Covid-19 Updates ×

UPCOMING DEADLINES

Dance artists can apply for a wide range of programs and awards which support research, creation, professional development, and public engagement. 

  • Dance artists working in all traditions and genres, and at all career stages, are welcomed.
  • Dance Centre membership is required for all programs.
  • A call for submissions is issued each summer/fall for the following season. Some programs such as 12 Minutes Max have deadlines throughout the season.
  • In the event of the resurgence of COVID-19, we will do our best to accommodate changes to proposed timelines. Artists must be prepared to observe physical distancing guidelines as defined by public health authorities.

How to apply:

  • Read the guidelines below.
  • Review current programs on our website to determine which is a fit for you.
  • Contact the Programming Coordinator if you wish to discuss your project in more detail: 604.606.6405 programming@thedancecentre.ca
  • Submit your proposal online.

Programs

Madeleine Gilbert and Miakanese Manning pose in front of a project of dance artists performing.

12 MINUTES MAX: EXPERIMENTATION + DIALOGUE

When:
2020-2021 season: Fall, Winter, Spring + June 2021 performance
Who can apply:
Full Artist and Company members
Level:
Emerging
  • 12MM aims to foster experimentation and the development of a choreographic idea or work-in-progress, from the initial stages through to the first public encounter.
  • Artists have access to support and feedback from the facilitators, the opportunity to share the work with their peers in the program, and participate in community dialogues with audiences at public showings.
  • Participants receive subsidized studio space at Scotiabank Dance Centre, and participate in an informal public showing.
  • At the end of the season, the facilitators will identify a selection of the works for further development and the introduction of production elements, leading to a ticketed performance at Scotiabank Dance Centre.
  • Facilitators for 2020-2021: Barbara Bourget, Paras Terezakis.
  • Submissions for 12MM are invited year-round: details.
DEADLINES: September 4, 2020, October 23, 2020, January 15, 2021
APPLY NOW
Dance artists from Aeriosa perform on the side of the Scotiabank Dance Centre

20TH ANNIVERSARY COMMISSIONS: SCOTIABANK DANCE CENTRE

When:
Season-wide: September 2021-August 2022
Who can apply:
Full Artist and Company members
Level:
Emerging, Mid-career, Established
  • Artists are invited to propose a new work (20-30 minutes in length) to mark the 20th anniversary of Scotiabank Dance Centre.
  • Works that reflect a spirit of collaboration as well as propose adjunct activity connected to the thematic content are encouraged.
  • Artists receive creation and presentation fees, fully-subsidized studio and theatre space at Scotiabank Dance Centre, production management and administrative support.
  • The new work must be completed for a presentation opportunity in the 2021/22 season at Scotiabank Dance Centre (in the theatre or other areas of the building).
  • Proposals should include a clear idea, key artistic biographies, budget (including additional sources of support) and timeline.
  • Commissions may be combined with the Artist-in-Residence program.
  • Collaborations with other artists from across Canada and abroad are also eligible.
DEADLINE: November 2, 2020
APPLY NOW
Dance Artists Emmalena Fredriksson and Arash Khakpour perform

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE: CREATE + ENGAGE

When:
Season-wide: September 2021-August 2022
Who can apply:
Full Artist and Company members
Level:
Emerging, mid-career, established
  • The AIR program supports artists in the creative development of new work, and connects them with wider audiences through outreach and adjunct activities.
  • Artists receive fully-subsidized studio and/or theatre space, with potential for supported presentation and participation in other programs; exchange and networking opportunities; and staffing and resource support for outreach initiatives.
  • Proposals should articulate how a residency would be a creative contribution to your needs, and show a clear goal related to your professional path. You should also include outreach ideas to engage a broader community, such as studio showings, talks, or classes.
  • Larger projects must include a secured funding contribution or other confirmed financial support.
  • Creativity, collaboration and exploration are encouraged when developing outreach activities.
  • Local artists collaborating with other artists from across Canada and abroad are also eligible.
DEADLINE: November 2, 2020
APPLY NOW
Company 605 performs inside Scotiabank Dance Centre

BRING YOUR OWN PROJECT

When
Season-wide: September 2021-August 2022
Who can apply:
All members
Level:
Emerging, mid-career, established
  • For any proposals which don’t fit into the above programs, such as:
  • One-time special projects or partnerships; programming beyond the stage (online media, dance video projects, and related initiatives); discourse projects (roundtables, panels, writing, ideas exchange); and exhibitions (dance-related visual arts and media-based installations).
DEADLINE: November 2, 2020
APPLY NOW

DANCE IN VANCOUVER: BIENNIAL PLATFORM

When:
November 2021
Who can apply:
Full Artist and Company members
Level:
Emerging, mid-career, established
  • DIV contributes to the dissemination of choreographic works through touring and exchanges, fosters collaboration among dance communities regionally, nationally and internationally, connects artists with presenters, and contributes to the strengthening of the dance infrastructure in BC.
  • Events include public performances, studio showings and specific programming for presenters who attend from across Canada and around the world.
  • Artists may apply for Mainstage Performances (completed and tour-ready works, tech rider required); Studio Showings (completed or works in progress); and Special Projects.
DEADLINE: November 2, 2020
APPLY NOW
Dance artists perform in Bound Inch

DANCELAB: INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH

When:
Season-wide: September 2021-August 2022
Who can apply:
Full Artist and Company members
Level:
Emerging, mid-career, established
  • The DanceLab supports research and collaboration between dance artists and those working in other art forms (eg film, music, theatre, visual art), aiming to enhance dialogue, provoke thought, encourage risk, and develop opportunities.
  • Your proposal must articulate a clear goal, and include collaborators from other disciplines: this program is not a substitute for rehearsals.
  • Participants receive up to 40 hours of fully-subsidized studio space; and host an open studio sharing for peers and the public to discuss and observe the research process.
  • DanceLab is an ideal precursor to Artist-In-Residence.
DEADLINE: November 2, 2020
APPLY NOW
Woman filming dancer

