Dance News

On May 27, 2024, students will embark on a cultural journey in the Philippines with the "Philippine Folk Dance and Culture" course offered by the School of the Arts, Media, Performance, and Design at York University. Led by dance ethnographer, specialist in Philippine traditional dances, and award-winning documentary filmmaker, Professor Patrick Alcedo, this experience will immerse students in the tapestry of Philippine folk dances, history, and culture. 

In a new research report conducted by Community Researchers, the York University School of Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) has been ranked the #1 University in Ontario for the cultural diversity of its performing arts curricula in Music and Dance. The comprehensive study, spanning June to July 2023, analyzed 77 performing arts programs and over 6,000 performing arts courses across Ontario colleges and universities. This accolade affirms York University’s commitment to diversity, inclusivity, and positive change in performing arts education.

Prospective students worldwide can now experience AMPD 24/7, 365. The School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) has unveiled a virtual tour resource to showcase its 300,000-square-feet worth of facilities, share student stories and highlight experiential education opportunities.

Associate Professor Danielle Robinson and Assistant Professor Robyn Cumming received York University’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) Teaching Awards in recognition of excellence in mentorship, curriculum and pedagogy.

The York University School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) welcomes eight new faculty members this fall.

York Dances 2023: Convergence features new choreographic works of 27 third-year BFA majors performed by students engaged in all levels of York’s programs in dance. In addition to steering their own creative processes, students led every facet of the production of Convergence, including costumes, lighting design, poster design and front of house. Supported by faculty and students – including guest artist and student Maxine Heppner, and current work-studies technicians – the show celebrates togetherness, individuality and the positive power of community.

Twenty graduating BFA students from the Department of Dance in York’s School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) will perform in Colossus at the Meridian Arts Centre, alongside dancers from Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), from March 22 to 26.

Ysabel Garcia is a fourth-year student earning a double major in dance choreography and performance, and law and society. Garcia was first introduced to photography through a class at her performing arts high school. Michelle Bylow, the executive director of Raw Artists Canada, invites her to present her work at the PROTOTYPE showcase.