Canada Dance Mapping Study

In 2011 the Canada Council for the Arts, in partnership with the Ontario Arts Council, launched the Canada Dance Mapping Study to identify, quantify and describe the ecology, economy and environment of dance in Canada. It was an initiative to investigate dance in its evolving state and in its multifaceted influences on the lives of Canadians.
 
The Study resulted in three major online initiatives that are interactive and present some of the findings in innovative ways as well as a comprehensive bibliography. All the reports and initiatives are available on one page so you can access the information easily and by theme:
 

• A nation-wide Yes I Dance survey reached out to dancers across the country. Over 8100 responded, representing 190 forms of dance which are all discoverable on an interactive Dance Wheel.

 

• The Dance Across Canada interactive map has over 2,880 entries to date mapping dance activity from coast to coast to coast including dance troupes, venues, associations and leisure clubs/groups and continues to grow.

 

• A national survey revealed the majority of dance organizations have social impacts on community vitality, energy and civic engagement; physical and psychological well-being of individuals; and the development of children and youth. Explore the interactive visualization of survey results.

 

• Two literature reviews and a bibliography encompass hundreds of documents containing compelling examples that illustrate the various ways in which Canadians are engaging with dance.

  
The Study was supported by a Steering Committee including dance representatives from public arts funders as well as representatives from the professional dance community.
 
The Canada Dance Mapping Study was the first of its kind -- the only one to include both the professional dance sector and a full range of dance activities outside of the professional field.