Associated Organizations
Associated organizations are those groups who work in connection with Dance Nova Scotia to support the greater dance community.
The Canadian Dance Assembly (CDA) is the only national dance advocacy organization. We envision a positive future for dance and advocate for a healthy, sustainable environment for dance practice to grow and thrive. We connect dance communities, share knowledge, and monitor government policies to keep you regularly informed in your work.
With over 100 organizations and 500 individuals in CDA’s membership, includes everyone who contributes to dance, including artists, presenters, teachers, students, managers, producers, supporters, and more!
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, that make the organization vital in the Canadian arts milieu.
CDA is a reputable source of information on the current state of dance in Canada and provides representation to policymakers and the public. CDA enables its national membership of dance professionals and organizations to connect with their peers through regular communications, conferences, forums and workshops, facilitates opportunities for networking, dialogue and exchange relevant to the Canadian dance sector.
BECOMING A CDA MEMBER
Join with your Dance NS membership – two memberships in one easy form!
Membership helps you stay informed, connected, and active in a large dance network across Canada to have your needs represented on a national level. Membership also offers direct member benefits and communications, to support your own practice and areas of interest through discounts, advocacy support, and sharing and learning. We connect dance communities, share knowledge, and monitor government policies to keep you regularly informed in your work.
Joining CDA strengthens our dance ecology, and contributes your voice to our network. Every member adds momentum to our efforts. We unite, collaborate, and celebrate together to make a difference for dance. Participate in building a positive future for dance today by activating your membership!
Discounts
- Access to National Health Insurance Arts & Entertainment Plan™. This comprehensive health, drug, dental, and life insurance is created specifically for artists. Premiums start at $75/month.
- Free job postings
- Discounted rates on CDA conferences & special events
Advocacy Support
- Tools and resources to support your own advocacy
- Research sharing on arts sector data and government updates
- Conveying perspectives and concerns from members to federal decision-makers
- Travel 01 visa support letters, letters of support *some parameters apply
Sharing & Learning
- Member newsletters, including sector updates like federal policy and funding
- Access to gatherings and learning sessions | voting rights at CDA Annual General Meeting
- Membership in a Standing Council relevant to your area of practice (Independent Artists; Freelancers & Consultants; or Training & Education / Research & Writing)
*note: Individuals are welcome to join CDA with Dance NS membership. Organizations may join CDA directly.
Click Here for our Membership Form, or visit the CDA WEBSITE for more information.
Canadian Dance Assembly
Dance Collection Danse (DCD) is committed to the ongoing process of preserving works of artists through documentation so that the bank of work for future reference and performance continues to grow. We also encourage artists and organizations to attend to the preservation of their work.
The past twenty years has intentionally focussed on reaching as far back as is possible and finding those individuals who could provide first-hand accounts of the first half of the century.
As DCD is “catching up”, our research is now focussed on the 1960s and 70s, we are facing a new frontier.
The 1970s was a boom era for dance in Canada. Government funding provided opportunities for more companies and independent artists to create work. It was also the beginning of the establishment of ongoing university dance programs. The Dance in Canada Association was founded in 1972, hosting annual conferences with performances by companies and independent choreographers from across the country, and as well, several modern dance festivals took place. This era was also the beginning of the careers of many of the senior artists working today.
This 1970s research introduces a new mode of collecting, primarily due to the introduction of videotape, providing the ability to see work, and also because more written material was produced. Therefore, these records will provide a way of studying and analyzing the working methods and aesthetics of the creators.
Dance Collection Danse
Dance Manitoba is a not-for-profit organization, who’s mandate is to promote the development of all forms of dance throughout Manitoba. Everything we do, from offering dancer and teacher workshops to enhancing the appreciation for the art form, is with that goal in mind.
“PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF DANCE”
- Dance Manitoba promotes and encourages ALL disciplines of dance.
- Dance Manitoba facilitates the exchange of information and ideas on matters affecting dance in Manitoba.
