Banff, Alberta, November 18, 2014 -- Internationally respected and critically acclaimed director, choreographer and dance artist Emily Molnar has been appointed sessional artistic director of dance at Banff Centre. This is a new position designed to guide and inform all Banff Centre dance initiatives throughout the year in collaboration with the dance community, including programs, partnerships, commissions, residencies, workshops, and other forms of professional development.
Molnar continues in her role as artistic director of Ballet BC, where she has been since 2009, steering this unique company of 18 dancers into an era of innovation and collaboration. Named the Globe and Mail’s 2013 “Dance Artist of the Year”, a graduate of the National Ballet School and a former member of the National Ballet of Canada, Molnar brings to Banff Centre experience as a soloist with the Frankfurt Ballet under William Forsythe, principal dancer with Ballet BC, and international recognition as a choreographer.
“Emily Molnar’s exciting, multidimensional vision of dance and her deep interest in collaboration and interdisciplinary work make her a natural fit for Banff Centre,” said Carolyn Warren, vice president of arts at Banff Centre. “Emily has pushed boundaries throughout her career, both as a director, choreographer and dance artist. I look forward to Emily making an exciting contribution to dance at Banff Centre.”
Molnar has worked and toured extensively throughout Europe, Asia, Mexico, Canada and the US. She has created critically acclaimed works for Cedar Lake Dance, Morphoses/The Wheeldon Company, Ballet Mannheim, Ballet Augsburg, Alberta Ballet, Pro Arte Danza, and Ballet BC among others.
As an active mentor, advocate, and coach, Molnar follows her passion to nurture artists and choreographers, educate and support the research and development of dance and artistic leadership, and explore the role of the artist in society. Molnar currently serves as a Director on the Board of the BC Arts Council and, is a committee member of the Peter Wall Institute for Advanced Studies Arts Based Initiative.
“I am honoured to have been invited by Banff Centre to build on their history of excellence and innovation in the arts as they expand their vision with a year-round focus that supports the broad spectrum of dance and dance artists across Canada and internationally,” said Molnar.
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About Banff Centre for Arts and Creativty: Banff Centre exists to inspire artists and leaders to make their unique contribution to society. Thousands of artists, leaders, and researchers from across Canada and around the world participate in programs at Banff Centre every year. Through its multidisciplinary programming, Banff Centre provides them with the support they need to create, to develop solutions, and to make the impossible possible. Moving forward, the Centre will disseminate the art and ideas developed in Banff using new initiatives in digital, web, radio, and broadcast media.