Chrissy Baxter is known as a positive force in the Barrie dance community, successfully going above and beyond to organize a multitude of performances, workshops, classes and community outreach events to inspire current and future local artists.
Since graduating with a bachelor of fine arts in dance from SUNY Brockport and joining Simcoe Contemporary Dancers in 2014, Baxter’s passion for dance has only grown and become more evident through her work.
Baxter stepped into the role of executive director of Simcoe Contemporary Dancers in 2018 and throughout the years has fostered collaborations with various local schools, community centres and organizations to ensure that the power of dance touches as many lives as possible.
During her time as executive director of Simcoe Contemporary Dancers, Baxter has led annual community-engaged creation periods where community members of all ages and abilities can come together to create unique choreography.
“I was really surprised and happy,” Baxter said about hearing the news of her Community Builders Award win in the Arts category. “We put in a lot of work to get the art of dance out in the community so it’s nice to be recognized for our hard work over the years.”
“This is really meaningful. The work that I do can be challenging at times, so it’s nice to know that it does have an impact,” she added.
Her commitment to community engagement is highlighted further by her organizing of bi-annual theatre productions that give local dancers the opportunity to create and perform, and production of Celebration of Dance, a fundraising event that raises money for local and international charities. This year, the event raised over $2,500 in support of the Seasons Centre for Grieving Children.
“Some of my best memories are being part of these community-engaged projects where people who may or may not have dance experience can create something and then perform,” she shared.
Additionally, Baxter was instrumental in the success of Get Out and Dance, a community dance event which saw more than $15,000 invested in the local arts community this year and provided over 15 artists with the opportunity to perform at Lampman Lane Park.
“Dance is something that is innately human, but there can be a lot of baggage that comes along with it, like preconceived notions about what dance is or what a dancer looks like. We want to create an inclusive environment where people can have an open mind about dance. It could end up being something that they really like,” she said.
Through her tireless work, Baxter exemplifies community building through the arts. Her continuous dedication to enriching the local dance community will ensure that the joy of dance remains accessible and vibrant in Barrie.
The Arts award goes to an individual or group that has helped make the artistic community stronger. They have championed an individual, an event, an idea, an ethic, or philosophy.
Congratulations, Chrissy!
This award is proudly sponsored by Moyle Rowley Wealth Management Group.
