Gearshifting Performance Works is a not for profit arts organization and a registered charity dedicated to contemporary dance.  Committed to contemporary dance and enriching the community, the Company has three main activities; these include the advancement of creation, education, and presentation of contemporary dance.

The company creates accessible, yet complex works that deal with contemporary minded subject matter. Operating under the strong leadership of its’ Artistic Director, Jolene Bailie, Gearshifting Performance Works presents New Work annually and has a vast touring history.

Originally initiated to support the growth of Jolene Bailie’s successful career as a solo artist, the company operates year round and has grown slowly, wisely and successfully over eighteen years, earning a reputation for presenting quality work.  The company hires an ensemble of project-based dancers and plays a critical role in the Winnipeg dance community.  

Gearshifting Performance Works has self-presented hundreds of performances and has a significant repertoire of work. The repertoire includes a large body of work by Artistic Director, Jolene Bailie, as well as works by nationally and internationally acclaimed artists. 

International Performances: Today Art Museum (Beijing, 2015), Bill Evans Dance Company (Providence, RI, 2015), The Xi’an Art Museum (China, 2014), Bill Evans Dance Company (Rochester, NY, 2009), The American Dance Festival (Durham, 2012), Inbound Festival at The Joyce SoHo (New York City, 2008), New Dance Alliance’s 20th Anniversary Performance Mix Festival at the Joyce SoHo (New York City, 2006), 9th International Solo Dance-Theatre Festival (Stuttgart, Germany, 2005), State University at Brockport (NY, 2005, 2007), Bill Evans and Friends (Port Townsend, WA, 2005, 2006), The Limon Institute (NYC, 2005).

National Performances: in/future festival (Toronto, 2016), Dancing on the Edge (Vancouver, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2013), dance: made in canada (2009, 2013), National Gallery of Canada (2011), National Arts Centre (Prairie Scene, 2011), Simon Fraser University (2008), Studio 303 (Montreal, 2003, 2004, 2006), Perimeters Performance Symposium (Regina, 2005), Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival (2005), Her-icane Festival of Women’s Art (Saskatoon, 2004),  Stream of Dance Festival (Regina, 2002), 159 national fringe festival performances  - Montreal (2003), Toronto (2004, 2005, 2006), Saskatoon (2003, 2004, 2007),  Calgary (2007), Edmonton (2004, 2006, 2007), Athabasca (2004), Victoria (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007) and Vancouver (2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008). 

Manitoba Performances: Self-presenting and producing shows annually (2001-present), NAfro Dance Productions Moving Inspirations Festival (2012, 2017), Manitoba Contact Showcase (Russell, 2017), Winnipeg Night Market (2017), Sharing Dance Day (2017), Savarsati Productions’ Femfest (2012, 2016), Nuit Blanche (2010, 2011, 2013, 2015), The Winnipeg Art Gallery (for the opening of the Chagall exhibit, 2016), The Winnipeg Art Gallery (in conjunction with exhibition, Olympus: The Greco- Roman Collections of Berlin, 2015, 2016), Canadian Museum for Human Rights’ RightsFest (2014), Winnipeg Fringe (42 performances, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2014 plus upcoming in 2018), Winnipeg Art Gallery (in conjunction with Wanda Koop… On the Edge of Experience, 2010), Winnipeg Art Gallery’s Gallery Ball (2010, 2015), Young Presidents’ Organization (2016), The Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s Dance Downtown (2011), Ignacy Jan Paderewski Polish Musical Society (2010), Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra’s New Music Festival (2007), Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers (2006) and the Girls! Girls! Girls! annual fundraiser (performing 2005-2018).

Gearshifting Performance Works provides open community technique class for its’ dancers and the community at large (since 2005), partners for Mentorship and Bridging Projects with emerging professionals (since 2004), facilitates Apprentice positions for new professionals (since 2009), and offers classes/workshops with Guest Artists (since 2003).

Gearshifting Performance Works advances the art of dance in Winnipeg. The beneficiaries include: artists who work with the company, emerging and professional dancers, pre-professional dancers, and the public through live performances, studio showings, public rehearsals, artist talks and exposure to new works of art. Governed by a volunteer board of directors, Gearshifting Performance Works follows the Advisory Board Model, serving the needs of the size, purpose, and history of the organization. Since it's inception, the organization has never incurred a cash deficit. 

Your contribution to Gearshifting Performance Works is sincerely appreciated. For additional information, please visit gearshifting.org