Sat / 6.17 / 11:00 am EDT

Dance Church at Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre

Free Pop Up!Toronto

Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre

509 Parliament St., Toronto, ON M4X 1P3

Join Laura Carella for a pop-up class in Toronto at The School of Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre! Admission is free of charge, however please click "buy" below to complete registration.

What to know:

Dance Church® is an all-levels movement class taught by professional dance artists that offers a fun and inclusive approach to dancing. Designed for people of all shapes and sizes, backgrounds and identities, Dance Church is a communal space for people who want to move their bodies.

The teacher leads this 70ish minute class in a series of movement cues, accompanied by a curated playlist of multi-genre pop music. The format is open but guided throughout. No prior dance experience necessary, but open mindedness is a prerequisite.

Dance Church classes are offered in dance spaces across the country. Our mission is to bring the joy and release of dance to every body, while supporting dance artists and partner organizations, and making connections between class takers and the dance world.

Classroom Tips

  • Arrive 5-15 minutes before class, no late entry permitted
  • Teachers lead classes from the center of the space and we change our facing often
  • We like our music loud, and the tempo is upbeat and energetic
  • When you cannot hear or see the teacher, let other class takers be your guide
  • No talking allowed, but singing is highly encouraged
  • We move through various actions and coordinations throughout class, there is no learning choreography
  • At times we move around the space, we go down to the floor and we hold hands briefly
  • You can always modify as you need — go bigger, smaller, faster, slower as you please
  • When in doubt, just dance.

What should I bring?

  • Clothing that you’re comfortable moving and sweating in
  • We recommend taking class barefoot or in socks
  • Clean studio sneakers allowed if you have a personal need, please be mindful.
  • Water bottle
  • Face mask (optional)
  • Earplugs (optional, available upon request)

Accessibility:

The studio lobby, 509 Dancewear Store, and all four dance studios have barrier-free access. There is one barrier-free washroom on site.

Parking:

Street Parking on Parliament Street and throughout the surrounding neighbourhood, Green P Parking Lot across from studio (on Aberdeen Avenue).

Access by TTC:

From College Station or Queens Park Station (Line 1): Eastbound on the 506 Carlton Streetcar to Parliament Street, walk one half-block north on Parliament.

From Castle Frank Station (Line 2): Southbound on the 65 Parliament bus to Winchester Street, walk one half-block south on Parliament.

Local favorites for your #postclassritual:

  • House on Parliament
  • Jet Fuel
  • Distillery District
  • Salt & Tobacco

Safer Space Policy

Dance Church is a space for every body. We have a zero tolerance policy for discrimination of any kind.

Late Entry Policy

Check-in begins 15 minutes before your scheduled class time and we recommend arriving at least 5 minutes prior to the start of class to ensure a smooth check-in. After class has started, Dance Church will deny entry to new entrants.

Cancellation Policy

All purchases of tickets for In-Studio Classes are non-refundable after 9pm the day prior to your scheduled class. Unlimited Members who cancel after 9pm the day prior to your scheduled class or if you do not show up will be charged a $5 fee. Dance Church is not able to exchange your ticket for another class if you cancel your reservation.