Toronto – November 7, 2024 – After careful consideration and a review of all viable options, Harbourfront Centre will end its lease at Fleck Dance Theatre, effective March 31, 2025. The economic realities at Harbourfront Centre, combined with those facing the arts and culture sector have led the organization to make this difficult decision.
All commitments to dance and community partners will be honored through March 31, 2025, and we have contacted all those who are impacted by this decision.
“We did not come to this decision easily, like many, we are facing challenging financial circumstances. We are grateful for the understanding our dance partners have shown us over the past few days,” said Cathy Loblaw, CEO of Harbourfront Centre. “Dance will always have a home and priority at Harbourfront Centre, and we will continue to program and present dance at Harbourfront Centre Theatre, at our Studio Theatre and during the summer months on our concert stage.”
The annual expenses for the theatre are over $400,000 and given our significant funding challenges we had absolutely no choice but to close the theatre and do it timely to stem losses. Currently Fleck Dance Theatre has 292 bookable days annually, of which we have had bookings for just 90 days in the past year. Over the past 10 years (2014 through 2024) the average days booked per year shows a 40% occupancy. This includes both rentals and Harbourfront Centre programs.
We are especially grateful for the Theatre’s dedicated champion, Dr. James D. Fleck. We will be honouring Fleck Dance Theatre with new recognition, along with our seat donors, at one of Harbourfront Centre’s theatres.
Looking ahead, Harbourfront Centre will continue its commitment to dance, while also honouring its commitment to the arts, culture, community and education including:
- Bringing Skating back for the 2024/2025 winter season, with DJ Skate nights
- Celebrating KUUMBA for the month of February, featuring contemporary dance performance “Silent Legacy”
- Activating a host of arts and culture activities throughout the ‘season of cool’
- Human Body Expression: Hanna Kiel
- Art, Craft & Design – DesignTO in Gallery 235 January through March; Vitrine Curation: Melanie Egan – January through March
- Partner Festivals throughout the year including Halal Fest, National Indigenous Peoples Day, Unity Fest, Fun Philippines, Habari Africa, Taiwanfest, Cinco Fest, Tirgan
- Summer Music in the Garden
- Dancing in the Square and Free Flicks
- Summer camps & Year-round school visits
For further information, please contact Rey Tabarrok: rtabarrok@harbourfrontcentre.com