Professional Classes
WCD offers advanced/professional level classes. These classes are typically technique classes, run in conjunction with WCD’s project work, and often serve as company class. Most classes are free.
All current information about WCD class is posted here.
Classes listed here are also open to drop-ins; please register in advance.
To register and reserve your spot please email communications@winnipegscontemporarydancers.ca
UPCOMING CLASSES 25/26:
FALL 2025 CLASSES
October-November:
October 27, 28, 29, 30 10:00-11:00am
October 31 10:30-11:30am
November 03, 05, 06 10:00-11:00am
November 11 11:45am-12:45pm
November 12, 13, 14 10:00-11:00am
Workshop with Guest Artist, Ralph Escamillan
November 15, 2025, at 10am -12pm
This class will incorporate Ralph’s current interests of integrating textile/weaving techniques through the body – Scraping, Knotting, Shuttle, Hit, and Plucking – generative movement developed from his Philippine Textile work “PIÑA”. This movement vocabulary will be used in the new expanded group version of “Croquis” with the Winnipeg Contemporary Dancers later this November. Mainly a structured improvisational class, Ralph will also teach a section of the work half way through, to better explore the tools through unison.
Class is meant for pre-professional/professional dancers – please bring sock option, and longer pants to cover the legs.
Please register for the workshop here
About the artist:
Ralph Escamillan is a queer, 2nd generation philippine, performance artist based on unseeded lands of the territories of the xwməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil- Waututh) Nations – aka Vancouver, Canada. His company FakeKnot, is a vehicle for works that play with the complexities of identity and culture.
Professionally he has worked with Vancouver-based companies Out Innerspace Dance Theatre, Company 605, Co.Erasga, Kinesis Dance Somatheatro, Wen Wei Dance, a guest at Ballet BC, and apprenticed with Kidd Pivot – and is currently a dancer for Mascall Dance. His training ranges from Breakdance all the way to Flamenco, but notably Vogue and Ballroom culture have become important catalysts for Ralph’s unique movement and community practice. www.ralphescamillan.com
Please register for the workshop here
More classes in December to be announced
Classes in September 2025:
September 22, 25, 26 at 10:30 am
September 5, 10:30am-11:30am
September 8-9, 10:30am-11:30am
All classes run 10:00-11:00am, unless otherwise specified.
*Please do not attend class if you have a fever or are feeling unwell.
All drop-in dancers must complete a waiver before participating in class.
Classes are geared towards advanced/professional level contemporary dancers and most often serve as WCD’s company class. Participants often include WCD dancers, independent dancers, graduates and aspiring graduates of professional training programs, choreographers, and/or those that are working, or aspiring to work, as a contemporary dancer.
Classes are often led by Artistic Director, Jolene Bailie with live drumming by Ian Mikita.
In conjunction with seasonal programming, WCD may also offer workshops with Guest Artists.
scroll down for more info
Classes & Workshops in 24/25 Season:
In the 24/25 season, 48 classes/workshops and hosted 4 days of additional workshops.
Practicing Partnering Pathways with Guest Artists Sarah Hutton & Aiden Cass, Co-Directors of Generous Mess
Wednesday, April 23, 10am-12pm
Creative Workshop with Guest Artist, Lina Cruz
Monday, April 28, 12pm-2pm
Dancing from the Inside Out with Margie Gillis
Monday, January 27, 2025 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Call for Artists
first posting: October 30, 2024
updated posting: December 09, 2024
deadline: January 05, 2025
scroll down for more info
TRY CLASS AT HOME – free online and on demand.
WCD: Class at Home!
Free! Online and on demand!
Geared towards advanced and professional level contemporary dancers, classes are created for a smaller dancing area and as an option for dancers to train at home during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Two versions of each class are available. The first version has a breakdown and teaching of each setting. The second version moves at a much quicker pace, offering the option to run class.
Available for dancers to do at home and at their convenience.
Artist Fees for WCD’s online classes were made possible with the additional support of a Safe at Home grant from the Government of Manitoba.
PAST SEASONS
In 23/24, WCD programmed 73 in-person, professional-level
classes plus masterclass with Claire O’Neil and one open house event.
In 22/23, WCD offered 108 in-person classes and an improvisation workshop with Guest Artist, Daina Ashbee.
In 21/22, WCD offered 88 in-person classes and creative workshops/classes with Guest Artists Sara Porter, Jera Wolfe and Marie-Josée Chartier.
In 20/21, WCD offered 72 in-person classes, free online classes (see WCD: Class at Home, links below) and creative workshops/classes with Guest Artists Syreeta Hector and Marie-Josée Chartier.