Arcana Dea






Arcana Dea - Latin for 'Mysteries of the Goddess’
Contemporary fusion dance, with ancient roots, that celebrates the beauty and strength of women, community, nature and the seasons. 


Arcana Dea is a dance company based in the Comox Valley B.C. founded by artistic director Cathy Stoyko. Cathy Stoyko is a dancer, visual artist and mask maker as well as the owner of the Abbey Studio in Cumberland where she teaches dance classes, hosts workshops and cultural events. Arcana Dea dance formed out of these classes and is comprised of longtime students, peers and guest dancers performing her original choreographies. Arcana Dea perform dances that range from women's traditional dances (Middle East, India, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, Romani) to fusion belly dance, contemporary dance theatre, story telling and animation with masks and costumes at community cultural events and festivals. 

Current core performers include: Anne- Marie Scott, Edith Jacob, Jessica Macpherson, Evelyn Bally, Heather Hilberry, Denyse Dansereau, Lisa Snow, Kristi Walker, Lisa Hamilton and Cathy Stoyko.


Bird animation for Nomadic Tempest, Courtenay B.C. 2018
photo by Shane Phillips

Atmosphere Gathering 2016
photo by Sarah Kerr


Cumberland Village Works Solstice in the Park 2018


'Rainbow Blessing' Elevate the Intersection
Courtenay B.C.  2018

Celebration for the Dead 2017
Abbey Studio

Atmosphere Gathering 2016
Cumberland Village Park

Community Celebration for the Dead 2014
Abbey Studio in Cumberland

'Invaders of the Heart', Abbey Studio Hafla
Cumberland, December 2013

'Moonstruck' Abbey Studio Hafla
Cumberland, June 2013

 'The Source' Tribal Cafe
The Bridge in Courtenay, March 2012

Beauty and Resistance,  Tribal Cafe 2012