Joysanne Sidimus, DTRC Founder

All staff and regional representatives are under an obligation of confidentiality and are not permitted to release any information pertaining to our members to anyone without written authorization.

Founder's Award

In 2007, the Dancer Transition Resource Centre (DTRC) Board approved the creation of a new award, the Founder’s Award, to honour Joysanne Sidimus, the Founder and former Executive Director of DTRC.

One award will be granted every two years. *

The purpose of the Award is to recognize a particular need in the dance community — time for reflection prior to embarking on a career change. A dancer’s life is intense, highly disciplined and provides little or no time for periods of rest and renewal. When there is time, it is most often necessary to find employment to provide for the necessities of life. This award recognizes that need for reflection and exploration and addresses it by providing a $20,000 grant once every two years to one qualified and deserving member of the DTRC.

The $20,000 award will cover a period of reflection of between 6-12 months.

* The Founder's Award, as one of the DTRC's Discretionary Awards, is competitive and is awarded only when financially feasible.

Eligibility
The award is open to DTRC members who are eligible for a FTS-I Grant and the same criteria apply. It is intended to be preparatory to a FTS-I Grant for a dancer who needs time to reflect on what new career path they may want to follow at this time. It is understood that the member receiving the award will be applying for a FTS-I Grant after completing this award.

FTS-I Grant Criteria:

1. A minimum of ten years of professional performance, five of which were spent in Canada**
2. Must be at least 28 years of age
3. Fully paid member in good standing for at least five consecutive years prior to applying for grant
4. Must have danced a minimum of 60 months during the 10 year minimum period

**Please note: Members prior to Sept. 1, 2008 - same as above, with the following exception:

1. A minimum of seven years of professional performance, five of which were spent in Canada

Valleyview Artist Retreat

As part of the Founder’s Award, DTRC patron and Advisory Council member, Lynda Hamilton has generously offered the award recipient the use of the Valleyview Artist Retreat for one week www.obeo.com/393091 .

Situated just north-west to Toronto in the Hills of Caledon, the Retreat is in a secluded rural setting and offers an environment conducive to inspiration and rejuvenation.

The week may be taken between April – October. Please note that this offering does not include transportation to the Retreat. As well, the offer is not transferable and has no cash value. If the Founder’s Award recipient does not take advantage of the Retreat in the year offered, no alternative is provided. Full details will be provided to the recipient on announcement of the award

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Application Process

The application deadline is July 2, 2010.

Download application package (PDF).