- Dance Manitoba aims to develop and nurture the appreciation of dance in Manitoba through the Manitoba Provincial Dance Festival and workshops / master classes.
- Dance Manitoba publishes a quarterly newsletter,”Footlights”, available to all valid members of the organization.
- Dance Manitoba works collaboratively with other organizations, associations or societies to enhance the education and advancement of dance as an art form.
- Dance Manitoba delivers programming with the following intentions: to benefit the growth of dancers, to encourage the public awareness of all forms of dance and to facilitate the exchange of information and ideas on matters affecting dance in Manitoba.
Dance Manitoba
DANCE ONTARIO Association was founded in 1976 as the regional arm of Dance In Canada Association (DICA), and incorporated not-for-profit in 1985. Since the demise of DICA, our membership-based association has developed into a dynamic cross-section of all areas of the dance sector from internationally renowned companies to local dance clubs, technicians and agents.
DANCE ONTARIO is key to Ontario’s dance milieu and central to the diverse sector’s communications and networking, providing management training, advice and industry information. We interact with the general public on a daily basis promoting members’ services and events.
MISSION
- To promote and support the advancement of all forms of dance in Canada, and in particular, dance in the Province of Ontario, and create a unified voice on regional and Canadian dance issues;
- To serve the needs and interests of the Ontario regional dance community;
- To aid in communication amongst the Ontario dance community, between it and other regional dance communities in Canada, and throughout the dance community worldwide;
- To promote the development of performance facilities in Ontario;
- To generate funding through contributions, fundraising activities and donations, the said funds to be used to achieve the objectives of the Corporation;
- To act as a producer of dance programs, and/or conferences, educational seminars etc;
- To engage in any lawful activities necessary to carry out its purposes as a non-profit service organization.
We are an active and thriving force in the dance community with over 600 members across Ontario including 74 professional companies, independent dancers, choreographers and teachers, over 120 schools, as well as writers, administrators, technicians and other members of Ontario’s dance industry.
Dance Ontario
Dance Saskatchewan is a non-profit organization committed to the advancement of dance. Our purpose is to preserve, promote, and represent dance in Saskatchewan, to support and enhance the development of all dance forms, and to educate about and encourage a passion for dance. We operate a multidisciplinary centre that focuses on dance, integrates related art forms, and provides expanded opportunities in a wellness environment.
Dance Saskatchewan
Founded in 1985, the Dancer Transition Resource Centre (DTRC) is a national, charitable organization dedicated to helping dancers make necessary transitions into, within, and from professional performing careers. We also operate as a resource centre for the dance community and general public and support activities that improve the socioeconomic conditions of artists across the country.
Dance is one of the most demanding professions, physically, emotionally and financially.
The Dancer Transition Resource Centre (DTRC) works with professional dancers on an individual basis, providing compassionate support and practical services to address all stages of the career.
Dancers are better able to reach their potential while performing; prepare in advance for life after dance; and pursue meaningful and fulfilling second careers when a life on stage is no longer possible.
Member Services
DTRC operates as a membership-based organization. Hundreds of professional dancers across Canada are members of the DTRC and have access to:
- Professional Counselling – academic, career, financial, legal, personal
- Grants & Awards – to develop transferable skills, explore second career options, and retrain for parallel or second careers
- Online Job Board
- Online Member/Alumni Network
- Mentoring/Job Shadowing Opportunities
- Services for All Dancers (see below)
Services for All Dancers
The DTRC also operates as a resource centre for the dance community, providing:
- Workshops and Conferences
- on the MOVE/danse TRANSIT conference for emerging dance artists
- Resources
- Referrals to counsellors on a fee-for-service basis
- Opportunities to speak with DTRC staff and representatives about issues within a dance career
Services for the Public
As a world leader in the field of transition, the DTRC is often consulted on needs and trends within the dance community and invited to speak at conferences, events and workshops focused on transition.
