As many in the HRM dance community know, a project has long been in process in the Dance Nova Scotia world. That project is now about to move into its next phase of activity. Over the past few years Dance Nova Scotia has been working alongside the new Arts and Culture Link group which has been steadily working to convert downtown Halifax’s former World Trade and Convention Centre into a new hub for arts and culture within the city.
Dubbed the “Light House”, this project has already become home to organizations such as the East Coast Music Association, television shows such as “This Hour Has 22 Minutes”, and burgeoning independent theatre groups such as “Spontaneity Improv”. But on February 1st these denizens of this new arts hall will get a new neighbor when Dance Nova Scotia’s “DANSpace” studio moves into its new home in the Light House.
Nestled on the third floor of the Light House, DANSpace will receive an exciting and significant upgrade moving from its current location on Grafton street. While primarily a rehearsal studio for dance, DANSpace will also be a small but versatile performance and event space. Along with a new address, this new home comes complete with wall to wall Harlequin sprung floors, stage drapery, in-house lighting and sound, a private changing room with a separate single bathroom, and the ability to support all dance styles and creative expression.
The goal is to make DANSpace a home for all. Conversations are already happening with other Light House tenants, as we excitedly look towards the potential of collaborative arts events in the future. As it is in its current location, the DANSpace studio will be bookable by the dance and arts community seven days per week from early morning to late evening. Dance Nova Scotia’s DANSpace manager Richard Zimich has been creatively reviewing the many pockets of community to support as well as dreaming up new workshops and possibilities for the space.
Space for the arts is a necessity. And we hope this new space will be one that will be home to an explosion of creativity and community.
For information on booking DANSpace visit online at Dancens.ca/danspace or email us at danspace@dancens.ca
