Propeller Dance

Propeller Dance is a Canadian performing arts organization based in Ottawa, Ontario, dedicated to contemporary inclusive dance — a specialization in which artists of diverse bodies and minds create and perform new work together. Founded in 2007, it describes itself as Canada's second founded dance organization at the intersection of dance and disability, and has become a recognized leader in the field of accessible and inclusive dance education and in the Disability Arts sector. The organization operates three interconnected strands: a professional performance company that creates and tours original contemporary dance-theatre works across Canada; an education program that began as a diverse inclusive dance class and now offers barrier-free classes in both in-person and digital formats; and an outreach program that partners with organizations in the Ottawa-Gatineau region to bring performances and educational experiences to varied communities and age groups. Its guiding belief is captured in the motto "if you can breathe, you can dance." Propeller Dance's artistic mission is to create meaningful art that broadens acceptance of diversity in its many forms. Its performances are designed to provoke reflection on themes of beauty, power, and who is considered a dancer, and to challenge prior fears and beliefs about people with disabilities. The company defines virtuosity not only by physicality but by the ability to move an audience through presence, connection, and human spirit. Disability is understood as a difference in human experience rather than a limitation. As a non-profit arts organization, Propeller Dance is governed by a board of directors and led by an artistic director and managing director. It reaches thousands of people annually through performances, professional development, and education and outreach. Its current and touring productions include works such as Stage Door, Circuit, and Living the Desirable Life. The organization has been shaped by co-founders Renata Soutter and Shara Weaver, and by long-serving artists including senior artist Sylvain Bouchard, whose life and artistic legacy the company has publicly honoured.

Propeller Dance was founded in 2007 in Ottawa, Canada, by Renata Soutter and Shara Weaver. It began as a diverse inclusive dance class and grew into a professional performing company and educational organization. According to its own account, it is Canada's second founded dance organization at the intersection of dance and disability. From its early years, the organization has been dedicated to contemporary inclusive dance, a specialization where artists of diverse bodies and minds create and perform new work together, drawing on improvisation, theatre, and contemporary dance techniques. Renata Soutter served as co-founder and (co) Artistic Executive Director from 2007 until 2024, shaping the company's artistic and organizational direction. Shara Weaver, also a co-founder, has continued as a teaching artist. Over the years, Propeller Dance has built a company of dancers, musicians, teachers, and support staff, and has developed a board of directors to govern the non-profit organization. The company has created and toured original contemporary dance-theatre works across Canada, with productions including Stage Door, Circuit, and Living the Desirable Life. Its performances are known for challenging audiences' preconceptions about disability by demonstrating that "we are all able." The organization has also expanded its educational offerings, providing barrier-free dance classes in both in-person and digital formats, and has engaged in outreach partnerships throughout the Ottawa-Gatineau region. Propeller Dance has received recognition as a leader in the Disability Arts and dance sectors in Canada. It reaches thousands of people annually through performances, professional development, and education and outreach. The company has publicly honoured the life and artistic legacy of senior artist Sylvain Bouchard, reflecting its commitment to its artists and community. As of the mid-2020s, Amelia Rose Griffin serves as Artistic Director and Jaime Alink as Managing Director, continuing the organization's mission to create meaningful art that broadens acceptance of diversity.

• 2007

  Propeller Dance founded in Ottawa by Renata Soutter and Shara Weaver; begins as an inclusive dance class.

• 2007

  Renata Soutter begins tenure as (co) Artistic Executive Director, serving until 2024.

• Company develops into a professional touring contemporary dance-theatre company with works such as Stage Door, Circuit, and Living the Desirable Life.

• Propeller Dance is recognized as a Canadian leader in contemporary inclusive dance and Disability Arts.

• The company honours the life and artistic legacy of senior artist Sylvain Bouchard.

A leader in contemporary inclusive dance and Disability Arts in Canada, creating barrier-free dance art and education that challenges conventional notions of ability and beauty.

• Stage Door

• Circuit

• Living the Desirable Life

• Inclusive dance classes

• Workshops and professional development

1. 1Propeller Dancepropellerdance.com
2. 2About Propeller Dance - Propeller Dancepropellerdance.com
3. 3Company - Propeller Dancepropellerdance.com
4. 4Our People - Propeller Dancepropellerdance.com
5. 5Propeller Dance - Wikidatawikidata.org