This summer we said so long (we don’t really like goodbyes) to some very special long time board members. Both Marie Zimmerman and Heather Finn have been part of the fabric of Guelph Dance for many years.
Marie Zimmerman is a writer, editor, erstwhile dancer, and former publicist for the Guelph Dance Festival. For over 20 years, she has worked for five Canadian arts festivals, acting as Artistic Director, publicist, HR consultant, emergency plan architect, strategic planner and Treasurer. She is one of the founding members of the Guelph Fab 5, a collective of local arts festivals. She has volunteered with Guelph Dance in various capacities for almost twenty years. She is also the Executive Director of the Hillside Festival.
Marie has been an incredible leader within our organization, with her deep understanding of the industry and her passion for movement and community, she has been a mentor to both staff and board members. While we are sad to see her leave her official role as treasurer with Guelph Dance, we know that we will have the great pleasure to work with her through other community organizations and as a volunteer. Marie, we are deeply grateful for your incredible contributions to Guelph Dance.
Heather Finn studied ballet with Carolyn Zettel in Waterloo, modern and break dance at McMaster University Centre for Dance, and danced professionally with Hamilton Dance Company, Caroline Barriere Danse (Ottawa), and Suzette Sherman/Dancetheatre David Earle (Guelph). During her time at McMaster University, she taught dry land training for the Burlington Synchronized Swimming Club and worked in front-of-house at St. Jacobs Schoolhouse Theatre (Drayton Entertainment) and Theatre Aquarius (Hamilton). She completed her Bachelor of Arts and Science in 2001 and her Masters in Physiotherapy in 2004.
Heather has been part of our board for the last 10 years. She has been a steady keel for Guelph Dance. She has on-boarded new staff and board members and has been incredibly organized as we transitioned to a more digital way of operating. Her passion for dance and community is positively contagious and we will miss her calm leadership in our board meetings. Heather, thank you for giving so much of your time to Guelph Dance and to our community!
Though we will miss both Marie and Heather greatly, we are excited to share with you who will be stepping into new roles here at Guelph Dance. We are always looking for new faces to join us on the Board of Directors or as a community volunteer.
If you are interested in joining us, please reach out to [email protected]!