Our Story
Founder and pioneer Sonia Clarke understood early on that to make a living through art, one must be versatile. With a diverse background in dance, she has led a prolific career as a performer, choreographer and producer since 1990. Over the years, she noticed that the dancers she hired were often highly specialized, which limited her creative drive rooted in the blending of styles.
During the pandemic, faced with the need to reinvent herself, she pursued a master’s degree in arts and cultural management. It was during this time that the idea emerged to create a professional training program better suited to the realities of the field, as she had experienced them. She shared her vision with experienced collaborators from the worlds of dance and entrepreneurship, providing the project with its first spark.
To structure and bring this ambition to life, Sonia surrounded herself with key individuals, including a trusted former student and colleague recognized for her analytical skills and excellence in teaching. Together, they laid the foundation for the project. It is through this shared drive for transformation that what would become the National Dance School of Canada took shape — a bold initiative designed to empower artists to fully live their passion.
→ Our mission
The mission of ÉNDC is to develop versatile, inclusive, and innovative dance artists who are ready to meet the challenges of a constantly evolving artistic landscape. To achieve this, it offers high-level professional training that integrates artistic practice, health and well-being, career management, and new technologies.
ÉNDC aims to support sustainable and mindful career paths while making dance accessible to a diverse range of young talents from various cultural, social, and personal backgrounds. It is committed to fostering the emergence of strong and representative artistic voices, actively contributing to the enrichment of the cultural landscape in Quebec, Canada, and beyond.
→ Our vision
To be a national and international leader in the development of sustainable careers for professional dancers and choreographers.
→ Our values
Artistic Excellence – Creative Innovation – Diversity Empowerment – Community
→ Our philosophy
We believe that nurturing a dance community rooted in diversity and inclusion creates the landscape for creativity and innovation. We rely on excellence to shape talents in a supportive and challenging environment that cultivates rigor and curiosity and instill a strong work ethic.
Our Founder
Sonia Clarke
Producer, choreographer, dancer and teacher, Sonia has been working in the show business sector for over 25 years. With a background in classical ballet, jazz, modern, Afro-Caribbean and street dance, her career has given her the opportunity to work for dance companies in Quebec and Europe, as well as in the commercial sector such as television and corporate events. Working backstage as a stage manager, both locally and on tour, she quickly developed her management skills. As a choreographer, Sonia has created for dance companies in Europe, commercial events, films and festivals, as well as for Cirque du Soleil. In 2021, she completed a Master's degree in Arts and Cultural Management, which she immediately put to use in the development of the National Dance School of Canada project.
With Gratitude to our Founding Partners Véronique Sévigny Leclerc & Christine Langston
We wish to sincerely thank Véronique Sévigny Leclerc and Christine Langston for their invaluable support as early believers in the vision of the ÉNDC.
As founding supporters, their trust, encouragement, and investment helped make this bold idea a reality. Their belief in the importance of nurturing artistic excellence, diversity, and community played a key role in the launch of this project.
Although they are no longer part of the current team, their early commitment continues to resonate in the foundation of ÉNDC and in the growing community that surrounds it.
Thank you, Véronique and Christine, for believing in the dream—right from the start.
Thank You to Lisa-Marie Villeneuve
We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Lisa-Marie Villeneuve for her meaningful contribution in helping bring the vision of the ÉNDC to life.
Her support in structuring and shaping the early stages of the project was instrumental in turning our ideas into action. While other opportunities led her to move on before the school officially opened its doors, her impact remains part of ENDC’s foundation and ongoing journey.
Thank you, Lisa-Marie, for helping lay the groundwork for what we are building today.