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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
Upcoming Professional Program Presentations & Collaborations
The Professional Program of The School of Contemporary Dancers Collaborations
Our School Founder, Rachel Browne, and our Professional Program Founders / Co-Directors, Odette Heyn & Faye Thomson, are being inducted into Dance Collection Danse's national Hall of Fame! Odette Heyn & Faye Thomson will be receiving the William J.S. Boyle Luminary Award for their contributions to contemporary dance in Canada.
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.
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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