DIGITAL DANCE: MICRO COMMISSIONS

When:
Fall 2020 + 2021-22 season
Who an apply:
All members
Level:
Emerging, Mid-Career, Established
  • Up to eight artists will be engaged to create digital content utilizing any of the various platforms available to be featured on our online channels.
  • Proposals should include ideas for the creation of movement-based video works (maximum 10 minutes duration), Instagram/Facebook Live, or Zoom-based events, etc.
  • Limited access to studios and the theatre at Scotiabank Dance Centre to assist with creation/production will be provided.
  • Artists must observe current social distancing guidelines as defined by our pubic health authorities.
DEADLINES: July 15, 2020 (for Fall 2020); November 2, 2020 (for 2021-22 season)
APPLY NOW
Dance artist Sujit Vaidya poses

DISCOVER DANCE! PERFORMANCE SERIES

When:
Monthly September– November 2021, March – May 2022
Thursdays at noon + optional evening show same day
Who can apply:
All members
Level:
Mid-career, established
  • Popular, informal, low-tech performance series promoting BC-based dance of all genres and cultural traditions to a broad audience.
  • Fun, entertaining, educational shows combine performance, discussion, Q&A sessions and at times audience participation, lasting one hour in total.
  • Your show should be polished, engaging and lively: this program is also well suited to assist you in promoting your upcoming activities.
DEADLINE: November 2, 2020
APPLY NOW
Dancers perform in the lobby of the Vancouver Public Library for International Dance Day

INTERNATIONAL DANCE DAY: CELEBRATING THE ART OF DANCE

When:
April 29, 2022
Who can apply:
All members
Level:
Emerging, mid-career, established
  • IDD is a global celebration of the art of dance through free, engaging public events
  • Activities may include informal performances, workshops, classes, studio presentations and more.
  • Your event should be accessible and engaging for a broad audience.
  • Partnerships with other organizations, schools and venues are encouraged.
DEADLINE: November 2, 2020
APPLY NOW
Johely Triana in mid dance

OPEN STAGE: SHARED PERFORMANCE

When:
December 6, 2021 + April 4, 2022
Who can apply:
Full Artist and Company members
Level:
Mainly emerging but artists at all career stages are eligible.
  • Open Stage is an opportunity for artists to share an evening of performance with their peers in the theatre at Scotiabank Dance Centre. The Dance Centre will provide free theatre rental, 1 Head Technician and 1 crew, front of house/box office personnel, ushers, and limited umbrella marketing through digital channels. Box office revenues will be shared between participants, based on a 75/25 split with The Dance Centre.
  • The duration of each work should be 12-30 minutes. Each artist will receive up to one hour of technical rehearsal, working with the theatre house plot. Artists will need to work collaboratively on scheduling, program order, and marketing.
  • Provide the name of the work, running time, number of dancers, a short bio, a SHORT description of the work, and your preferred show date.
Spots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
APPLY NOW
Dance students bend with arms raised in an open house class

SCOTIABANK DANCE CENTRE OPEN HOUSE: COMMUNITY EVENT

When:
September 18, 2021
Who can apply:
All members
Level
Emerging, mid-career, established
  • Open House offers a day of free events in a diverse range of dance styles for a broad public, in an informal, welcoming atmosphere.
  • You may propose a class/workshop, studio showing/open rehearsal, performance, talk, installation, or any other engaging, accessible event.
DEADLINE: November 2, 2020
APPLY NOW

Awards

Portrait of dance artist Julia Taffe

ISADORA AWARD

When:
TBC
Who is eligible:
Full Artist/Company members
Level:
Established
  • Initiated by The Dance Centre in 1999, the Isadora Award is aimed at recognizing an established, professional choreographer or dancer who has made an outstanding contribution to the quality of dance in BC. The award is open to choreographers and dancers of all dance disciplines.
  • The recipient will receive a specially-designed award created by renowned glass sculptor Mary Filer, rehearsal space at Scotiabank Dance Centre to a value of $1000, and $500 cash.
  • This will be the final year of the Award in recognition of career achievement: a newly designed Isadora Award will be launched in 2020.
NEXT DEADLINE: TBA
Portrait of Jamie Robinson

IRIS GARLAND EMERGING CHOREOGRAPHER AWARD

When:
Award presented Spring 2021
Who is eligible:
Full Artist and Company members
Level:
Emerging
  • The IGECA is presented every two years to a senior dance student or emerging dance artist between 19 and 35 years of age who demonstrates exceptional choreographic ability and the potential to realize a future in the creative realm of dance.
  • The Award invests up to $5,000 into the chosen work, to be used towards the creation and/or production costs of presenting the work in the Faris Family Studio at Scotiabank Dance Centre.
DEADLINE: November 2, 2020
APPLY NOW
Portrait of Lola MacLaughlin

THE LOLA AWARD

When:
Award presented Spring 2020
Who is eligible:
Full Artist/Company members
Level:
Mid-career, established
  • The biennial Lola Award was created in memory of the much-loved Vancouver choreographer Lola MacLaughlin who passed away in 2009.
  • Worth $10,000, the Award is given to a mid-career or senior level choreographer, highly respected by his/her peers, who has demonstrated an adventurous willingness to push beyond the boundaries of movement/dance performance into collaborative, interdisciplinary work that draws on elements of spoken word, theatre, video, design, visual arts, music composition and/or other media.
NEXT DEADLINE: Call for submissions opens Fall 2021