- Read about research projects into dance and the needs of artists
- Learn how you can support the DTRC and dancers in transition
- Post a Job for DTRC members and alumni
DON’T FORGET TO BE PART OF:
DTRC Survey of Professional Dancers in Canada,
The deadline to complete the survey is June 30, 2016. Complete it and enter to win an iPad mini or a dancewear item of your choice from AinslieWear
Dancer Transition Resource Centre
Eating Disorders Nova Scotia (EDNS) is a community based organization that offers peer support for individuals with eating disorders, and for their families, friends and partners.Our team includes our Coordinator, facilitators who lead our peer support groups, and mentors who provide one-on-one peer support.
In addition we provide:
- Education for caregivers, clinicians, school staff and others
- Assistance navigating the mental health system
- Advocacy for the prevention, treatment and support of eating disorders
Programs are free of charge, and do not require a referral or diagnosis.
EDNS is generously supported by the NS Department of Health and Wellness, IWK Community Grants, the Medavie Health Foundation, and the Mental Health Foundation of NS, and your donations.
How we got started
In 1998 a group of women who had recovered from eating disorders created the Eating Disorders Action Group (EDAG). EDAG offered peer support, education workshops and advocacy for people suffering from eating disorders until it lost its core funding. In 2010 the work being done by EDAG became the Eating Disorders Project under the umbrella of the Self Help Connection, a provincial organization with the infrastructure required to build and sustain this critical work. The next few years were spent building capacity in the areas of peer support programs and education and in 2014 Eating Disorders Nova Scotia was launched.
LEARN MORE ABOUT PEER SUPPORT
Peer support is based on the belief that people who have fully recovered from an eating disorder are uniquely able to help others to find their own path to recovery.
Peer Support has a well established body of research showing its usefulness across a wide range of health conditions for:
- reducing symptoms,
- lowering reliance on formal health care use,
- increasing a sense of self-efficacy,
- providing necessary social support,
- improving the ability to cope with stress,
- enhancing the quality of life.
LEARN MORE ABOUT EATING DISORDERS
Eating disorders are complex and serious illnesses with the highest death rate of any mental illness 1.
Although Anorexia and Bulimia are most well known, other eating disorders like Binge Eating Disorder, and Other Specified Feeding and Eating Disorders (which include anorexia without the low weight, subclinical bulimia, and purging disorder) are more common and can be just as devastating. 2
Almost 1 in 10 people will experience an eating disorder during their lifetime. Among girls under 20, 1 in 6 will develop an eating disorder. 3 Although eating disorders most commonly begin in adolescence, anyone can be affected, regardless of age, gender, socioeconomic status, or ethnic background.
It is now recognized that between 50% and 80% of a person’s risk for an eating disorder is a result of genetic and biological factors. 4 Regardless of contributing factors, in almost all cases of eating disorders, dieting or caloric restriction is often the trigger. In fact, restrictive dieting increases the risk of developing an eating disorder 18 times.
With support and treatment, full recovery is possible.
OUR PEOPLE
Our team includes our Coordinator, facilitators who lead our peer support groups, and mentors who provide one-on-one peer support. We also work closely with our project evaluator and our Community of Practice Mentors.
Every one providing group or one-on-one peer support has:
- Personally experienced eating disorders and has been recovered for many years
- Completed specialized training in offering peer support, based on national standards
- Ongoing engagement in peer support education through our Community of Practice
Eating Disorders Nova Scotia
Established in 1959 by Betty Oliphant and Celia Franca, Canada’s National Ballet School (NBS) is one of the world’s foremost training institutions for aspiring young dancers and teachers. Attracting students from across the country and around the world, NBS is the only ballet academy in North America to provide elite dance training, academic instruction and residential care on the same campus. The School’s progressive curriculum, with its emphasis on the physical and emotional well-being of the student, has put NBS at the forefront of dance training internationally. Talent is the sole criterion for acceptance into NBS’ Professional Ballet Program.
