The Dance Centre

The Dance Centre is a multifaceted organization established in 1986 as a resource centre for dance professionals and the public in British Columbia. Located on Level 6 at 677 Davie Street in Vancouver, it operates one of Canada's flagship dance facilities and has become a hub for dance activity, generating an estimated 87,000+ visits annually since its building opened in 2001.

The organization supports the development of dance in BC through several streams. It presents public performances and events year-round, ranging 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 Open House, International Dance Day celebrations, and free studio showings throughout the season.

For professional dance artists, The Dance Centre offers artist residencies and development programs. The Artist-in-Residence program supports artists in developing new work with space, mentorship and resources, connecting them with audiences through talks, showings and performances. DanceLab provides fully subsidized studio space for research and collaboration between dance and other disciplines, with results shared in informal studio showings. The 12 Minutes Max program fosters experimentation and choreographic development with access to support and feedback from facilitators. Dance Workshops cover topics from grant writing and career development to choreographic development and working with lighting designers.

The Dance Centre serves the public through its Power of Dance program, which offers opportunities for children, youth and seniors to experience dance. This includes free workshops for elementary school students (kindergarten to Grade 7) introducing dance and supporting creativity and wellness, high school workshops (Grades 8-12) covering styles including hip hop, bhangra and street dance, the Discover Dance! series for schools with performances from BC companies, an Immigrant and Refugee Youth Program providing a safe space for youth new to Canada, and a seniors program offering socially fulfilling experiences through dance.

Beyond programming, The Dance Centre is the primary source for information about dance in BC, offering access to hundreds of performances, companies and organizations through its website and the online BC Dance Directory. It promotes BC dance internationally through the biennial Dance In Vancouver platform and helps connect the local dance scene to national and international partners. The organization is a non-profit and registered charity. Dance Centre members can apply for subsidies on studio rentals, receive invitations to info sessions and networking events, and consult with experienced staff.

Visit the building Monday–Friday 9am–9pm, Saturday 9am–6pm, or Sunday 10am–6pm. Classes run through Dance Centre member instructors across many styles; check the current listings on the website or contact directly to confirm details and schedule. Performances and events occur year-round, from intimate studio showings to full productions in the black box theatre. An Open House event is held annually.

Classes and workshops are taught by Dance Centre member artists and instructors. Examples include Loreli Skinner (2 The Pointe Coaching Club, classical ballet), Gazelle (adult Vaganova ballet), and instructors in Afro dance, Highland dance, Yosakoi, and many other styles. Visit individual class listings or contact instructors directly for credentials and experience.

Many classes are open-level and welcoming to beginners; check individual class descriptions for suitability, as some focus on intermediate or advanced dancers.