FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2025
George Brown Dance Marks 50 Years of Excellence in Dance Training
(TORONTO) March 24, 2025 – For 50 years, George Brown Dance has been shaping the future of Canada’s dance industry. As one of Canada’s most successful dance training programs, this renowned partnership between Toronto’s George Brown College (GBC) and Jörgen Dance has prepared dancers and artists for thriving careers in ballet, contemporary dance, commercial dance, musical theatre, on-screen performance, and the sports entertainment industry.
Founded in 1974 by GBC and Canada’s First Prima Ballerina Lois Smith C.M., the school has become a cornerstone of the dance community. Initially launched as a classical ballet program, the curriculum has expanded to include contemporary, hip hop, jazz and more, as well as training in vocals and acting. Graduates have gone on to work as professional dancers, choreographers, performing artists, and educators, as well as in various other dance-related professions.
Alumni have built careers with prestigious organizations, including The National Ballet of Canada, The Toronto Dance Theatre, The Stratford Festival, Cirque du Soleil, Kittiwake Dance Theatre, Red Sky Performance, Human Body Expression, Hit & Run Productions and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, among others. Notably, a third of the dancers performing with Ballet Jörgen are George Brown Dance alumni.
Since 1992 George Brown Dance has been operated as a partnership between GBC and Jörgen Dance, Ontario’s second largest dance company. Together, they have expanded programming, diversified the student body, and strengthened connections with Toronto’s dance community and the broader dance industry. Today, the program continues to support members of Toronto’s diverse dance scene, including dance Immersion, Lua Shayenne Dance Company, José Angel Carret, and The Chimera Project Dance Theatre.
“For 50 years, George Brown Dance has nurtured talent, creativity, and excellence, preparing students for dynamic careers in the performing arts. This milestone celebrates our rich history and also the incredible impact our graduates have had on the dance community and beyond. We are proud to continue fostering the next generation of artists in partnership with Jörgen Dance.”
— Dr. Gervan Fearon, President, George Brown College.
“I have been part of the George Brown Dance community since 1989 when I was appointed Resident Choreographer. It has been an absolute privilege to lead and develop the dance programs at George Brown College. The passion and drive of the student body, the extraordinary faculty of practicing artists and master teachers, the unwavering commitment of our partner George Brown College, the dedication of our staff and the success of our alumni has been nothing short of extraordinary. I look forward to sharing the amazing stories of our graduates and the long history of the program in the months to come.” – Bengt Jörgen C.M., Artistic Director, George Brown Dance.
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About George Brown College
Toronto’s George Brown College is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples. George Brown prepares innovative, adaptable graduates with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing job market. With three campuses in the downtown core, the college blends theory with experiential learning, applied research, and entrepreneurship opportunities. George Brown offers 175 full-time programs and 182 continuing education certificates/designations across a wide variety of professions to more than 30,100 full-time students and receives more than 53,900 continuing education registrations annually. Students can earn certificates, diplomas, graduate certificates, apprenticeships, and degrees. www.georgebrown.ca
About Jörgen Dance
For 38 years Jörgen Dance has brought the joy of dance to countless individuals, families, and communities across Canada and beyond. While we are firmly rooted in our history as an exceptional professional ballet company, we have grown to be so much more! Today we offer a wide range of training and community programs across many dance styles to ensure dance is truly accessible for all Canadians. Whether you are looking to attend a performance, learn to dance, or engage with the arts for the first time; there is something for you under the Jörgen Dance umbrella. You will be welcomed, educated, entertained, and be a respected member of our in-person and virtual community.
For more information, photos, and/or to request an interview, contact:
Casey Spector, casey@balletjorgen.ca 416-961-4725