From bellydance and Bollywood to contemporary, flamenco, and Latin, the annual Scotiabank Dance Centre Open House is a chance to sample a wide range of exciting dance styles in an afternoon of open classes and workshops. Participating companies and artists include Flamenco Rosario, TomoeArts, Voirelia Dance Hub, SHIAMAK Vancouver, Performance Clinic, Vancouver Ballet Society, and more.
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All studios are wheelchair-accessible except for the Jandali and the Kraul & Strate studios on Level four.
For tickets for Isaac Gasangwa’s The African Dream click here.
Photos by Lisa Gelley, James O’Mara
Pre-registration is not required – all afternoon events are drop-in, and suitable for all levels, including beginner.
12 noon-5pm Vancouver Ballet Society
Explore the library and enter to win two curated dance packages valued at $150 each: dance books, performance tickets, dance related items…
12 noon-1pm Class: Contemporary dance: Having fun with improvisation with Voirelia Dance Hub
Expand your creativity with Voirelia’s Artistic Director Alina Sotskova. Class will start with a guided warm-up and lead into creative movement exercises, drawing on inspirations from visual art, nature, and mindfulness practices. Suitable for youth 16+ and adults, including those with physical limitations and/or disabilities, and people who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices.
Birmingham Studio, Level 3
12 noon-1pm Class: Latin Fusion with LFS Dance
Marilu Retana leads a high-energy introductory Latin Fusion class.
Kraul & Strate studio, Level 4.
1-2pm Workshop: ‘Palmas’ with Flamenco Rosario
Learn basic Flamenco rhythms through ‘Palmas’: a fun hand-clapping workshop led by Flamenco Rosario’s Artistic Director, Rosario Ancer and accompanied by live music.
Jarislowsky Studio, Level 3.
1-2.30pm Workshop: Tai Chi with Performance Clinic
Led by Registered Acupuncturist and Tai Chi instructor Alex Litvinoff, this workshop will delve into the core principles of Zhan Zhuang, mastering the art of balanced stillness. Explore the art of Silk Reeling, discovering its flowing movements that enhance energy circulation and Form practice (Lao Jia), harmonizing mind and body through precise postures.
Marcuse Studio, Level 7.
2-3pm Workshop: Kabuki Dance Fans with TomoeArts
This hands-on workshop will introduce you to the kabuki dance fan. TomoeArts Sensei Hanayagi Toshikotono will lead you through the handling of, and movement with, this versatile and dynamic prop. Traditional Japanese fans will be provided.
Birmingham Studio, Level 3
2-3pm Class: Bellydance with Carla Naar
Explore the basic steps of Bellydance (Raqs Sharqui) and Middle Eastern music in a fun and supportive environment.
Jarislowsky Studio, Level 3.
3-3.30pm Studio Sharing and Discussion: Kinesis Dance somatheatro
Join us for a sneak peek at some early research into Artemis’ Embrace, a collaboration with dancers Justin Calvadores, Alicia Clark, Sarah Hutton, and Kami Schuyler, led by dancer Rachel Helten, under the mentorship of Artistic Director Paras Terezakis. This new project seeks to celebrate the strength, courage and determination it takes to embrace the femininity we all have inside us. The artists will share and talk about excerpts of work in progress.
Birmingham Studio, Level 3.
3-4.30pm Class: Alexander Technique with Performance Clinic
To be aligned — to be or not to be? Find out how to improve your posture almost effortlessly! Through bodily sensations, you can easily find the natural alignment of your body. All you have to do is improve your quality of presence and your ability to observe. Your body will show you the way! This session is led by Osteopathic Practitioner Phillippe Hunaut. Please bring your own mat.
Kraul & Strate studio, Level 4.
3.30-4.30pm Class: Flamenco with Liat
Flamenco dancer, performer, and teacher Liat leads an introductory session exploring basic steps, movements and rhythm.
Marcuse Studio, Level 7.
4-5pm Class: Bollywood with SHIAMAK Vancouver
Come enjoy some energetic and exciting Bollywood dancing with Priyanka Patel, senior instructor at BC’s premier Bollywood dance school, as she gets you grooving and moving to the latest Bollywood hits.
Birmingham Studio, Level 3
8pm Performance: Isaac Gasangwa’s The African Dream
For tickets and more details click here.