Just Dance

Just Dance is a non-profit venue that hosts twice-monthly dance events in the heart of Kitsilano, blending World Music with eclectic acoustic and electronic rhythms in a free-form environment. Since 1993, the organization has created an alcohol-free, smoke-free alternative to the club scene, drawing more than 60,000 dancers over its 31 seasons. Each event runs from 7:30 pm (with optional active meditation) through 9:00 pm, featuring about 3 hours of music that varies in waves of tempo, energy and tone—a fusion of Tribal, World Beat, indigenous and sonic tones encouraging individual or partnered movement.

The venue itself is the original Kitsilano Theatre, built in 1913 and home to Just Dance since 1999. The hall features high ceilings, a generous wood-finished dance floor, a large raised stage, coloured and laser lights, and video projections. Chairs are arranged around the perimeter for resting or watching. The space welcomes a genuinely multi-generational crowd: teachers, yoga instructors, students, children, and experienced dancers all share the floor.

Just Dance offers two distinct event formats. The regular Friday events provide an open dance floor for socializing and free-form movement. Journeys, presented occasionally on fifth Fridays, are intentional dance events that build on the transformational power of music and dance, each with a different theme and facilitator using different movement modalities. Both are alcohol-free and designed as a safe, welcoming space for self-expression.

Before each event, a free 1-hour OSHO Kundalini Meditation is offered at 7:30 pm. This active meditation is designed to calm the mind, get you centred, and prepare you for the evening. It consists of four 15-minute stages: 30 minutes of movement followed by 30 minutes of stillness and silence. The format is clearly explained and accessible to both first-timers and experienced meditators; doors lock at 7:35 to respect the process.

The venue was founded by Abheeru, a dance lover from Quebec City who envisioned an alternative to overcrowded club scenes. The core team now includes resident DJs Abheeru and Raghunath Khe, resident VJ Kashub, and active meditation guide Christine. The organization donates all proceeds to local charities and operates entirely on volunteer support. An organic Chai Bar (currently not running) once offered freshly brewed Indian chai and treats; the team plans to reopen it once volunteer capacity allows.

You'll find people from many backgrounds and ages dancing freely to World Beat and Tribal Fusion music. Before the 9:00 pm dance starts, join the free OSHO Kundalini Meditation at 7:30 if you like, or arrive later. The hall is warm and spacious with a wood floor, stage, and perimeter seating if you need to rest. Wear soft-soled shoes or dance barefoot, bring layers as temperature fluctuates, and come ready to move however feels right to you.

The core team includes founder and resident DJ Abheeru, resident DJ and organizer Raghunath Khe, resident VJ Kashub, and active meditation guide Christine. Journeys events feature different facilitators using various movement modalities.

Absolutely welcoming to first-timers; the environment is relaxed and judgment-free, and the free pre-event meditation helps you centre before dancing.