The series was founded in 1993 by dance artists Sarah Chase, Michael Du Maresq and Michelle Silagy to fulfill a need in the Toronto dance community for more opportunities for emerging and established independent choreographers to show works-in-progress. The Choreographic Performance Workshops allowed choreographers to put new work before an audience and obtain feedback in a supportive yet professional atmosphere. For the last fifteen years Series 8:08 has also presented a series of Alternative Training Workshops led by esteemed Canadian and international artists such as Jo Strømgren, Keith Hennessy, Louise Lecavalier, Stephanie Skura, Margie Gillis, Crystal Pite, Mélanie Demers and Paul-André Fortier. In 2013, Ng also instigated the Creator’s Space program of residency and mentorship to foster deeper creative relationships within the community. Says Ng, “" I am tremendously grateful for my time with Series 808, this will always be a big part of my history. And it was an honour working with and witnessing so many stupendous and inspiring artists. Series 808 was a quiet and vital community connector – I will miss it and I believe it will be missed." A key factor in the decision to wind down Series 8:08 was that many other dance organizations have emulated the public workshop platforms, alternative training classes and residency opportunities that 8:08 has been offering for more than two decades and it seemed wise to stop duplicating services. We wish our colleagues all the best with these endeavours and give thanks for the many partnerships we’ve enjoyed over the years. Among those we wish to thank with deep gratitude – our funders at the Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council and Canada Council for the Arts, the YMCA, Harbourfront Centre and World Stage, Dancemakers, Toronto Dance Theatre, Videofag, Pia Bowman School of Dance, Danceworks, Dance Collection Danse, and staff members Jessica Runge, Susan Lee, Cara Spooner, Yves Candau, Stuart Baulch, Tanya Crowder, Tracey Norman and Kate Franklin. For more details about this announcement, please feel free to contact Series 8:08 by email at [email protected]
