Founded in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 2001 by Carolle Crooks, Sarah Rozee, Sara Harrigan, Alicia Orr MacDonald, and Lisa Phinney, Mocean Dance has rapidly become recognized nationally as a leading company from the Atlantic region. All of the original founders continue to perform or choreograph and provide artistic vision for the company, which now also includes dancers Melanie Ferro and Tania Jean.
A Company-in-Residence at Halifax Dance since 2002, Mocean produces and presents new work annually. Home season performances have included repertoire by Allen and Karen Kaeja, Howard Richard, Roger Sinha, Andrea Leigh-Smith, Michael Trent, Lesandra Dodson, Susie Burpee, Lisa Phinney and company members Carolle Crooks and Sara Harrigan. Mocean Dance has additionally been featured in the work of dance and theatre artists Gwen Noah (Vestige) and Mary Ellen MacLean (Velocipede). Since 2005, Mocean has toured more extensively, appearing inSan Francisco, British Columbia, Ontario, New Brunswick, as well as in theatres across Nova Scotia.
In addition to its performances, Mocean has developed successful residency programs; filmed a half-hour television special for Bravo!, which also aired on CBC; created workshop programs and special performances for schools and teachers; and appeared at a number of special events and for charitable causes. The company is dedicated to community outreach and the development of future audiences through performances, residencies, school events, workshops, informal showings and discussions.
Mocean is fully committed to its Nova Scotia home and to contributing to the province’s growing dance community by providing a forum for dance education, workshops and opportunities for collaboration. The members of Mocean Dance are proud to bring an Eastern Canadian voice to national and international stages.
Mocean Dance is a member of Dance Nova Scotia and the Canadian Dance Assembly, and the company members are all members of the Canadian Alliance of Dance Artists, Ontario Chapter.