Simcoe Contemporary Dancers

Continuum
2024-01-20 19:00 - 2024-01-21 20:00 UTC | Five Points Theatre, 1 Dunlop Street West, Barrie, Ontario, L4N 1A1, Canada
Continuum is a mixed program contemporary dance performance running from January 20-21, 2024 at the Five Points Theatre in Barrie, ON.
Continuum will feature the two world premieres including Simcoe Contemporary Dancers newest work, Tracing Orbits, co-choreographed by Chrissy Baxter, Jaqui Brown, and Shelby Thoms and The Chasm, a new solo choreographed and performed by Aliyah Beckles-Gaines. Continuum will also feature Garden Follies, a community-engaged choreography.
Show Times:
Saturday, January 20, 2024 @ 7:00 pm
Sunday, January 21, 2024 @ 12:30 pm
Sunday, January 21, 2024 @ 7:00 pm
Buy Tickets Here!

Annual General Meeting
2023-11-19 15:00 - 17:00 | ON
Join SCD for their Annual General Meeting to learn more about their successes and growth during the 2022-2023 dance season!

Simcoe Contemporary Dancers Culture Days Performance and Movement Experience
2023-09-24 14:30 - 15:15 | MacLaren Art Centre, 37 Mulcaster St, Barrie, Ontario, L4M 3M2, Canada
Join Simcoe Contemporary Dancers in the Carnegie Room at the MacLaren Art Centre for the premiere of our newest community-engaged choreography! Inspired by the Garden Follies exhibition at the MacLaren, this performance was developed collaboratively with our regional community this past summer.
After the premiere, join SCD for a movement experience and get the chance to create your very own movement vocabulary—exploring the same improvisation games that were used in the dance you just saw performed! A fun interactive experience for all ages and abilities.

Community Engaged Creation Period
2023-09-17 13:00 - 15:00, 2023-09-10 13:00 - 15:00, 2023-08-27 13:00 - 15:00, 2023-08-20 13:00 - 15:00, 2023-08-13 13:00 - 15:00, 2023-08-06 13:00 - 15:00, 2023-07-30 13:00 - 15:00, 2023-07-23 13:00 - 15:00 and 2 more dates | MacLaren Art Centre, 37 Mulcaster St, Barrie, Ontario, L4M 3M2, Canada
You’re Invited To Join Simcoe Contemporary Dancers’ Biggest Community Dance Piece Yet!
Six performance opportunities. Four chances to join in. One unforgettable experience.
At A Glance:
Dates: Sundays from July 9 – August 27 and September 10, 17
Price: FREE
Time: 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Ages: 8 years and up
Registration required. Drop-ins are welcome on July 9, July 16, August 6, and August 13. Register Here.
Registration Options:
July Series (6 workshops): Sundays: July 9, 16, 23, 30, PLUS September 10, 17
August Series (6 workshops): Sundays: August 6, 13, 20, 27, PLUS September 10, 17
Whole Session (10 workshops): Sundays: July 9 to August 27, PLUS September 10, 17
About the project:
Collaborate with Simcoe Contemporary Dancers every Sunday throughout the summer! SCD will host a series of guided improvisations inspired by summer exhibits—open to all from ages 8 and up!
Rehearsals will consist of a short visual art warm-up, movement warm-up, improvisation games, and setting of choreography that has been created collaboratively. While the project is open to ages 8+, SCD requests that children under the age of 10 be accompanied by a parent/guardian.
Be a part of these fun workshops and help create a performance that will premiere in September for Culture Days! All experience levels are welcome! This is a great opportunity to explore dance and create something unique together. This project is made possible by the Canada Council for the Arts and The City of Barrie. Register in advance as spots are limited.
Simcoe Contemporary Dancers is a not-for-profit professional dance company serving the region of Simcoe County that exists to encourage and showcase the development of local professional contemporary dance. We come together to raise the visibility of contemporary dance, create awareness, build educational opportunities, and reach out to our public to share our love of our art form. Learn more about SCD at www.SCDancers.com.
Facilitator Biography:
Jaqui Brown is a dancer and dance teacher from Newmarket, Ontario. She is a graduate of George Brown College where she earned a Diploma in Performance Dance Studies, and a Certificate in the Performing Arts. Her formal training includes modern dance (Limón; contact improvisation), ballet (RAD; Cecchetti), jazz (BATD; theatre), vocal, and acting. Additionally, Jaqui earned her degree in Psychology and Spanish from York University. Her passion for dance extends through to her love of other artistic forms such as singing, and photography. Jaqui joined SCD in 2014.

