Blog

2021 was a year of challenges for everyone, but we also have much to be thankful for.  We asked our amazing staff to share their standout moments and most satisfying experiences from the last year:

It was very exciting to welcome the new aerial dance Company Ci into our space for their recording of Limb(e)s. There was an incredible moment in that piece where lighting designer Sophie Tang split the space into two using warm lights to light the aerial performer above, blue lights on the ground below and a flattened projector beam, creating two separate worlds with an ethereal barrier between them. –Chengyan, Lead Technician

Our community’s energy, optimism, and commitment to one another, especially after vaccines were available. And returning class members and instructors, the return of audiences to live performances, and the return of Dance Centre volunteers. –Laura, Venue Services

I am very proud we have kept our building running safely despite the pandemic and decreased revenue from rentals due to restrictions. And while we have all missed live performance tremendously, I am happy that we managed to reach so many people – more than we could fit into our small theatre – by streaming work online. –Mirna, Executive Director

Since COVID hit, we have been exploring ways of continuing our engagement opportunities for artists and audiences by incorporating many more digital offerings. International Dance Day brought together an inspiring range of artists through our micro-commissions and digital dance programs. While nothing replaces the live experience, these works resonated with a similar dynamic energy within the digital realm. –Raquel, Programming Coordinator

2021 was the year I started working here and oh my what a year it’s been! Absolutely wonderful getting to know the dance community (from the staff to the clients to the artists to all the people who make The Dance Centre what it is)! I have thoroughly enjoyed all the amazing events so far and am looking forward to all the ones to come in the new year! –Simran, Venue and Operations Manager

Seeing people coming back into the building for Open House was the first time I’ve experienced so many people in the studios. Getting to see them experience our space and enjoy in-person classes and performances again was amazing. –Nazanin, Membership/Outreach Coordinator

The work Idan Cohen did during his DanceLab here morphed in to an amazing opera presented by Vancouver Opera in partnership with his company Ne.Sans and The Dance Centre. –Linda, Associate Producer

This season marks the 20^th anniversary of Scotiabank Dance Centre and it’s been so gratifying to hear the feedback from artists about the huge impact this building has had on the community and the city. Plus, it was wonderful to welcome back Aeriosa, who performed on the building when it first opened, for the anniversary edition of Open House. –Heather, Director of Marketing

As an artist myself, it’s nourishing to interact and feel inspired by artists walking through the doors and getting to know them individually and asking what they are currently working on. –Chris, Venue Services

Launching our podcast this fall was definitely a highlight! Getting to work with past Member Services Coordinator Claire French again (our host) and hearing all the guests talk about their careers and inspirations is so fantastic. –Lindsay, Digital Marketing Coordinator

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thank you to everyone who supported us this year. We look forward to seeing you in 2022!

Please consider contributing to our year-end fundraising campaign to support The Dance Centre.

Photo credits top to bottom, L to R: Okams Racer/TDC; Shana Wolfe/Mika Manning; Company Ci/TDC; Aeriosa/TDC; Ne. Sans Opera and Dance; Radical System Arts/TDC