Early in the 1970’s there was a growing interest in dance in Halifax. There was a need for a place and structure for adults interested in dance to assemble and train. At some point before the Co-op is formed Chance to Dance happens. How this started and exactly when (1972 or 73?) is unclear but Ellen Pierce, then working for the provincial government for a Greg Donovan, feels she had something to do with it and remembers inviting Helen Jones and David Woods to teach. Helen does recall coming but is not sure when. Ellen left before the courses she had organized happened and went to Vancouver and another person, perhaps Janet Hull, took over the Chance to Dance event. It seems before the Co-op formed there may have been more than one Chance to Dance. Others recall that Rima Wolf and Candy Darling also taught but aren’t sure exactly when.
At some point meetings start. Jackie recalls that Elizabeth Zimmer contacted her and that maybe 30 teachers and interested souls gathered at the “Y”. It’s unclear when these were – 72, 73? – fall - winter – spring? There were perhaps successive meetings attended by fewer. Mary recalls a meeting at the old St. Mary’s school attended by Elizabeth and Peter Zimmer, Jackie, Penny, maybe David and a few others – possibly following a Chance to Dance class maybe in 73. At some point a few decide to do it – to form the Co-op and get a studio but at what point exactly and who and how is still a bit unclear. Peter recalls the first studio as being at Grafton and George on the top floor of a building occupied by Connors’ Brothers Flooring. Elizabeth recalls that the studio had no running water.
Around the same time Halcyon is started. David Weller and perhaps Anita Martin apply for an OFY grant and get it. It seems by the late fall of 1973 Halcyon is up and running. They tour during the winter and maybe spring of 1974 but then disband. Perhaps the Halcyon studio predates the Co-op’s having a studio or maybe they both go in on one. Any ideas?
By 1974 the first directors of the Halifax Dance Co-op, as recorded at the First Registry of Joint Stocks, are listed as follows: David Weller, Lannie Johnston, Donna Williams, Graham V. Goddard, K. Barbara Smith, Jacqueline Moriarty, Rebecca King, Richmond Campbell, Mary Turnbull, Penny Evans, Nora Stoval, Pat Richards and Peter Zimmer. I have not seen this document but quote from a 1993 article in the DANS news . Nora Stovel did not however arrive in Halifax before 1975 so this creates a certain bit of confusion as to what in fact happened.
Along with the above directors’ names these are others who may have played a role that I have not contacted. If any of you know of their whereabouts that might help;
Anita Martin, Judith Garay, David Jones, Joan Simpson, Pat Crooks, Joe Wallin, Ducan Holt, Gary Eisenhauer, Rebecca King, Mark Wynn, Ellen Ruum, Greg Donavan, Alison Bishop, Michael Adenne, Catriona Talbot.
The Chance to Dance Teachers people recall attending in the early years are:
Helen Jones, David Wood, Rima Wolf and Candy Darling.