2023/2024 Company Auditions
2023-08-25 19:00 - 20:30 | Moving Art
Annual SCD auditions will be held at Moving Art in Barrie from 7:00 to 8:30 PM on Friday, August 25, 2023.
Please arrive 15 minutes ahead of audition start time to warm-up and complete the participation waiver and image release forms.
We are holding auditions for both company members and apprentices (14+). Time commitment is approximately 3 hours per week.

Weekly company class runs from 10:30-11:30 on Sundays from September to June. Attendance at weekly class is required. Rehearsals may follow from 11:30-1:30 depending on casting.

Weekly time commitment may increase during performance weeks.

Alayna Kellett Guest Workshops
2023-08-19 11:00 - 16:00 | Studio House Barrie, 4-347 Bayfield St, Barrie, Ontario, L4M 3C3, Canada
Simcoe Contemporary Dancers in partnership with Studio House Barrie is proud to present a guest workshop series with Alayna Kellett!
REGISTER HERE!
11 am – 1 pm – Contemporary Ballet
The contemporary ballet class will integrate two different styles of dance, classical ballet and modern dance. While we explore the movements of ballet, we will have moments of focusing on technique, breath work and being able to dance with musicality. There will be positions on the ballet bar, being placed in the center floor along with standing and seated movements and exploring movements that go into and across the floor. This class will finish with a piece of choreography that is potentially exerted from one of Alayna’s working show pieces. It is recommended to have at least 3 years of ballet and/or contemporary dance experience but if you do not, please reach out to discuss your options.
2 pm – 4 pm – Contemporary
The contemporary floor work class will primarily focus on getting your movements onto the floor with fluidity that includes elevations, inversions and traveling movements that integrate various levels of stretch and elasticity. With a shorter warm up time, this class will be able to find you different stretch shapes as well as resistance through the use of contemporary floor work. This class will finish with a culmination of choreography adapted from one of Alayna’s Toronto Fringe shows.
Workshop Rates:
1 Workshop – $30
2 Workshops – Buy one get one 50% off – $45
*All prices are inclusive of HST.

Alayna Kellett Workshops

One Workshop $30.00 CADTwo Workshops $45.00 CAD

Instructor Bio:
Alayna is a professional dancer, producer, choreographer, adjudicator and model, having graduated from Ryerson University with a BFA in the Performance: Dance program. As a technically trained dancer, Alayna is proficient in ballet, pointe, jazz, modern, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre, tap and burlesque.
​During her years of education, she trained under artists like Nadia Potts, Rex Harrington, Roberto Campanella, Kenny Pearl, Allen Kaeja and many more. Alayna trained in BATD, RAD and ADAPT as well as continuing her own education with programs like C.I. Training, Progressing Ballet Technique and IDTS.
Recently, Alayna has been working on producing films under Von Hunt Productions, such as ‘In Transit’, which was featured this year at the Digital Toronto Fringe Festival 2021, along with a new film projected to start production in 2022. In addition to recent works, Alayna has performed and choreographed ‘Tales of a Cocktail’ and ‘Anatomy of a Dancer’, which have been nominated for several Broadway World Awards.
Alayna has worked as the resident choreographer for companies like Big Soul Productions, SilverHouse and The Artillery Collective and has choreographed for short and feature films, which include ‘Something for the Buoys’ (Sapling Productions), ‘Bonded’ (Incolour Films), ‘West Side Story’ (Bayside Arts & Pinnacle Playhouse), Gypsy (Stirling Festival Theatre), ‘Hello Again’ (The Artillery Collective) and many more. Alayna’s work has been on stages in productions of HIM International, Starboyz Productions, Fever After Dark and The Darling Mansion and has also worked with the companies FujiFilm, Henry’s, Apple and Bank of Montreal. Alayna has also been a part of productions for international artists such as Feist, Joey Stylez and Juice Bar. Additionally, Alayna has established a residency at a local speakeasy where she regularly performs and choreographs burlesque acts in downtown Toronto, and has performed in notable venues such as The Royal Conservatory of Music, The Gardiner Museum, Roy Thompson Hall and many more.
With Alayna’s experience, she is a highly sought-after adjudicator that is registered with the Professional Adjudicators Alliance and is always excited to share those experiences and passions with competitors. In Alayna’s 10+ years of teaching experiences, she has travelled all over Canada and the East Coast to teach, choreograph and adjudicate, as well as creating custom pointe and pointe preparation programs, over-the-top production numbers, conditioning programs as well as award winning choreography by dance studios across the country. Alayna had also spent 2 years as the Jazz Teacher on staff with In-Studio, through the National Ballet of Canada.

