The Dance Centre
Outside the Scotiabank Dance Centre.
Photo by Chris Randle
Company 605. Photo by Chris Randle
Established in 1986 as a resource centre for dance professionals and the public in British Columbia, the Dance Centre is a dynamic organization that offers a vast range of activities unparalleled in Canadian dance.
The Dance Centre was founded by a group of devoted, passionate individuals with a vision for dance, including the late Grant Strate and David YH Lui. Since 1998, Mirna Zagar has been executive director. The goal is to help develop the vibrant dance scene that exists in B.C. and to elevate the profile of dance by providing resources and services for the dance profession, presenting public performances and events, and promoting dance of all forms from across the province, including Western-based styles and culturally diverse genres.
The centre also operates the Scotiabank Dance Centre, one of Canada’s flagship dance facilities situated in the heart of downtown Vancouver. When the building opened its doors in 2001, it was a milestone in the history of dance in Canada. There was nothing in North America like it at the time: a purpose-built, shared-use facility, providing a diverse dance community with a home of its own. The dedicated space now sees an estimated 87,000-plus visits annually and hosts hundreds of classes, rehearsals, performances and events. With high-quality, affordable studio space, it is a creative and collaborative hub for the arts community and a catalyst for dance developments, all spearheaded by Dance Centre research, outreach, and performance programs.
Through performances, events, studio showings, talks, digital content, and more the Dance Centre works to support an often fragmented and under-resourced dance community, putting B.C. dance on the global stage. While the Dance Centre has a strong focus on local artists, it also creates national and international partnerships and presents artists from beyond Canada. The curated biennial Dance In Vancouver platform forges connections with dancers and choreographers, as well as presenters from around the world.
Year-round public performances range from the Global Dance Connections series, featuring cutting-edge contemporary dance from around the world, to the Discover Dance! series, which highlights the diversity of BC dance. Community programs include the annual Scotiabank Dance Centre Open House and International Dance Day, and free studio showings and events run throughout the season.
Among the many recognitions the Dance Centre has earned are the Downtown Vancouver Association Achievement Award (2000), the Spirit of Vancouver Award (2002) for outstanding commitment to the community and the arts, and the Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association Appreciation Award (2012) for outstanding contribution to downtown Vancouver.
Find The Dance Centre at
677 Davie Street
Vancouver, BC
V6B 2G6
Phone: 604-606-6400
