When the founding Artistic Director of Fall for Dance North,  and of course the co-host of Mambo!, Ilter Ibrahimof  announced that he was leaving the organization after 10 glorious years, one of the most important questions that arose was: Who would take over the reins and drive the mission and vision of the festival forward? A Transition Committee was formed by FFDN’s Board of Directors and Martin Bragg & Associates was engaged to help with the international search. What emerged at the end was closer to home than anyone could have imagined. In July 2024,  Lily Sutherland, the festival’s current Executive Producer, and Robert Binet, who has had multiple roles with The National Ballet of Canada, were announced as the new co-leaders. Take in this intimate interview that we recorded with Ilter, Lily and Rob discussing FFDN’s global connections, what occurred when Ilter decided to step down, and approaches to both individual and collective styles of leadership. 

Lily Sutherland and Robert Binet will officially start their new roles with FFDN in November 2024.

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The 10th anniversary season of Fall for Dance North festival runs September 26th to October 6th 2024, with both free and ticketed in-person events presented in multiple venues through downtown Toronto. 

Visit ffdnorth.com for more info and to purchase tickets.

This episode of Mambo was produced and designed by Amber Downie-Back, with help from Milana Glumicic. 

Mambo’s original theme music and soundscape was created by Johnny Spence.