Celebration of Dance 2023
2023-05-16 18:30 - 21:30 | Georgian Theatre, 1 Georgian Dr Bldg C, Barrie, Ontario, L4M 6J8, Canada
Celebration of Dance is a special fundraising event where dancers from all over Simcoe County come together to raise money for a local charity.
This year we will be supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Barrie and District! Don’t miss out on this amazing performance and opportunity to support our community!

There will be over 20 dance performances for you to enjoy!

Proceeds from ticket sales will go to support Big Brothers Big Sisters of Barrie and District.

Aliyah Beckles Guest Workshop
2023-03-25 11:00 - 16:00 | Studio House Barrie, 4-347 Bayfield St, Barrie, Ontario, L4M 3C3, Canada
REGISTER HERE.
11:00 am – 1:00 pm – Dance Improvisation
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Dance Informed by Text
In these workshops, participants will get to explore two different avenues of choreographic creation. The first workshop will be dedicated to exploring creation through improvisational techniques.
The second workshop will be dedicated to choreographing with text. Participants are invited to bring a short piece of text with them, however there will be pieces of text available for them to use.
These workshops aim to deepen each participant’s understanding of new ways to create choreographic works.
Workshop Rates:
1 Workshop – $30
2 Workshops – Buy one get one 50% off – $45
*All prices are inclusive of HST.
** Participants can pay in cash or via e-transfer to simcoecontemporarydancers@gmail.com. Exact change only.

Instructor Biography:
Aliyah Beckles is a dance artist and Registered Kinesiologist that resides in Penetanguishene. She has trained with Allision Bradley, Sarah Lochhead, Carol Anderson, Helen Jones, Megan Andrews, Tracey Norman, and Susan Lee. Aliyah completed three years of her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance before ultimately switching programs and graduating with her BA Specialized Honours in Kinesiology and Health Sciences. Selected choreographic highlights include Pressure (2012) performed at the Guelph Contemporary Dance Festival, choreographing Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat (2014) for St. Theresa’s High school in Midland, Backwards and Forwards performed at York Dances: Space Continuum (2016), and the rework bAcKwArDs AnD fOrWaRdS (2017)performed at New Blue Festival ‘17. Aliyah’s choreographic works are informed by her own experiences and are reflective of the life stages she has worked through as a Black female performer. Aliyah looks forward to sharing her choreographic knowledge and experience with others.
REGISTER HERE.

Jewell Cormier Guest Workshop
2022-10-22 11:00 - 16:00 | Studio House Barrie, 4-347 Bayfield St, Barrie, Ontario, L4M 3C3, Canada
11:00 am – 1:00 pm – Creative Writing for Dancers
Catered to intermediate to advanced level dancers, this workshop examines the parallels between two meaningful art forms and how a creative writing practice can compliment a dance practice. Bring a journal and be prepared to get creative with both your body and your pen!
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Contemporary Dance – from the heart and for the soul
This contemporary class will focus on the healing and emotional elements of dance, and how to implement these findings into technique, choreography, and improvisation.
Workshop Rates:
1 Workshop – $30
2 Workshops – Buy one get one 50% off – $45
*All prices are inclusive of HST.
** Participants can pay in cash or via e-transfer to simcoecontemporarydancers@gmail.com. Exact change only.

