fluid Fest, Dance Made In Canada, EDge on Tour, ProArts at Noon, The Alberta Ballet School, The Festival of Animated Objects, Calgary Folk Music Festival, Skylines Dance Festival and Alberta Dance Theatre, among many others. As a dancer and puppeteer, Jocelyn has worked with independent artists and companies alike, leading to performances and touring throughout Canada and the UK.

She is a graduate of Dance Arts Institute (The School of Toronto Dance Theatre) and holds her Master of Arts in Contemporary Dance Performance from The London Contemporary Dance School (London, UK), with her Master’s thesis focusing on the relationship between music in dance in authentic and vernacular jazz dance choreography.

Alex Pollard is a professional Dancer, Choreographer, and Actor based in Toronto ON with over 15 Years of experience in the Entertainment Industry. He is trained in various styles of dance such as Hip-Hop, Jazz-Funk, Heels, Ballet, Contemporary, Jazz, Bollywood, and much more across cities such as Toronto, New York and Los Angeles. Alex also holds a Bachelor of

Arts in Dance from York University. Alex has performed and choreographed across various mediums including Film/TV, Live Stage, Theatre, Commercial, and more with credits including: Amazon Prime Video, Bud Light, Nike, Adidas, Hulu/FOX, YTV’s The Next Star, Indian International Film Awards, JUNO’s Nominee Concert, Anjulie, Kiesza, David Foster, Mary Kay, Bat Out of Hell, The Empire Strips Back, Shoppers Drug Mart, Glad x Sesame Street, Downy, Meals on Wheels America, ESPN x Dos Equis, IKEA and more.Alex is a passionate instructor who has taught for institutions such as York University,

Centennial College, Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board, York Region District School Board, Peel District School Board, and many more at various Regional Arts Programs. He has experience in teaching individuals of all ages and abilities. Alex has also adjudicated for competitions across Canada such as VIEW Dance Challenge, Shock Dance Challenge, Dream to Dance, and more. Most notably, Alex is the Owner of City Centre Dance – The GTA’s Hottest Dance Programs. Alex is quick to learn and can adapt under any circumstances given to him, seizing any opportunity to perform, choreograph and teach. He continues to grow and learn through his passion for dance and living life through gratitude. By treating each day as a new opportunity to grow as both a person and artist, he continues to shape a journey unique to him.

Mika Manning (she/they) is a dancer, arts administrator and photographer currently residing on the unceded ancestral territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, also known as Vancouver, BC. Mika graduated with a diploma in dance from Arts Umbrella in 2016 and completed her dance training at the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance from 2016-2018.

Mika has recently completed her Bachelor’s degree with distinction in art, performance and cinema studies at Simon Fraser University.

A seasoned arts worker with extensive experience across Toronto’s vibrant performing arts sector, Sarah has supported artists, companies, and creative initiatives with insight, integrity, and care. Her career spans development, finance, and community engagement, grounded in a deep commitment to sustainable creative practice. Having contributed to the cultural landscape of Toronto, she now looks forward to bringing her expertise and passion to the Dancer Transition Resource Centre, supporting artists in navigating meaningful career evolution.

Zahra Baduais a multifaceted artist whose work is deeply rooted in her love for
dance, education, and the rich cultural heritage of the African diaspora. Her mission
within the dance landscape is to preserve and celebrate the beauty and diversity of African and Caribbean-based dance forms. With extensive training in Traditional West African dance (Ghana and Guinea) and various West and Central African street styles, Zahra has performed, taught, and choreographed for numerous dance companies, schools, and events across Canada and the United States.

She is the founder of ZahraMoves, an educational and performance-based company. Its educational branch focuses on the historical, cultural, and artistic significance of African diasporic dances, while the performance branch provides a platform for emerging artists of color to grow, experiment, and develop their craft. Zahra also serves as the Production and Engagement Coordinator for dance Immersion, a Black-led non-profit organization that produces, promotes, and supports dancers and dances of the African diaspora. Her skills also extend behind the stage, where she works as a rehearsal director and stage manager for numerous artistic projects across Toronto. This breadth of experience allows her to navigate the creative process from multiple vantage points; performance, education, administration, or production. Dance lives everywhere

Sydney Ewert is an emerging contemporary dance artist and educator from Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Having recently graduated from York University’s BFA dance program in Toronto, she is excited to be back in her home province to reconnect with the Nova Scotia dance community. Amidst her studies, she had the opportunity to perform in Canada, Portugal, and Iceland as well as had the invaluable experience of sharing her passion for dance through the lens of social inclusion with at-risk youth across Canada and beyond.

National Office

The Lynda Hamilton Centre
Suite 303
1000 Yonge Street
Toronto, ON M4W 2K2

Phone: 416-595-5655

nationaloffice@dtrc.ca

Office Hours:
By Appointment Only – Please contact nationaloffice@dtrc.ca

*Wheelchair accessible

BC Office

The BC office runs as a virtual office and is open on a part-time basis, according to a variable schedule.

bcoffice@dtrc.ca

Quebec Office

The Quebec office runs as a virtual office and is open on a part-time basis, according to a variable schedule.

bureauqc@crtd.ca

Regional Reps

British Columbia
Mika Manning
bcrep@dtrc.ca

Alberta
Jocelyn Mah
abrep@dtrc.ca

Manitoba
Eugene “GeNie” Baffoe
mbrep@dtrc.ca

Ontario
Alex Pollard
alex@dtrc.ca

Zahra Badua
zahra@dtrc.ca

Quebec
Giulia Tripoli
bureauqc@crtd.ca

Atlantic
Sydney Ewert
atlantic@dtrc.ca

Toll-free: 1-800-667-0851

Territory Acknowledgment

We acknowledge the lands, waterways, languages, and Indigenous peoples of Turtle Island – First Nations, Inuit and Métis – who have been living on these lands since time immemorial. As we carry out our work, digitally and in person across many distinct territories, we offer our recognition and respect to all the peoples and places that are connected through our engagement together. We, at the Dancer Transition Resource Centre, commit to the ongoing work and learning required of all of us to address past and persistent harms. We continue to deepen our understanding and we welcome dialogue as we strive to move into better relations with Indigenous peoples and with the land.