The Dance Centre’s awards recognize the body of work of both emerging and established artists throughout BC, and it’s just announced this year’s recipients.

Lisa Mariko Gelley, Josh Martin, and Margaret Grenier were awarded for their contributions to the artform.

The biennial Lola Award was given to Lisa Mariko Gelley and Josh Martin, who founded Company 605: an organization linked to the works of dozens of companies and dancers. The $10,000 award is specifically for mid-career and senior choreographers; its previous winners include established career heavy-hitters such as Crystal Pite and Justine A. Chambers.

And named after dancer Isadora Duncan, the annual Isadora Award was presented to Margaret Grenier, executive and artistic director for the Dancers of Damelahamid and producer of the Coastal Dance Festival.

“I am so pleased that we are able to celebrate the accomplishments of some of BC’s most exciting and influential dance artists through these two awards. Lisa Mariko Gelley and Josh Martin have built a repertoire of innovative work which is deeply integrated with other disciplines,” shares the Dance Centre’s executive director, Mirna Zagar, in a statement. “Margaret Grenier’s leadership of the Dancers of Damelahamid and the Coastal Dance Festival has elevated the work of Indigenous artists and pushed the boundaries of the form. These awards, which are also supported by generous donors, illustrate the depth and diversity of artistry in BC’s dance community.”