Peter Bingham, photo by Chris Randle
October 20th 2023
Dear Community,
The board of EDAM Performing Arts Society is pleased to announce a three-year succession plan for our Artistic Director, Peter Bingham, which will maintain stable leadership and continued support for the Vancouver dance community.
Peter Bingham has been a pillar of strength and creativity as EDAM's Artistic Director since 1989. Bingham's expertise and dedication to Contact Improvisation have been pivotal in shaping the organization's trajectory over the past 40+ years. We are delighted that Bingham has committed the next 3 years to mentoring Olivia Shaffer in becoming his eventual successor as AD.
Effective immediately, Shaffer will assume the title of Associate Artistic Director. Over the next three seasons Shaffer will continue to take on additional AD duties until 2026 when she will assume full responsibilities as EDAM's new Artistic Director. This succession plan will ensure a seamless transition overseen by the Board of Directors. It affirms Bingham’s vision and EDAM's unwavering commitment to remain at the forefront of artistic activities rooted in Contact Improvisation and Improvisation. Through this transition we will ensure that ongoing projects and programs remain intact. And we will continue to foster collaborative connections within our community.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Peter Bingham for his remarkable contributions and visionary leadership over the past 41 years. His impact on Contact Improvisation and EDAM's trajectory is immeasurable. We also acknowledge and celebrate the seven founding members of EDAM: Peter Bingham, Jay Hirabayashi, Barbara Bourget, Jennifer Mascall, Lola Ryan, Lola MacLaughlin, and Ahmed Hassan. With the appointment of Olivia Shaffer, we continue the legacy of these great artists and EDAM’s vital role within the artistic landscape of Vancouver.
Warmest regards,
EDAM Board of Directors
Dean Hart, Ilze Bebris, Kit Fortune, Linda Blankstein, Marina Princz and Tracy Clark
Olivia Shaffer
Olivia has had close ties with Peter Bingham and EDAM since 2011, when she was awarded an EDAM scholarship that gave her an intensive introduction to the world of Contact Improvisation (CI). In 2014, she decided to pursue a career in CI by becoming a member of the EDAM dance company. Her role within the company has expanded over time and she has served as Assistant to the Artistic Director and resident teacher since 2018. Olivia continuously shares her passion for CI through her popular classes and workshops at EDAM, and at other institutions where she teaches professional and community dancers alike.
Olivia is honoured, delighted, and excited to be taking on this new role as Associate Artistic Director of EDAM, named successor of Peter Bingham, and eventual Artistic Director of the company. She hopes to continue contributing to Vancouver's vibrant dance community in this position by expanding opportunities for local dance artists and preserving CI as a celebrated art form in Canada and beyond.
Photo by Yvonne Chew