NBS also offers a professional Teacher Training Program, a Musician Mentorship Program and Community Classes for both children and adults. The Associates Program offers classes after school and on weekends for students between the ages of 6 and 17, while the School’s popular Adult Ballet Program offers classes in the evenings and on weekends to adults of all fitness levels and dance experience.
NBS is at the forefront of professional ballet schools in delivering a wide and diverse range of community programs that improve health and quality of life for people of all ages and abilities. Through its Sharing Dance program, NBS promotes broad public participation in dance, providing dance activities to public school children, adults and the elderly, including those living with Parkinson’s disease or dementia. The excellence of the Professional Ballet Program is reflected in all of NBS’ programs.
Dance Nova Scotia has developed an ongoing assocation with the NBS through its programs such as Dance for PD (Parkinson’s). We are also thrilled to be part of the school’s latest nation wide project, Sharing Dance Day which will take place across the country on June 2nd, 2017. This year there is an exciting addition to the program. Four diverse communities were chosen from across the country to work with four choreographers to build a series of movements that will be combined into one bigger dance that can be learned through instructiuonal videos available on the Sharing Dance website. One of the four chosen communities is North Preston, Nova Scotia. Their involvement in this national effort is incerdibly exciting and they are anxious to see Nova Scotians share in their joy by learning the choreography and joining in as part of a nation wide dance party on June 2nd.To learn more about Sharing Dance and how you can be part of this exciting day when the entire country shares in a collective dance experience.
http://www.nbs-enb.ca/Sharing-Dance/What-is-Sharing-Dance
National School of Ballet
The Nova Scotia Fitness Association was formed in 1989 to provide Nova Scotians with a clear standard for evaluating the quality of fitness leadership in the province and to promote professionalism in the industry. As a not-for-profit organization, the NSFA is an unbiased source of fitness education and certification.
We teach certification courses, offer continuing education workshops and an annual conference, provide insurance and liaise with national and international exercise registries on behalf of our members.
The NSFA is a member of the National Fitness Leadership Alliance (NFLA). The National Fitness Leadership Alliance of Canada is a partnership of not-for-profit organizations dedicated to the advancement of exercise accreditation and leadership. NFLA Canada is dedicated to the promotion of active living for all Canadians. We do this by providing a variety of community-based services, education, accreditation and an unbiased transparent and standardized registration program to exercise professionals. NFLA represents Canadian exercise professionals in The International Confederation of Registers of Exercise Professionals (ICREPs) which is an international partnership between organizations responsible for registration of exercise professionals around the world.
NSFA certifications are recognized nationally and are transferable to any province/territory in Canada. They are transferable internationally to fellow ICREPS member nations. Please visit our Colleagues & Sponsors page for more information and links to NFLA & ICREPS.
Nova Scotia Fitness Association
The Nova Scotia Talent Trust (NSTT) is unique in Canada. It is the only funding organization dedicated to the support and recognition of emerging artists, at formative stages, who want to pursue a professional career in the arts. The NSTT invests today in the artists of the future. Founded in May 1944, the Nova Scotia Talent Trust was registered under the Companies Act as “Limited By Guarantee” and was led by a group including the Mayor of Halifax, the president of the Halifax Ladies Musical Club, the Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia, and Provincial government representatives.
Scholarships are awarded twice a year. In addition, a number of special awards recognize exceptional talent and achievements. Since 1944, the NSTT has awarded over $1.9 million dollars in scholarships to gifted Nova Scotians. Today the Nova Scotia Talent Trust is a not-for-profit society with an independent Board of Directors. A selection committee of professional artists drawn from many disciplines volunteer their time, review applications and select scholarship recipients. The rigorous professional assessment process is a significant endorsement of a recipient’s potential and encourages emerging artists to develop lifelong careers in the arts.
http://www.nstalenttrust.ns.ca
Nova Scotia Talent Trust
https://www.rscds.org/
Royal Scottish Country Dance Society