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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
Keep up to date on what shows and events SCD is hosting!
4-Year Professional Contemporary Dancer Training Program
Entry by audition
2026/2027 Audition date:
February 19 and 20
Intensive Contemporary Dance Training Program to prepare dancers for further contemporary dance training. Geared towards middle school and high school students.
Entry by audition
2026/2027
Audition date: June 2026
“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
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.
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.
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
Monday to Friday 9-5
Sept - May
Intensive Dance Training that prepares students for further Professional Dance Training
Weekday Evenings +
Optional Saturday Classes
Adults and Children of all ages and abilities
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!
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.
