Announcing its 2024-2024 season, The Dance Centre is planning a program of exciting performances, accessible community programs, residencies, and projects, featuring a diverse roster of artists working in a wide variety of dance genres.
Highlights include the 14th edition of Dance In Vancouver, two new Associate Artist positions, two performance series, and national choreographic exchanges.
Executive Director Mirna Zagar said, “This season really encapsulates how The Dance Centre has built up, over more than three decades, a range of activities which is unparalleled in Canadian dance. We look forward to continuing to support hundreds of artists, offering a diverse selection of performances and events, and welcoming audiences to our vibrant cultural hub Scotiabank Dance Centre, in the coming year.”
photo: Max Putinsev
Opening the season, The Global Dance Connections series features Indigenous choreographers Sophie Dow (September 20-21, 2024) and Daina Ashbee (February 6-8, 2025); world premieres of works rooted in classical Indian dance forms by Anusha Fernando/Shakti Dance (October 4-6, 2024) and Gaurav Bhatti (March 28-29, 2025); and an exciting new collaboration by Company 605 and Singapore’s The Human Expression (June 5-7, 2025).
The popular Discover Dance! noon hour series includes aerialists Corporeal Imago (October 31, 2024), Arts Umbrella Dance Company (November 28, 2024), Bollywood specialists SHIAMAK Vancouver (February 27, 2025), Chinese classical and folk dance troupe the Lorita Leung Dance Company (March 27, 2025) and tap star Danny Nielsen (April 24, 2025).
The 14th edition of The Dance Centre’s biennial Dance In Vancouver takes place November 20-24, 2024. This is a celebration of BC’s contemporary dance scene both for local audiences and for presenters who visit from around the world. Since its inception in 1997, DIV has been instrumental in building connections between local artists and presenters, nurturing touring, exchanges and partnerships.
Iris Garland Emerging Choreographer Award recipient Anya Saugstad premieres her ensemble work Paper Mountains as part of DIV (November 23, 2024) and The Dance Centre partners with Mandala Arts and Culture to present a new Bharata Natyam duet performed by Kiruthika Rathanaswami and Malavika Santhosh (December 6-7, 2024).
photo: Rachel Topham
This season The Dance Centre announces the appointment of two Associate Artists: Justine A. Chambers and Ralph Escamillan each start three-year terms where they choreograph new works, curate programs and events, and build connections with diverse communities. Two national exchange projects with organizations in Montreal and Toronto will support artistic growth and creative exchange.
Choreographic research and the development of new work is supported through a comprehensive suite of residencies, labs, and projects, and the 12 Minutes Max program for emerging artists, with free showings and events throughout the year. The Dance Centre continues to support hundreds of artists every year through its programs, subsidized or free studio space at Scotiabank Dance Centre, resources, information, professional development, and other opportunities.
Community programs including the annual Scotiabank Dance Centre Open House (September 14, 2024) and International Dance Day (April 29, 2025) provide free, accessible dance experiences for all. The Power of Dance program offers workshops for elementary and high school students, immigrant and refugee youth (in partnership with the Vancouver School Board) and seniors.
The Dance Centre season subscriptions and single tickets are available online. Find the full season’s programming details and ticket information at thedancecentre.ca
All events take place at Scotiabank Dance Centre, 677 Davie St.