History

Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers is a not for profit organization & registered charity dedicated to contemporary dance. 

Founded by Rachel Browne, the company was initiated in 1964, incorporated as a registered charity in 1970, and is Canada’s oldest, and longest running, contemporary dance company.

Committed to artistic excellence, the company has an impressive 59 year history and is nationally recognized for its activities. WCD develops and presents high quality contemporary dance for public presentation and provides important training and development opportunities for emerging, mid-career and senior artists. WCD engages an evolving team of arts workers annually, including choreographers, teachers, dancers, technicians, designers, collaborators and arts administrators.

WCD has had a significant impact on both the development and the standard of contemporary dance in Canada. The company has worked with scores of exceptional Canadian and international artists, presenting hundreds of performances across the country and beyond. Operating on the Prairies and programming a subscription series since 1971, WCD is a vital resource and presenter for the local and regional community.

The company has maintained a critical space for contemporary dance in Winnipeg for over 50 years. Since 2002, the company has operated The Rachel Browne Theatre, a 125-seat rehearsal and performance venue, further serving the community as a rental venue for dance, theatre, music and independent artists for creation, research, learning and performance. 

The company is identified by the work it produces, the choreography of its Artistic Director, the artistry of the dancers and its seasonal programming.

The company creates, produces, presents, teaches and promotes contemporary dance with a view to advance the art form for professional artists and audiences alike.