Meritorious Service Medal
Awarded on: 2002-09-26
Invested on: 2003-12-05
Joysanne Sidimus, M.S.M., Toronto, Ontario
Meritorious Service Medal (civil division)
Determined to help her peers as they strive to make the transition from a career as a performer to a second career, former National Ballet of Canada’s principal dancer Joysanne Sidimus initiated the Dancer Transition Resource Centre, launched in 1985. Offering advisory, financial and moral support, the national organization assists retiring Canadian professional dancers to transfer the discipline, energy and creativity of their art towards new endeavours. Ms. Sidimus’ commendable efforts at helping her fellow artists discover unique talents and interests that can lead to a career shift have benefited the whole dance community and made a significant contribution to the cultural life of Canada.