Mocean Dance prides itself on its commitment to artistic excellence, collaboration, experimentation, incubation, sustainability, and the development of a regional perspective. The company values the respect and elevation of the artist, ensuring that they are supported, and their work is celebrated.
The mission of Mocean Dance is to support professional dance and engage with audiences and communities, particularly those underserved by contemporary dance and its collaborative artistic disciplines. The company seeks to create, produce, and present contemporary dance, collaborate with other arts disciplines and organizations in the creation and presentation of new work, and develop and employ dancers, choreographers, and other artistic makers with a connection to Nova Scotia and the Atlantic region.
Mocean Dance was founded in K'jipuktuk/ Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2001 by Carolle Crooks Fernando, Sarah Rozee, Sara Harrigan, Alicia Orr MacDonald, and Lisa Phinney Langley. Led by Co-Artistic Directors Susanne Chui and Sara Coffin, Mocean is recognized nationally as a leading contemporary dance company from the Atlantic region. Working with locally and nationally renowned choreographers, Mocean brings together talented artists to create exciting new work that is rooted in collaborative process, stretches physical and emotional boundaries, and finds authenticity.
Mocean Dance is a member of Dance Nova Scotia and the Canadian Dance Assembly, Cultural Human Resources Council, and many of its members belong to the Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists. The company is committed to being based in Nova Scotia and contributing to the local dance and arts community by providing opportunities for creation, performance, collaboration, development, and education. As a Company-in-Residence at Halifax Dance since 2002, Mocean plays a vital role in the artistic landscape of the region.
Supporting Mocean Dance allows the company to produce high quality, creative performances and actively participate in the community. Every individual who buys a performance ticket, as well as other supporters, play a crucial role in sustaining the work of the company and its impact on the local arts scene.
Mocean's work as an artistic catalyst is based in professional and community activity, engaging with the public through workshops and residencies in schools, libraries, and other public venues. The company serves as a platform to share embodiment and wellness practices and explore individual and collective creative potential. Mocean supports the artistic vitality in the professional community by providing open company classes, specialized workshops with guest artists, and nurturing creative practice through research, choreographic labs, and mentorship programs.
With a history of creating highly physical, collaborative, and technically and emotionally rich contemporary dance, Mocean Dance continues to push boundaries and innovate in the field of dance. The company's dedication to artistic excellence and community engagement make it a vital and vibrant part of the Halifax arts scene.