Programs
Programs Overview
The Dance Centre runs a range of programs designed to support the artistic development of dance artists, and to provide opportunities for audiences to discover the diversity and creativity of dance.
Residencies
Artist-in-Residence
The Artist in Residence Program aims to assist dance professionals in developing new work, and promoting dance among new audiences. Residencies may involve working with emerging professional artists and non-professional enthusiasts, as well as teaching and creating in non-traditional contexts and environments with specific communities such as youth, and those with special needs.
DanceLab
The DanceLab program supports research and collaboration between dance artists and other art disciplines. It provides fully subsidized studio space at Scotiabank Dance Centre to the participating artists for a period of 2 weeks, enabling the artists to research how cross-art form collaboration can enhance their artistic growth and the development of new work. Upon completion of the process, the artists open up the process to the public through an informal studio presentation.
Choreographic Development Projects
Triptych (2010-2012) is a three-year international choreographic project hosted by the Opera Estate Festival Veneto, Italy; Circuit-Est Centre Choregraphique, Montreal; and The Dance Centre, Vancouver. CO:LAB is a new research project exploring dance and music, running in fall 2012.
Performance Series
Discover Dance!
Discover Dance! is an accessible noon hour series running one Thursday a month September-April (except Dec and Jan), which showcases the diversity of British Columbia’s dance scene. Each show features a combination of performance, Q & A with the artists, and sometimes audience participation.
Global Dance Connections
The Global Dance Connections series presents contemporary dance performances by artists from BC, Canada and overseas. Featured artists have included Nigel Charnock (UK), Lynda Gaudreau (Montreal), Karine Ponties (Belgium), Eddie Ladd (Wales), Deborah Dunn (Montreal), Philippe Decoufle (France), Chunky Move (Australia), Hiroaki Umeda (Japan), Tribal Crackling Wind (Toronto) and Francesco Scavetta (Norway/Italy).
Other Programs
Scotiabank Dance Centre Open House
An annual celebration of the opening of Canada's flagship dance facility every September, with free classes, workshops, studio showings, performances and events in a wide range of dance styles.
Dance In Vancouver
Dance in Vancouver is a biennial curated festival promoting BC dance to local, regional, national and international audiences. It serves as a platform to enhance visibility and raise awareness about contemporary dance locally; with a series of performances complemented by talks, video screenings, studio showings and roundtables. The event contributes to regional, national and international touring opportunities for BC dance artists. Next edition: November 2013
International Dance Day/National Dance Week
Initiated by UNESCO, International Dance Day is celebrated around the world every April 29. In 2012, the Canadian Dance Assembly instituted National Dance Week, running up to and culminating in International Dance Day. The Dance Centre organizes a series of free and low-cost public events to mark both events.
Twelve Minutes Max (currently on hiatus)
12 Minutes Max presents new works in progress resulting in performances, no more than 12 minutes in length. The series celebrates new ideas and directions in dance, theatre and interdisciplinary performance while encouraging artists to explore, experiment and invent. 12 Minutes Max began in 1994 and takes place twice a year at the Firehall Arts Centre. It is administered by The Dance Centre and programmed by a rotating curatorial team.
Awards
The Dance Centre administers a number of awards: the annual Isadora Award, recognising individual achievement in the BC dance community; the Santa Aloi Award, which assists choreographers in hiring dancers to perform in their work; the biennial Iris Garland Emerging Choreographer Award; and the new Lola Award, supporting the work of senior and mid-career choreographers.
