George Brown Dance is a cornerstone of dance education in Canada, evolving from modest beginnings into one of the country's largest and most successful post-secondary dance institutions. Founded in 1974 by George Brown College (GBC) and the National Ballet of Canada's first Prima Ballerina, Lois Smith C.M., the program began as a focused classical ballet curriculum before expanding to embrace diverse dance styles and performance techniques.
"For 50 years, George Brown Dance has nurtured talent, creativity, and excellence, preparing students for dynamic careers in the performing arts. This milestone celebrates our rich history and also the incredible impact our graduates have had on the dance community and beyond. We are proud to continue fostering the next generation of artists in partnership with Jörgen Dance," says Dr. Gervan Fearon, President of George Brown College.
Evolution through partnership
The journey of George Brown Dance is marked by significant milestones that shaped its development:
- 1973: George Brown College begins offering theatre arts courses, including dance, as part-time electives
- 1974: Official founding of the dance program at GBC
- 1976: Formalization of the college's performing arts division under Dean Bradley Webb and Creative Lead, Joseph Shaw.
- 1989: Jörgen Dance establishes its home at George Brown College
- 1992: A formal partnership is established between GBC and Jörgen Dance to develop what is now George Brown Dance
The partnership with Jörgen Dance transformed the program, expanding its scope and enhancing its professional connections. Today, the program offers specialized streams including Dance Performance, Commercial Dance, and Dance Performance Preparation, with classical ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, vocal, repertoire, and composition instruction.
Professional training in Canada's cultural heart
Located in downtown Toronto, George Brown Dance leverages its prime position in Canada's cultural centre to provide students with exceptional opportunities for professional development and industry exposure.
"I have been part of the George Brown Dance community since 1989, when I was appointed Resident Choreographer. It has been an absolute privilege to lead and develop the dance programs at George Brown College," reflects Bengt Jörgen C.M., Artistic Director of George Brown Dance. "The passion and drive of the student body, the extraordinary faculty of practicing artists and master teachers, the unwavering commitment of our partner George Brown College, the dedication of our staff and the success of our alumni have been nothing short of extraordinary."
Creating career-ready performers
The program's success is reflected in its graduates, who have built careers with prestigious organizations including The National Ballet of Canada, Toronto Dance Theatre, Stratford Festival, Cirque du Soleil, and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.
Students benefit from regular performance opportunities on professional stages across Toronto, including the Betty Oliphant Theatre and Fleck Dance Theatre. These experiences and instruction from working professionals and industry leaders prepare graduates for the demands of professional dance careers.
Looking to the future
As George Brown Dance celebrates this milestone anniversary, it continues to honour its founding principles while adapting to meet the evolving needs of the dance industry. The program remains committed to technical excellence, artistic integrity, and creating a supportive community for dancers to develop their unique voices.
Through its ongoing partnership with Jörgen Dance and connections with Toronto's diverse dance community, George Brown Dance is poised to continue its legacy of excellence for the next 50 years, shaping the future of dance in Canada and beyond.
