Who We Are

Who We Are

Canadian Dance Assembly’s aim is to steer our national dialogue on dance practices towards equity, access and belonging. Through conferences, workshops, and gatherings, we work together—our members and national dance stakeholders—across the provinces and the territories to build a dynamic network of communities committed to dance in all its forms.

We are a people-powered platform connecting dance communities, sharing knowledge, and addressing government policies to keep you regularly informed.

“Today, CDA is the voice that speaks for all dance across Canada, dance in its multiple facets and diversity.”

~ Lata Pada, Artistic Director Sampradaya Dance Creations

“In a country that is comprised of geographically-disparate and genre-diverse dance communities, it is essential to have a single meeting place for them all. The CDA is currently providing this opportunity and I was thrilled to join the board in order to help facilitate communication around dance in Canada, particularly amongst the different service and support organisations.”

~ Candice Pike, Vice President, NL Dance Project
Five dancers are close together and softly press their neck and chest forward with closed eyes. They wear tank tops and skirts in varying shades of orange, red and burgundy.
Photo Credits

Mission

The Canadian Dance Assembly exists to facilitate the dynamic exchange of information relevant to Canadian professional dance of all forms and aesthetics. It strives to cultivate a strong national voice for Canadian professional dance and to support the development of resources for this field of artistic expression. It is the members of the Canadian Dance Assembly, through their activities, experience and participation, who provide the dynamism and synergy that make the organization vital in the Canadian arts milieu.

Values

Committed to our programming, community engagement, and the advocacy work that has steered a national conversation about the dance ecosystem in Canada. The following are the core values that are the most important for our organization to embody.

PURPOSEFUL

  • We are intentional in our actions and responses to the needs of artists and cultural workers in the dance sector through our dedication to anti-oppression work and radical programming;

ACCESS

  • We advocate for the support and resourcing of all who practice and are committed to dance and centre equity, diversity, access, inclusivity, transparency;

CARE

  • We are committed to honouring relationships and creating networks of care with and between individual artists and cultural workers, and dance organizations across the country.

Our Social Responsability

CDA is wholeheartedly committed to the safety and wellbeing of everyone.

Please read the following policies that govern our working environments.

Harassment and Violence Prevention Policy and Procedures

This policy breaks down how we intend to uphold a safe and consensual work environment.

CDA Anti-Racism Policy 2022-2023

This policy affirms our commitment to dismantling systemic racism within our institution and throughout the dance community.

Our Strategic Plan

  • CDA 2022-2025 Strategic Plan: This plan describes the aspirations and energies that will guide and strengthen our organization and better enable us to serve our membership over the course of 2022-2025.

NEWSLETTER

Sign Up for our mailing list to receive regular updates.