2025 EVENT
For the first time since its inception, the Dance Collection Danse Hall of Fame celebration took place outside of Toronto – and we headed to Winnipeg, a city with a storied and notable place in Canadian dance history. This year’s venue was The Metropolitan Entertainment Centre and the evening featured:
- Live Performances
- Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres
Visit our Youtube page to watch the 2025 Live Stream or specific excerpts.
Please consider a donation to help us cover the cost of producing and presenting this landmark event.
https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/dance-collection-danse/campaign/2025-dcd-hall-of-fame/
INDUCTEES
The Dance Collection Danse Hall of Fame event honours and celebrates dynamic lifelong contributions to dance in Canada by some remarkable individuals. Honourees are associated with a full spectrum of dance disciplines. They include:
Arnold Spohr, C.C., O.M.
Rachel Browne, C.M.
Brian Webb
Ryan Richard (aka Miss Sandi Bay)
Canada’s Ukrainian Shumka Dancers
William J. S. Boyle Dance Luminaries: Odette Heyn, C.M. and Faye Thomson, C.M.
Sandra Faire Next Generation Award: Ashley Colours Perez
EVENT LOCATION: The Metropolitan Entertainment Centre, 281 Donald St, Winnipeg, MB R3C 1M9
PRESENTERS
a special thank-you to this year’s Presenters
EVELYN HART, C.C., O.M., F.R.S.C.
Award-winning ballerina Evelyn Hart is an internationally renowned dancer and one of Canada’s most treasured artists. After studying at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, Professional Division, where she trained under David Moroni, she joined the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in 1976, becoming a soloist in 1978 and principal dancer in 1979. In 1989 she was honoured as the first Canadian to be awarded a gold medal at the International Ballet Competition in Varna, Bulgaria. Over her 30-year career with the RWB, she performed on stages in over 118 countries and on every continent. Noted for her musicality and lyricism, Hart brought her trademark artistic and dramatic approach to the classical full-length roles including Giselle, Swan Lake, Onegin, Sleeping Beauty and Romeo and Juliet. She has been featured in works by Sir Frederick Ashton, Antony Tudor, Jirí Kylián, Norbert Vesak, Rudi van Dantzig, George Balanchine, and James Kudelka. Hart’s many awards include Companion of the Order of Canada, ACTRA, Chalmers Award, Canada’s Walk of Fame, Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, and an honorary doctorate from the University of Manitoba. Since her official retirement from the stage as a ballerina, she has continued to create, perform, and mentor a new generation of dance artists.
CATHERINE WREFORD
Catherine Wreford was born and raised in Winnipeg and is a true inspiration and a force to be reckoned with. She performed at the Stratford Festival, on Broadway, played roles in movies and TV shows, ran a mortgage company, became a nurse, starred in 10 performances with Rainbow Stage, Dry Cold Productions and choreographed and performed at RMTC. She recently played Princess Diana at Theatre Aquarius and RMTC.
On June 24, 2013 she was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer after the birth of her second child and was given 2–6 years to live. Undeterred, Catherine defied the odds and embraced her true calling as a performer and a motivational speaker. In addition to her health battle, she also found the strength to leave an abusive marriage—an act of profound courage that allowed her to reclaim her freedom and step fully into the life she was meant to live. Her resilience in the face of both illness and adversity serves as a beacon of hope, showing that even in the darkest moments, new beginnings are possible.
Her triumph on Season 8 of The Amazing Race Canada, alongside her best friend Craig Ramsay, amplified her mission to raise awareness and find a cure for brain cancer. Catherine is a living testament to the indomitable human spirit, an unwavering advocate for life, and an empowering voice that encourages us all to “run your own amazing race.
CHRISTOPHER STOWELL
Christopher Stowell is a distinguished ballet leader, choreographer, and former principal dancer with over three decades of experience in the field. Born in New York City to dance leaders Kent Stowell and Francia Russell, he trained at Pacific Northwest Ballet School and the School of American Ballet before joining San Francisco Ballet in 1985, where he danced for 16 years. He performed leading roles in both classical and contemporary works and appeared on prestigious stages worldwide, including the Paris Opéra and Moscow’s Bolshoi Theater.
In 2003, Stowell became Artistic Director of Oregon Ballet Theatre, expanding its repertoire with works by Balanchine, Robbins, Forsythe, Wheeldon, and more. He later served as Associate Artistic Director of The National Ballet of Canada, where he co-created Karen Kain’s Swan Lake and contributed to strategic planning and diversity initiatives. A sought-after coach, répétiteur, and choreographer, Stowell has created works for major North American companies and staged ballets by Balanchine, Morris, and Wheeldon. He was appointed Artistic Director of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in 2025.
NOLAN KEHLER
Nolan Kehler brings an infectious energy to every stage (and microphone) he graces. As the new host of Morning Light on Winnipeg’s Classic 107, Nolan shares his passion for classical music with listeners. Nolan has nearly 15 years of experience in broadcasting, getting his start in 2011 with Golden West in his hometown of Altona. Equally comfortable on the concert and operatic stages, Nolan has made his American debut with the American Bach Soloists in San Francisco and Emmanuel Music in Boston. He has also appeared with the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra and at the Winnipeg Baroque Festival. Dedicated to reconciliation, Nolan has collaborated with Cree composer Andrew Balfour. When not performing, Nolan coordinates Manitoba’s chapter of Opera InReach, bringing accessible opera education to schools. Nolan has returned to Golden West after serving several years with the CBC
PERFORMANCES & PERFORMERS
Thank-you to this year’s performers
- Royal Winnipeg Ballet
- Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers
- United Thunder