About ODCS
Ottawa Dance Centre Schools was established in Ottawa in 1971-72 to provide quality dance education in Classical Ballet and Contemporary techniques to students of all ages. A strong creative component is considered essential and is included in all classes, thus encouraging each student to reach his or her full potential. Under the artistic direction of Judith Davies and the ODCS Faculty, the young dancer is guided from the earliest years in exploration of dance as a creative art form, supported by small classes and co-operative environment.

Judith Davies spoke at the Canadian Dance Studies Conference in 2010; read her presentation, Emergence of New Dance in Ottawa: A City Awakening 1970-80 here (PDF).

ODCS has since its beginnings, consistently graduated students into careers as performers, teachers, choreographers, movement therapists and other related professions. Those students who studied with ODCS simply for the love of dance are now returning with their own children, recalling the benefits of self-discipline, individual achievement, and self-expression that dance education in a caring environment can offer.

Ottawa Dance Centre Schools-Mandate and Structure
ODCS is a cooperative School of Dance providing both recreational and vocational training under the guidance of a professional Faculty and Artistic Director. Each member functions as an Independent self-employed artist-teacher, defining their requirements in a cooperative environment and following the the guidelines of the professional requirements of the Royal Academy of Dance, the British Association of Teachers of Dance (BATD), the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD) and the associated profession at large.

The mission of the School is to provide certified Dance Education to students regardless of race, colour, gender, creed, religion or financial status. No child will be turned away for lack of funds. ODCS operates on a not for profit basis and is a registered educational Institution. All fees and tuitions collected by the school are directed to Faculty's fees for services (teaching), studio rental, administrative supplies, and professional equipment such as ballet barres, mirrors, flooring, sound systems. Any residual funds go directly into scholarships to cover tuition for students who need financial support.

ODCS relies on fundraising and volunteers to operate.

Administration of the School is done by volunteers, an Advisory Board and the Artistic Director. They are assisted by office assistants, book-keepers, technicians, who work on a piecemeal basis as consultants to ODCS, when needed.

ODCS currently celebrates providing 45 years of Excellence in Dance Education in Ottawa.


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