“Grant Strate is the father of dance in Canada,” said Penelope Reed Doob, who currently chairs York’s dance department. “He has distinguished himself as a compelling performer and choreographer, a demanding yet kindly teacher, an effective advocate for the arts, a visionary university administrator and a deeply loved ambassador for dance throughout the world. Now nearing 80, he continues to inspire us with his energy, wisdom, and optimism.”

The CORPS de Ballet International is the professional organization of ballet teachers dedicated to the development, exploration and advancement of ballet in higher education. Strate will accept the award on June 25 at the organization’s annual international conference in San Francisco. The lifetime achievement award is given in recognition of a person who has, over a long period of time, made a significant contribution to the development of the art and teaching of ballet in higher education.

A charter member and the first resident choreographer of the National Ballet of Canada, Strate left the company in 1970 to establish the dance department at York University. Recognized nationally for the strength and excellence of its teachers and programs, York’s dance department has nurtured a generation of notable dance professionals, including Christopher House, Carol Anderson, Tedd Robinson, Patricia Fraser and Denise Fujiwara.

During his 10-year tenure at York, Strate continued his involvement in the larger dance community and his advocacy for the development of the art of dance and dance education in Canada. He chaired the board of directors of Dancemakers during the company’s formative years. As founding chair of the Dance in Canada Association, he organized the first National Dance Education Conference in 1973 at York University. He brought together choreographers, composers, dancers and musicians in mentored creative ‘hothouse’ settings through a series of national choreographic seminars.

A prolific choreographer, Strate has created more than 50 ballets for dance companies in Canada and internationally. He has guest-taught across North America, Asia and Europe, including at New York’s Juilliard School, the Laban Centre in London and the Beijing Dance Academy.

Strate continues to contribute to the advancement of dance of all kinds as president of the World Dance Alliance - Americas. Under his leadership, the World Dance Alliance (Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific) will hold its next Global Assembly at York University in July 2006, with a theme of dance and multiculturalism.

Strate has won many accolades for his contributions to dance in Canada, including the inaugural Chalmers Award for Creativity in Dance, the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, the Canada Council’s Jacqueline Lemieux Prize and the Order of Canada. Now, as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, he joins a distinguished company of international dance artists/educators.

The “Accolades to” series showcases York University’s vibrant cultural community by profiling faculty, students, alumni and friends who deserve accolades for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the fine arts. Supporting this creative talent, York’s new Accolade buildings will offer Canada's future artists, scholars and educators a state-of-the-art teaching, exhibition and performance complex in which to learn, create and innovate. Opening in 2005/2006, the Accolade Project reflects York’s stature as a rising cultural powerhouse and key partner in Toronto's cultural renaissance.

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For further information, please contact:
Jeff Ball, Media Relations, York University, 416-736-2100 x 22086/ jball@yorku.ca