
“The Dance Program here is a nationally renowned centre for contemporary dance training in Canada and the quality of training I received was outstanding. The connections I made with my peers, teachers and the professional community greatly supported my transition into the profession. Not only was the program itself incredible, it was also an excellent preparation for a performance career in contemporary dance.”
– Alexandra Winters (BA Honours Dance) - Performance career including Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers, Gearshifting Performance Works, Stephanie Ballard and Dancers, SOS Dance (Victoria), Banff Centre for the Arts, GPS Collective (Mexico), @tendance/C.Medina (Austria)
Dance
This is a joint program between The University of Winnipeg and The School of Contemporary Dancers in Winnipeg. It offers an intensive education in contemporary dance technique and performance in preparation for a professional career in dance.
NOTE: In order to enrol in this program, students must be admitted to both The School of Contemporary Dancers: Senior Professional Program and The University of Winnipeg.
Contemporary dance encompasses an exciting and eclectic range of performance styles. It is at the forefront of experimental work in the performing arts. Vital professional companies and a small number of excellent schools are spread throughout North and South America, Europe, and other areas of the world.
This joint program offers the advantages of concentrated, conservatory-style dance training teamed with a liberal arts education. Courses at The School of Contemporary Dancers uniquely prepare students for a professional career in contemporary dance. Courses at The University of Winnipeg develop students who are flexible and multi-talented, have learned a number of different job skills and technological solutions, can adapt to change, can think critically and analyze effectively, can speak and write clearly, and can be counted on to find creative and innovative solutions to problems.
This combination of technique and artistry in dance, together with a broad-based university education, is designed to prepare students to be performers and artists of wide-ranging and deep perceptiveness.
Each year, students gain extensive performance experience through activities including two public series, special projects, and a tour of Winnipeg-area schools. The School of Contemporary Dancers is one of a small number of institutions to be recognized by the Federal Department of Canadian Heritage as a national centre for arts training.
This program leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree (3-year or Honours) with a Major in Dance.
Required High School Courses
You must meet The University of Winnipeg’s general admission requirements. No specific courses required.
Ready to Apply?
How to Apply - The School of Contemporary Dancers
Admission to The School of Contemporary Dancers is by audition. Applicants should be at an intermediate level of training in classical ballet and/or contemporary dance and show professional potential for contemporary dance. Upon entry, students are placed according to their level of technique and performance. Most students are placed in first year but some advanced students may be placed at second-year level.
How To Apply - UWinnipeg
For details on application requirements and deadlines, and to apply online, please visit:
uwinnipeg.ca/apply
For more information contact a student recruitment officer at welcome@uwinnipeg.ca or 204.786.9844.
“The Dance Program here is a nationally renowned centre for contemporary dance training in Canada and the quality of training I received was outstanding. The connections I made with my peers, teachers and the professional community greatly supported my transition into the profession. Not only was the program itself incredible, it was also an excellent preparation for a performance career in contemporary dance.”
– Alexandra Winters (BA Honours Dance) - Performance career including Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers, Gearshifting Performance Works, Stephanie Ballard and Dancers, SOS Dance (Victoria), Banff Centre for the Arts, GPS Collective (Mexico), @tendance/C.Medina (Austria)
Program Contacts
UWinnipeg Theatre Department
phone: 204.786.9955
email: m.tallin@uwinnipeg.ca
Visit the Theatre Department website
The School of Contemporary Dancers
Hillary Smith, Administrator
phone: 204.452.1239
email: info@schoolofcontemporarydancers.ca
In any case where The University of Winnipeg Academic Calendar and this webpage differ, the current Calendar takes precedence.
How to Apply - The School of Contemporary Dancers
Admission to The School of Contemporary Dancers is by audition. Applicants should be at an intermediate level of training in classical ballet and/or contemporary dance and show professional potential for contemporary dance. Upon entry, students are placed according to their level of technique and performance. Most students are placed in first year but some advanced students may be placed at second-year level.
How To Apply- UWinnipeg
For details on application requirements and deadlines, and to apply online, please visit:
uwinnipeg.ca/apply
For more information contact a student recruitment officer at welcome@uwinnipeg.ca or 204.786.9844.
Program Contacts
UWinnipeg Theatre Department
phone: 204.786.9955
email: m.tallin@uwinnipeg.ca
web: uwinnipeg.ca/theatre
The School of Contemporary Dancers
Hillary Smith, Administrator
phoneL 204.452.1239
email: info@schoolofcontemporarydancers.ca
web:schoolofcontemporarydancers.ca
In any case where The University of Winnipeg Academic Calendar and this fact sheet differ, the current Calendar takes precedence.
Last Updated: 08/01/2024
“The Dance Program here is a nationally renowned centre for contemporary dance training in Canada and the quality of training I received was outstanding. The connections I made with my peers, teachers and the professional community greatly supported my transition into the profession. Not only was the program itself incredible, it was also an excellent preparation for a performance career in contemporary dance.”
– Alexandra Winters (BA Honours Dance) - Performance career including Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers, Gearshifting Performance Works, Stephanie Ballard and Dancers, SOS Dance (Victoria), Banff Centre for the Arts, GPS Collective (Mexico), @tendance/C.Medina (Austria)
Last Updated: 08/01/2024