VDC DANCE CENTRE SOCIETY

The Dance Centre (VDC) is BC's primary resource centre for dance. We provide programs supporting the development of professional dance artists (residencies danceLabs for research promotion networking workshops video documentation newsletter). Our ongoing year-round programming engages a very diverse public through: Global Dance Connection Series Discover Dance Series International Dance Day Celebrations (offering free events to BC's communities) Scotiabank Dance Centre Open House (annual event commemorating the opening of this unique dance facility) Power of Dance (offering free classes to seniors. Youth and new immigrants and to elementary schools) and other free events for the public; exhibitions video library access; website and information about dance in BC. At the core of our values are engagement inclusion accessibility and providing transformative experiences through dance to as many audiences as possible. We partner with numerous local arts organizations educational institutions and also across sectors throughout the Lower Mainland to optimize access to high quality dance experiences to as broad a public as possible. Support to the dance professional is offered through an array of professional development opportunities networking as well as financial awards and other funding to help artists sustain careers.

The Dance Centre continues to provide innovative programs and projects Post pandemic recovery is slower than expected and as an arts organizations we are still dealing with the challenges. The need of interest for free programs especially for youth and seniors continues and we have expanded the Power of Dance program to seniors and also to elementary schools (more schools more classes for the seniors). The expansion of this program means that more artists are hired for more time to deliver the expanded programming to include new locations. Overall engaging with significantly more participants than prior years. While type of programming remains it is the number of participants that is increasing and the number of artists we are hiring to deliver the programs.