The story of the Canadian Dance Assembly is one of people coming together in support of dance. CDA exists through the collective belief in the power of dance and community as absolutely essential to society. The relationships and solidarity built over our history is one of tenacity, leadership, and togetherness. Our successes and achievements could only happen by carrying this work together, and using all of our embodied skills and beings to advance this sector.

We thank each member, volunteer, board member, staff member, contributor, donor, and community member for their service and dedication. This dream that we can make things better together still holds true!

CDA Celebrates 20 years: 

2024 marked CDA’s 20th anniversary year! We chose “Dance for Change / Change for Dance” as the anniversary slogan, written in a continuous circle. It felt meaningful for us to reflect on our evolving dance ecosystems and collective power.

Shannon reflects on how “ important an organization like CDA is in the professional landscape and how, even when the results are not what we hope, ongoing advocacy is essential to our mutual thriving as a field. My hope for the CDA is that it continues to be a uniting force for our field, that it helps us have a strong presence in the national arts scene, and that it gives voice to our collective needs within government, in service of bringing dance to the Canadian public.”

“CDA has been a key player, a major part in many advocacy initiatives that have seen concrete results. I hope CDA continues to be a community connector, leader and dance champion in the performing arts landscape. That it is a place where learning takes place and new relationships are formed. We cannot do this work alone.”