To register, please follow the link here.
Instructor Biography:
Jewell Cormier was a competitive dancer for over 10 years with extensive training in all styles. She further pursued her dance studies at Toronto Metropolitan (formerly Ryerson) University’s Performance Dance program, where she graduated with Distinction. During her time in the program Jewell had the opportunity to train with many notable dance educators and performed in works by artists such as Tara Pillon, Andrea Nann, Alyssa Martin’s Rock Bottom Movement, and Angela Blumberg. She has furthered her training in programs such as Kenny Pearl’s Emerging Artists Intensives, where she performed in works by artists such as Hanna Kiel, David Earle, and Miranda Meijer. In 2019, Jewell was a performer in Lacey Smith’s The Four Season Project at Guelph Dance Festival and Parados Festival. She was also an apprentice for a number of years with Simcoe Contemporary Dancers, where she performed in works by contemporary dance artists including Mairéad Filgate, Sarah Lochhead, and Susan Kendal. Jewell completed the R.A.D. ballet examinations up until the Advanced 2 level as well as the P.A.E.C. Acrobatics examinations up until the Pre-Professional level in2018. Jewell’s passion for choreography has been showcased in her own works and collaborative dance films that have been featured in Toronto Metropolitan University’s Choreographic Film Festival, EnChoreo, Simcoe Contemporary Dancers’ Trajectory, and Collections, a self-produced show in collaboration with her graduating class. Jewell has been working as a teacher for many years and is passionate about helping her students discover how dance can impact their lives in a meaningful way.

Together Again - A Culture Days Performance
2022-09-25 14:30 - 15:30 | MacLaren Art Centre, 37 Mulcaster St, Barrie, Ontario, L4M 3M2, Canada
Date: Sunday, September 25
Time: 2:30 to 3:30 pm
Fee: Free Admission
Location: The Carnegie Room, MacLaren Art Centre
Simcoe Contemporary Dancers (SCD) presents a programme of choreography exploring social connections and relationships. SCD will also present a brand-new structured improvisation inspired by the exhibition letters by Francisco-Fernando Granados which is currently displayed in the Carnegie Room.

Company Auditions
2022-07-22 19:00 - 21:00 | Studio House Barrie, 4-347 Bayfield St, Barrie, Ontario, L4M 3C3, Canada
We will be holding our annual auditions for company members and apprentices (14+) for our upcoming 2022/2023 season. Please arrive 15 minutes ahead of audition start time to warm up and complete the participation waiver and image release. To register for auditions please click here.

Weekly Commitment for company members and apprentices includes:

– Required weekly Sunday company class from September to June running from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.
– Rehearsals may follow company class and run from 11:30-1:30 depending on casting.
– Weekly time commitment is generally around 3 hours but will be more during performance weeks.

Who should audition?

– If you are an intermediate to advanced dancer, this opportunity may be for you.
– Graduates from secondary programs in dance.
– Professional dancers looking to train and work closer to home.
– Apprentices are dancers ages 14-19 who are currently training at an intermediate to advanced level

Why audition for SCD?

– Opportunity to continue training in a non-judgmental welcoming environment.
– Opportunities to teach, choreograph, and a variety of arts admin duties may be available.
– Dance weekly with a group of friendly and talented artists.
– Perform at a variety of events around Simcoe County.
– Receive volunteer hours (apprentices only).
– Receive competitive honorariums while working in your field.

What to bring and wear?

– Please wear anything you are comfortable moving in. Please note that audition material may require floor work so wearing layers, knee pads, or pants may be ideal.
– Don’t forget to bring a water bottle.
– Bring signed waivers once they are emailed to you.
– Bring your questions about the company.

If you have any questions or concerns please reach out at SimcoeContemporaryDancers@gmail.com. We can’t wait to dance with you!

Dusk Dances Barrie
2022-07-17 18:45 - 21:30, 2022-07-16 18:45 - 21:30, 2022-07-15 18:45 - 21:30, 2022-07-14 18:45 - 21:30 | Lampman Lane Prk, 40 Lampman Lane, Barrie, Ontario, L4N 4Z7, Canada
Dusk Dances is an outdoor dance festival at Lampman Lane Park in Barrie!
As dusk descends, a theatrical host leads the audience to an array of unique dance pieces that unfold in different areas of the park.
6:45pm: FREE dance workshop begins with live music
7:05pm – Live music continues!
7:30pm – Dance performances begin!
Pay-what-you-can –  $10.00 per person suggested donation
For more information call 647-618-3240 or visit duskdances.ca

Weekly Class
2022-02-06 10:30 - 13:30 | Newmarket Dance, 1220 Stellar Dr #200, Newmarket, Ontario, L3Y 7B9, Canada
