Want to dance? Free lessons could be first step

Learn a new dance, watch new works by independent dance companies or participate in discussions at Dance Days, Friday to Jan. 28 at various venues around Victoria.

This is the ninth year for the community event, hosted by Dance Victoria. Enjoy 10 days of free dance classes as local studios throw open their doors for instruction in all kinds of styles — from ballet to ballroom, belly dance to break dance and everything in between.

If you would rather watch than kick up your heels, Dance Days kicks off with a performance of Flicker, performed by members of Dancers of Damelahamid, a First Nations contemporary dance company.

Flicker combines West Coast graphic design with projected environments, live-action shadow dance and traditional dance regalia.

The evening is an opportunity to learn about Gitxsan dance and First Nations history.

From 1885 to 1951, First Nations communities were not allowed to hold potlatches. Native lineage stories, religious practices and dance traditions had to be passed down in secret.

Dancers of Damelahamid started in the 1960s to revive the ancient art forms as a healing space for Indigenous people — and all Canadians — to advance the process of reconciliation.

Activities planned around the performance include a pre-show discussion and a free dance workshop on Saturday.

Admission to Flicker is $38. It runs 7:30 to 9 p.m. Friday at the McPherson Playhouse, 3 Centennial Square. The pre-show talk begins 45 minutes prior to curtain.

Admission to the Exploring Contemporary Coastal Dance Workshop is free. The 90-minute dance workshop runs 10 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the Songhees Wellness Centre, 1100 Admirals Rd. Participants 16 or older will engage in the shared experience of dance. Space is limited to 40 participants. You must have some experience. To register, email rsvp@dancevictoria.com with the subject line Coastal Dance.

For an online calendar of free classes offered and for more information, go to dancevictoria.com.