Langley B.C. resident choreographer Mauryne Allan has the distinction of being the very first recipient of the Clifford E. Lee Choreography Award in 1978. In a career that spanned nearly three decades she has worked with many other distinguished choreographers including Mara McBirney, Earl Kraul, Grant Strate, Eva Von Genczy, Norbert Vesak and Robert Cohan.

As a choreographer/performer she has collaborated with many Vancouver based organizations including the Vancouver Symphony, Dance Plus Studio, The Vancouver Summer School of the Arts, Vancouver Youth Theatre, Greater Vancouver Operatic Society and Vagabond Theatre, and was the founding member/artistic director of Mountain Dance Theatre for 14 years.
 

A committed educator Mauryne has participated in numerous school tours and workshops including those with the Langley Fine Arts School, Vancouver Summer School for the Arts, The University of British Columbia and The School Boards of Burnaby, Delta, Surrey, Vancouver and North Vancouver. She was also invited to be a choreographer at the 1st Canadian choreographic seminar at York University.

Mauryne has written many articles for such publications as Dance Central, Dance in Canada and Dance Canada Danse. She has also published a teaching aid to help teachers instruct dance to primary grades entitled Running in Rhythm, Footsteps in Time.

"I feel that the Lee Award is an important part of recognition of the fine work done by the young artists of our country. For me it was like a warm pat on the
back for the Banff work but also the body of work I'd created
before. It made me feel validated." 
- Mauryne Allen

Return to the complete Clifford E. Lee Choreography Award Winners List

Spring (1978)

World Premiere, Eric Harvie Theatre
August 9, 10 & 11, 1978

Choreography: Mauryne Allan
Decor: Laszlo Funtek
Music: Antonio Vivaldi

Joseph Teague and Michael Fritzke in Spring.
Photo: Ron Adlington