Mimi Beck's Acceptance Speech

Mimi Beck portrait Photo by David Hou

On January 20, Dance Curator Mimi Beck was presented with the 2007 Dance Ontario Award for her distinguished career as a dance curator. Here are some highlights from Mimi’s acceptance speech from the ceremony at the Premiere Dance Theatre at Harbourfront Centre. Mimi Beck is now DanceWorks’ Dance Curator and the Executive Director of The CanDance Network.

“…I believe that arts service organizations play an invaluable role in our community whether organizing our efforts to improve working conditions, enhancing public appreciation of the form, or giving us opportunities to celebrate our achievements.

We face many challenges in the world of contemporary dance - working conditions can be difficult and there is intense competition for limited resources. But after 30 years I can honestly say it’s a fascinating career with tremendous rewards. It is fulfilling to be part of the process of bringing dance creations to life - whether pieces succeed or fail, are popular or unpopular. Whatever the outcome, it’s a joy to participate in this manifestation of the human spirit, and to do this over so many years.”

“… It is never dull working with the people and the personalities in this business: choreographers with their brilliance, quirks and remarkable drive. There’s the stimulation of working with performers, presenting colleagues, volunteer boards, tech crews, funders, writers, and I do include the critics.

Although the material rewards may be modest, the spirit in this community is huge. There are very few work places where you’ll find such fundamental warmth and generosity.”

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