What We Do

CanAsian Dance envisions a thriving, inclusive dance ecosystem where Asian diasporic artists

are centred, celebrated, and empowered to innovate, share, and build community through

culturally rooted and artistically curious practices. Moving beyond broad notions of "Asian

ideals," we invite audiences into the artistic process itself, fostering deeper understanding,

connection, and engagement with dance artists.

CanAsian Dance supports Asian diasporic dance artists across Turtle Island through

collaborative curation, process-based programming, and community-building initiatives. We

prioritize providing accessibility measures, intergenerational and intercultural exchange, and the

cultivation of one’s pathway for artistic development.

Mandate

CanAsian Dance exists to:

● Present and support the practices of Asian diasporic dance artists.

● Foster community through relationship-centred programming.

● Create spaces for artistic experimentation, dialogue, and mentorship across disciplines,

cultures, and generations.

● Develop platforms that amplify underrepresented voices within the Asian diaspora,

including artists from South, Southeast, East, West, Central Asia, and Pacific Islander

communities.

ABOUT PROGRAMS

4 Pillars of Development for CAD programming

Programming that supports artists, builds community and strengthens ties between different dance forms practiced within Asian diasporic dance communities.

Creating programming and presentation contexts that foster criticality and knowledge-sharing, and recenter the dance sector to a more representative one.

Developing reciprocal relationships with organizations (within and outside of Ontario) that share our curiosities and values in amplifying Asian diasporic dance activity.

Public programming that focuses on audience and community development to continue developing diverse conversations and familiarization with and appreciation of artists of the Asian diaspora and their work and processes.