Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret Society
Swing classes, live band dances, clown workshops, and cabaret shows in Mount…
The Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret is a non-profit arts society founded in 2006, operating from a studio at 2050 Scotia Street in Mount Pleasant since 2013.
Before your first class
Swing classes and clown workshops welcome beginners; mixed levels are accommodated in small class sizes with individual feedback.
Wear dance shoes for swing classes; costume pieces from the on-site collection can be borrowed for themed events.
Swing drop-in: $20 per class.
About this studio
The Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret is a non-profit arts society founded in 2006, operating from a studio at 2050 Scotia Street in Mount Pleasant since 2013. The organisation creates and supports original work of physical theatre in both traditional and site-specific spaces, known for large-scale musicals, roving acts, and festivals including the community-involved Parade of Lost Souls.
The studio offers swing dance classes at beginner and beginner/intermediate levels through drop-in lessons and mini-series formats. Friday swing classes run 6–7 pm for $20 per drop-in or $120 for a full series. The studio also hosts a weekly Clown Gym workout and regular clown workshops on Thursdays (5–7 pm, $25 per class or $160 for a series) for beginners and intermediate levels. Artistic Director Kat Single-Dain leads the organisation and welcomes involvement across the season's activities.
The venue regularly hosts live band dancing events. The Swingout, featuring a Dusty house band led by Joe Abbott, welcomes musicians to sit in. On the first Wednesday of each month, the Dusty hosts live band dancing at Princeton Pub with free entrance, a free taster swing lesson, and pool tables. Every Sunday (after 7 pm), Brass Tax Band performs at Strange Fellows Brewing with free entrance, locally made beer, and a free taster swing lesson in the first band break. The Dust Off, held at the studio starting August 21st, features Western Swing and Two Step dancing with a 6 pm lesson for $5 and 7–10 pm event for $15.
Special events include Slow Dance Speed Dating at Gloria's Happy Hour, monthly cabarets (Final Friday, January–May 2027, entrance by donation), and Clownaoke (first Friday of some months, free, with a 6 pm drop-in swing lesson for $20). A Valentine's Night special features speed dating for couples with dinner catered by Chickpea, entertainment, and dancing. The studio runs an open house costume sale on Fridays 5–7 pm (September–June), with 20 years of inventory available for rental or purchase.
What to expect
Your first visit
The studio is located in the Artiste Building; enter through the glass door by the loading bay at the back. Drop-in classes run regularly at beginner levels with individual attention, and the space hosts live band dances most weeks at various venues (Princeton Pub, Strange Fellows Brewing, or on-site). First-time visitors are welcome; many events include free taster lessons.
Instructors
Who teaches here
Kat Single-Dain is the Artistic Director since 2013. The weekly Swingout features a Dusty house band led by Joe Abbott. Events feature musicians including Noah Walker, Nathan Barrett, Kathleen Nesbit, Paul Silvera, Rusty Sholberg, and Shirley Gnome.
New to dancing?
What beginners can expect
Swing classes and clown workshops welcome beginners; mixed levels are accommodated in small class sizes with individual feedback.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
What to bring
Wear dance shoes for swing classes; costume pieces from the on-site collection can be borrowed for themed events.
Studio history
The Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret was formed in 2006 on a rainy winter's night in a Strathcona art studio when local artists met and decided to collaborate. Their first show, The Valley of Ashes, premiered in November 2007. The organisation has since produced large-scale theatrical works including The Listening Jar (2009), Hard Times Hit Parade (2011, which toured BC), The Scarlet Queen of Mercy (2014), and Disco Inferno (2023). Since 2010, the DFC has co-produced and later independently produced the Parade of Lost Souls, and since 2018 also produces the Parade of Little Souls for families.
Styles offered
6 dance styles taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret Societyhasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret Society, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret Society
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret Society teach?
Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret Society teaches General, Swing dance, Western Swing, Two-step, Clown (beginner and intermediate), Physical theatre. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret Society located?
Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret Society is located in Vancouver, BC. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret Society offer private lessons?
Contact Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret Society directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret Society teach kids and adults?
Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret Society welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret Society?
The fastest path is to visit Dusty Flowerpot Cabaret Society via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.