National Arts Centre lowers flag to honour Browne

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Canada’s National Arts Centre has lowered its flag to mourn the death of Rachel Browne, founder of Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers (WCD), the longest standing contemporary dance company in the country.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/06/2012 (5225 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Canada’s National Arts Centre has lowered its flag to mourn the death of Rachel Browne, founder of Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers (WCD), the longest standing contemporary dance company in the country.

Browne, 77, was visiting Ottawa over the past few days as part of the Canada Dance Festival when she died in her sleep.

“Rachel Browne’s legacy is us,” said Brent Lott, Artistic Director of WCD, in a statement. “All of these dancers and choreographers who have been blessed by knowing her, dancing for her, being mentored by her. We’re all around the world now.”

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS ARCHIVES
Rachel Browne is seen in 2008 at the official naming of the Winnipeg's Contemporary Dancers' dance theatre the Rachel Browne Theatre.
BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS ARCHIVES Rachel Browne is seen in 2008 at the official naming of the Winnipeg's Contemporary Dancers' dance theatre the Rachel Browne Theatre.

Browne had planned to attend the performance of Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers in Brent Lott’s 97 Positions of the Heart on Wednesday in Ottawa, and the show will go on as planned.

“She wouldn’t have wanted it any other way,” said Lott.

A book of condolence will be available in the lobby for the rest of the Canada Dance Festival so that artists and patrons can share thoughts and memories of Browne for her family.

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