Patricia Fraser has been the Artistic Director of The School of Toronto Dance Theatre for nearly 28 years, and will retire at the end of the 2020-21 school year. She has brought to her position an extensive teaching background, significant experience as a dancer and artistic director, and most importantly, a personal commitment to the life-long learning continuum of a dance artist.
During her tenure as Artistic Director, she has led the School with a combination of long-range vision, integrity, and compassion. She continues to support students and graduates as they develop their careers, and she has built an outstanding roster of faculty, committed guest artists, and supporters. Through her connection with other schools across Canada, she has built a collaborative forum for shared experiences and collective problem-solving. She has been passionately committed to the training and education of young dancers in contemporary dance, and has dedicated herself to investing in the artistic potential of youth and for the development of the art form.
“Notwithstanding the challenges of the pandemic, this transition has been in the planning stages for some time”, stated Fraser. “I have every confidence that the new leader will have a firm foundation upon which to build a fresh direction for the School. I extend my immense gratitude to the Board of Directors, as well as the administration, staff, faculty, and students of the School, both past and present, for their years of support and guidance.”
“Pat has given several generations of emerging dance artists an inspiring and stimulating initiation into the challenging world of the contemporary dancer”, said Gail Lilley, President, Board of Directors. “She leaves the organization in a solid position and we will miss her wisdom, generosity, dedication, and commitment. We look forward to celebrating her contributions in person when it is safe to do so later in 2021.”