As January 2026 marks our fourth year in residence with The Polygon Gallery, we’re celebrating a partnership that continues to nurture Dance//Novella and its collaborators. In honour of this milestone, we’re returning to our Emerging Artist Program and the evolving world of Chrysalis—a vibrant, imaginative multimedia dance work first developed during last year’s residency.

What began as an exploration of transformation and shifting perspective has grown into a living framework shaped by the experiences of its performers. This year, a new group of emerging artists will join Dance//Novella directors Racheal Prince and Brandon Lee Alley to rework, deconstruct, and rebuild sections of the piece. Some moments will be expanded, others reimagined through improvisation, new performance tools, and collective authorship.

In partnership with molo design—whose adaptable set pieces continue to shape the visual and emotional landscape—the 2026 iteration will deepen our initial questions regarding immersive world-building and tactile collaboration.

At its heart, Chrysalis examines change from every angle: how the artists evolve through creation, how the work continually renews itself, and how we, as directors and artists, grow alongside it.

Open Rehearsal Schedule (public welcome to watch)
January 9 – 11: 10am-3pm
January 15 – 18: 10am-3pm
January 21 – 25: 10am-3pm

Open Studio with Artists Q&A
January 24: 12pm-1pm

RSVPing guarantees you a seat at our events

Performance Night
January 29 (tickets will be released in early 2026)

Chrysalis, 2025. Jon McRae

About Dance//Novella
Dance//Novella (D//N) was founded in 2019 by Brandon Lee Alley and Racheal Prince. The collective was formed to create new dance works through cross-disciplinary partnerships and collaborations. D//N takes inspiration from the current social climate and challenges itself to find new and exciting ways to make dance more accessible for a wider audience. Brandon and Racheal are both former members of the world-renowned Ballet BC and draw inspiration and knowledge from their unique experiences while working with the company.
www.dancenovella.com

This project is made possible through funding from North Shore Recreation and Culture, Y.P. Heung Foundation, and Dance Centre BC.

Banner Image: Chrysalis, 2025. Jon McRae