DANCE WEST NETWORK
Connecting Artists and Communities in Motion
Photo: Come Hell or High Water by Armand Bladon
Donate to Dance West Network's 20th Anniversary celebration
Your donation of $5, $10, $25, $100 will help us support residencies for IBPOC artists.
This fundraising campaign also supports the 20th Anniversary of Dance West Network and the publication of our new book Conversations and Essays on Dance in British Columbia: A Dance West Network Anthology to be published by Dance Collection Danse Press/es in 2026, The book will be launched at the PuSh Festival on January 30, 2026.
The names of all contributors (20 years old and above) will be added to a draw out of a hat : ) for a free copy of the book, including mailing. We anticipate announcing the winner at the Jan 30 launch.
MAIN PROGRAMS
MAINSTAGE
MAINSTAGE creates connections between established and up-and-coming artists with a network of theatre presenters in the province.
PLUS
RE-CENTERING MARGINS RESIDENCY
RE-CENTERING/MARGINS RESIDENCY is a project that began in 2019 to support emerging IBPOC dance artists. AND RESIDENCY ALUMNI projects: online artist showcase, residencies in BC, artist exchange project in The Bronx, NY, among other projects.
DES ARTS DEHORS/ARTS OUTSIDE (DADAO)
DES ARTS DEHORS/ARTS OUTSIDE supports French and English-speaking artists who create work for the outdoors/alternative sites beyond the theatre.
SPECIAL PROJECTS
In addition, we also collaborate with artists, presenters, and CDCs on various special projects, which often centre IBPOC dance artists and equity-seeking communities, as funding permits.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT events focused on dance offered in multiple BC communities through the work of dynamic Community Dance Connectors - local “dance champions” - located throughout the province.
JANUARY 2026
MAINSTAGE MARATHON Industry Online Pitch Session
Thurs Jan 15 2026 , 9am - 12:30pm PST
For details & reservations, click HERE
MAINSTAGE INDUSTRY EVENT, featuring the work of 8 BC-based dance artists
Jan 29 from 4:30pm to 6:30pm
For details & reservations, click HERE
Birmingham Studio, The Dance Centre
Produced as part of the PuSh Industry Series Community Partner Programming
BOOK LAUNCH
Conversations and Essays on Dance in British Columbia: A Dance West Network Anthology
Friday Jan 30, 2026, 3:30pm
Djavad Mowafaghian World Art Centre, 149 West Hastings, Room 2555 at Simon Fraser University with community partner the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival
20th ANNIVERSARY!
In 2025-26, Dance West Network celebrates its 20th Anniversary!
Dance West Network proudly marks its 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of connecting artists and communities around their mutual love of dance. Since its founding, DWN has led the way in creating artist-driven connections across BC communities and cultivating community and presenter partnerships across so-called British Columbia and beyond.
What stands out most to me about Dance West is their genuine care. They see artists as whole people, not only through what we create, but through how we grow. Their approach is rooted in listening, in creating bridges, and in nurturing the kind of trust that allows artists to take risks and find their voice.
Carla Alcántara, Co-Director of TEMPO Dance & Visual Art, Ancillary Artist Re-Centering/Margins Residency and Mainstage Artist
Being selected for this residency has been an unexpected, amazing, transformative experience, and I am immensely grateful that you saw potential in me and provided me with this platform to grow and explore my artistry
Isabella Beckford, Dance Artist, Re-Centering/Margins Residency 2024
DWN removes perfectionism, encourages risk, and welcomes every artist, no matter their skill level—from emerging to professional. This is an equitable space where all are respected as contributors and treated with professionalism, dignity, and encouragement....Dance West Network holds a special place in my heart as a transformative, collaborative launchpad where bold, transcendent artistry truly flourishes.
Angela Poundmaker - Gromova. Dance Artist, Eighth Generation Poundmaker Cree descendant consultant
I choose to work with Dance West because they are relational. They see artists not as projects, but as people — as voices worth nurturing and as dreams worth building with. Their network is a web of care and opportunity that helps artists, especially immigrants like me, find belonging, confidence, and purpose.
Marco Esscer, Co-Director of TEMPO Dance & Visual Art. Ancillary Artist Re-Centering/Margins Residency 20and Mainstage Artist
Participating in the off-off-FTA showcase was an incredibly valuable experience. I felt at ease going into my first pitch because Dance West Network provided such a wealth of tools and support before, during, and after the festival… Being at FTA opened connections with presenters and peers that have since blossomed into meaningful relationships, future opportunities, and a renewed permission to dream bigger. I’m so grateful to have been part of it — thank you again for creating such a generous and empowering platform.
”Nasiv Sall, Artist at off-off Festival TransAmerique 2025 showcase
Photo Meaghan Gipps