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The School of Contemporary Dancers’ programs are vitally important to the discipline and to the Canadian artistic community.

– Canadian Heritage Assessor

Welcome to The School of Contemporary Dancers

The School of Contemporary Dancers is directed with dedication and integrity by a vastly experienced team of Artistic Directors and Artistic Associates.

The artistic direction is robust and is committed to fostering and developing artistic excellence.

– Canadian Heritage Assessor

What's on at SCD?

Keep up to date on our performances and auditions by signing up for our mailing list SIGN UP HERE

THE SENIOR PROFESSIONAL PROGRAM:

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Jera Wolfe

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SCD is excited to be currently hosting Kayla Henry and Jera Wolfe as guests choreographers and teachers for The Senior Professional Program! You can see their choreography presented in Dance Reflection on May 8 - May 11 (Tickets posted soon).

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COMMUNITY EVENTS / THE SCHOOL OF CONTEMPORARY DANCERS:

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The School of Contemporary Dancers is excited to be supporting Young Lungs Dance Exchange in hosting Alejandro Ronceria. SCD will be hosting "Workshop Intensive for Dancers, Performers, and Choreographers" at the SCD studios from March 31 to April 4.

**Discount for anyone currently registered in any SCD program/classes

Discount Code: SCD2025

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Marie-Josée Chartier is a guest choreographer and teacher for The Senior Professional Program at SCD. She will be performing in the one act play, "Fracas",  by Margaret Sweatman in Winnipeg on March 28 , 29 and 30! Marie-Josée is a versatile artist from Toronto, whose talents transcend the boundaries of dance, music, opera and multi-media. 

Our Story

The School and Apprentice Program of Contemporary Dancers was founded by Rachel Browne in 1972 as a division of Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers. In 1981, the Apprentice Program was recreated and Odette Heyn and Faye Thomson co-founded the Professional Program. In 1995, the School was separately incorporated from the company of Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers in order to focus on its unique mandate more fully. The School celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2012/2013.

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Odette Heyn, C.M. and Faye Thomson, C.M. have co-directed the Professional Program for over 40 years. Under their direction the Program has developed into one of the leading contemporary dance performance training programs in Canada. Core staff for several years have included School Founder, Rachel Browne, C.M., Artist-in-Residence, Stephanie Ballard, and Artistic Associate, Gaile Petursson-Hiley.

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Throughout the history of the Professional Program, numerous graduates have continued to enter the profession and perform with renowned companies and choreographers locally, nationally, and internationally. The Program has also been the source of distinguished choreographers and artistic directors within the Canadian contemporary dance community and beyond.

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Receive University credit from your work in The Senior Professional Program to work towards a degree with the University of Winnipeg while training with The Senior Professional Program

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Dance Monday - Friday

Evening University Classes

Four-year Pre-Professional Contemporary Dance Training Program working with professional choreographers from around the world

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Monday to Friday 9-5

Sept - May

Intensive Dance Training that prepares students for further Professional Dance Training

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Weekday Evenings +

Optional Saturday Classes

Adults and Children of all ages and abilities

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Adults: Weekday Evenings

Children: Saturdays

The General Program 

Classes for both adults and children

The School of Contemporary Dancers offers programs for every age and stage.

Whether you are training to become a professional dancer, or want to have some fun and make new friends through a great form of exercise in our recreational classes, we have something for you!

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The General Program is committed to providing a strong technical foundation while fostering creativity and artistry within all individuals. We invite our students to discover the benefits and joy of dance within a welcoming, age-appropriate, and non-competitive atmosphere. We offer a variety of classes for ages 2 to adult.

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Sign up for our Newsletter

Information about The School, important dates, and upcoming events will be sent out in our newsletter!

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