A New Chapter For Dance Arts

Dance Arts Institute invites applications for the position of Artistic Director.

For nearly six decades, our institution has played a formative role in shaping Canada’s dance ecology. Founded in 1968 as the School of Toronto Dance Theatre and reimagined as Dance Arts Institute in 2022, our history is reflected in generations of influential artists, performers, choreographers, educators, and cultural leaders whose work has transformed dance in Canada and beyond.

Today, we are writing our next chapter.

Dance Arts is a conservatory-style professional training institution dedicated to artistic and educational excellence. Independent in structure and charitable in purpose, we are uniquely positioned to define our own vision, respond to the needs of the field, and cultivate meaningful relationships with artists and communities locally, nationally, and internationally. To steward the organization through our next phase of growth, we are seeking an Artistic Director who is inspired by the responsibility of educating artists as much as by creating art. This leader is someone who believes that rigorous training, collaborative practice, critical inquiry, and generosity of spirit are essential to the future of dance and performance. The Artistic Director position is an opportunity not simply to lead a program, but to help shape the next era of one of Canada’s enduring dance institutions and continue a legacy of innovation, adaptation, and vision.

About the Role
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Artistic Director provides both the artistic and educational leadership of Dance Arts, working collaboratively with staff, faculty, students, guest artists, alumni, and the broader dance community to advance the organization’s mission and mandate. The Artistic Director stewards a culture rooted in artistic excellence, collaboration, reciprocity, trust, transparency, accountability, and equity while supporting an environment where students are challenged but supported, and inspired to become thoughtful, adaptable, and highly skilled dance artists.

Initially offered as a permanent part-time position with the intention of expanding to full-time in 2027-28, this role represents an exciting opportunity to contribute to the continued growth and evolution of the Institute.

Joining Dance Arts Institute
We believe that exceptional dance education emerges through curiosity, discipline, generosity, and collaboration. We seek an Artistic Director who can honour a remarkable legacy while helping shape a future that is artistically ambitious, intellectually engaged, and deeply connected to the evolving realities of contemporary dance practice. We welcome applications from artists and educators whose experiences and perspectives will strengthen our learning community and contribute to the continued evolution of Dance Arts Institute.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Deadline to apply: Friday, July 31st, 2026, 11:59pm EST

Please include a C.V. and cover letter articulating your experience and why you are an ideal candidate for this leadership role. Submissions can be sent to board@danceartsinstitute.ca under the subject line: APPLICATION – ARTISTIC DIRECTOR.

Dance Arts Institute is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences, including those who identify as Indigenous, Black, racialized, persons with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and individuals from other equity-deserving groups. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to equitable hiring practices and to reducing barriers to participation in our recruitment process. Accommodations are available upon request at any stage of the hiring process. This position is open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

We thank all applicants for their interest in Dance Arts; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.