What is Good Women Dance Collective?
Good Women Dance Collective (GWDC) is a creation-based company committed to supporting a vibrant, sustainable and inclusive dance community in Edmonton. You can learn more about us here.
Why the name ‘Good Women’?
The name Good Women Dance Collective was created by the founding members of the group, who trained together at Grant MacEwan University’s dance program. During their frequent and formative classes with instructor Heidi Bunting, they would dance across the studio floor together as Heidi called out “Good, women!”. The affirmation stuck and was the title of the collective’s first public performance at the Edmonton Fringe Festival. Prior to achieving Non-profit status, it was decided that the collective would uphold the value of supporting female-identifying artists through our programming and activities.
How do I stay updated on Good Women Dance Collective’s activities and offerings?
We would love it if you followed us on Facebook and Instagram at @goodwomendance! You can also sign up for our monthly newsletter, which will contain current opportunities and upcoming shows, plus other exciting occasions like our summer season launch party and fundraiser!
How does Good Women Dance Collective pay its artists?
Good Women Dance Collective receives annual operational funding from various funding bodies such as municipal, provincial, and national arts councils, which pays for our ongoing programming and some of our production costs. Our collective artists are paid hourly for all of their engaged work as performers, instructors, producers, and other creative and administrative roles.
How can I support Good Women Dance Collective?
We’re a non-profit organization that depends on the generosity and financial support of our community. If you’d like to help us to continue to bring distinct dance experiences to the public, please consider donating here.
Also, we always love seeing full audiences at our shows! If you attend a Good Women production, please tag us on social media. Showing how much engagement we create in the community helps us continue to receive arts grant funding.
Can anyone join a Good Women Dance Collective class?
You do not need to be a professional dancer to enjoy our classes! Our classes are intended for people with intermediate-to-advanced experience in movement work, but the instructors will provide alternatives for folks just starting out on their movement journey.
How do I pay for classes and workshops?
You can pay with cash, credit or debit in person, or by sending an e-transfer to info@goodwomen.ca. Please add a note in the description specifying what you want to purchase (see below). Find out more about classes here.
How do I get a Good Women Dance Collective class pack?
You can purchase a 10-class pack ($100) or a 5-class pack ($60) either by paying in person at class or making an e-transfer to info@goodwomen.ca. Please add a note in the e-transfer description specifying what they are purchasing.
How do I show that I have a GWDC class pack?
We track class participation after every class and we will let you know how many classes you have left or if you are overdue to renew a pack.
Your classes aren’t quite what I’m looking for. What other options are there in Edmonton?
Our ongoing classes showcase local teachers, and we also offer master classes with national talent at least 3 times a year (depending on Brian Webb Dance Company’s season, we usually invite the artists they bring as guest teachers). This season (23/24) we start with a 1-week workshop with Susanna Hood and Sarah Bild (Montreal) titled Practice and Process.
You can check out contemporary dance classes in various places: The University of Alberta, J’Adore Dance, Mile Zero Dance, Orchesis Dance Society, Marr-Mac Dance, Dance Code YEG, etc.
We offer classes for people with intermediate level, but please feel free to come and check them out since the level and skills change every week. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 10-11:30 am, $15 drop in.