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The Vancouver International Dance Festival was founded in 2000 by Barbara Bourget and Jay Hirabayashi who programmed the festival with a commitment to inclusivity and a nod to their own eclectic interests. VIDF leadership transitioned to Deanna Peters and Victor Tran in 2024. They bring a grassroots DIY ethos that continues Barbara and Jay's legacy of celebrating diverse forms of dance.
The VIDF is a highly anticipated event that has no aesthetic boundaries. It showcases work that's raw, kinetic and experimental — performances that engage and challenge audiences. Increasing public appreciation for dance is a core goal.
Equity and approachability are central principles of VIDF, which strives to make dance accessible to all sectors of the Vancouver population, including those who are economically disadvantaged. If dance is universal, then the VIDF welcomes everyone to be a
photo Boris Khramtsov
photo Boris Khramtsov
photo Boris Khramtsov
Barbara Bourget Festival Co-Founder
Jay Hirabayashi Festival Co-Founder
Jo Hirabayashi Outgoing Executive Director
Michelle Olson Guest Artist, Selection Committee
Ash Shotton Technical Director
Aaron Smith Art Director
Vanessa Goodman Artist Consultant
Lara Abadir * Mary-Louise
We thank these VIDF Supporters whose bolstering goes beyond $$$. All who donate $25+up become a VIDF Society Member and are an important part of our work, making it more relevant, healthy and inclusive.
André Bessett
Joshua Cameron
Alyssa Favero
Emmalena Fredriksson
Ahmed Khalil
Emiko Morita
Much gratitude to these fine members of the community for representing VIDF at festival events. They're the friendly folks with the VIDF badges, ready to assist you.
VIDF is part of Rua I Te, a three-year collaboration to support the innovative work of Charles Koroneho [Aotearoa/New Zealand], including Ko Te Ākau at VIDF 2025.
Leslie Stark President
Henry Wong Vice-President
Tuan Luu Secretary/Treasurer
Tessa Perkins Deneault Director
Judith Garay Director
