Dance Canvas’ mission is to provide opportunities and venues to increase the awareness of professional dance in Atlanta. Our vision is to be the premiere ground for the “next generation” of dance makers, while finding interactive ways of making dance more relatable to the public. Dance Canvas successfully accomplishes our mission through three major program areas of service: Choreographer Career Development, Youth Outreach & Engagement, and Audience Development.

Since 2008, Dance Canvas has presented 15 acclaimed choreographer showcases at the Ferst Center for the Arts, Woodruff Arts Center, and Rialto Center for the Arts. Since its inception, Dance Canvas has premiered new works by 126 emerging professional choreographers, presented 500+ professional dancers, performed for over 25,000 Atlanta audiences, and worked hands-on with 10,000+ Atlanta area students through our outreach efforts and youth programs. Dance Canvas’ youth programs DC NEXT and DC INTERNS serve as a springboard for students to learn, develop, and polish their skills in the business, production, and creative aspects of the dance profession.

The DC NEXT curriculum has been implemented by both the City of Atlanta’s Office of Cultural Affairs & Department of Recreation, as well as recording artist Usher’s New Look Foundation. In addition, each season is full of free public performances, community festivals, youth summits, and collaborations to give back to the Atlanta community.

Dance Canvas is a 501 (c) 3, non-profit organization.

Photo by Richard Calmes; Courtesy of Dance Canvas 2023; Choreography by Akeem Edwards