Mocean Dance Society

Mocean Dance Society is a Canadian nonprofit organization and contemporary dance company based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Established in 2001, the Society is nationally recognized as a leading contemporary dance company from the Atlantic region, dedicated to the creation, performance, and dissemination of innovative dance works.

History

Mocean Dance was founded by five Nova Scotian dancers—Carolle Crooks Fernando, Sara Harrigan, Lisa Phinney Langley, Alicia Orr, and Sarah Rozee—with the mission to provide a professional home for local dance artists and to present high-quality contemporary dance to audiences. For the first decade, the founders led the company artistically and structurally to ensure its viability.

In 2012-2013, with the retirement of the last founding artistic director, Susanne Chui and Sara Coffin were appointed as the first external Co-Artistic Directors. Both Chui and Coffin bring active experience as performers, choreographers, administrators, and producers. Under their leadership, Mocean Dance has expanded its focus to include multidisciplinary creation, community building, and fostering regional, national, and international connections within the dance arts community[1][5].

Mission and Activities

Mocean Dance serves as an artistic catalyst, operating at the intersection of professional dance and community engagement. The Society produces original dance works and offers a range of activities that include:

• Public performances showcasing new and innovative contemporary dance
• Workshops and residencies in schools, libraries, and other public venues to engage audiences of all ages
• Community programming that promotes embodiment, wellness practices, and creative exploration
• Open company classes and specialized workshops featuring guest artists to support the professional development of dancers
• Research, choreographic labs, and mentorship programs aimed at nurturing creative practice and artistic growth[1][4].

Recognition

The company is widely regarded as a key contributor to Halifax’s cultural scene, making the city a vibrant hub for creation, research, experimentation, interdisciplinary dialogue, and performance in contemporary dance. Through its programming and community activities, Mocean Dance fosters artistic transformation and connections between artists and audiences alike[1][5].

Legal Status

Mocean Dance Society is a registered Canadian charity with the Canada Revenue Agency, classified under charitable organizations focusing on the advancement of education in the arts, specifically dance and theater education[2][3][4].

This summary reflects Mocean Dance Society's role as a significant cultural and educational institution in Canada’s Atlantic performing arts landscape.