Kootenay DanceWorks

05/31/2026

Look what popped up on my feed. These times were full of so many beautiful memories. This show was one of the best shows we had ~ if you know, you know. Backstage was incredibly chaotic. I had put all the audio onto one file. There wasn't a second to make an error. We did it but barely. It was a wild, wild ride but man was it fun.

A few sneak peaks from the dress rehearsal and show. There are so many I loved, but I had to just choose a few! Watch this space for more http://www.lesleychisholm.com/dressrehearsal2014 As always please feel free to tag and share. All photos © Lesley Chisholm Photography, please do not alter, edit or remove my watermark. With Renee Salsiccioli and Kootenay DanceWorks

05/07/2026

09/05/2025

💃🧠⚡🕺

A 2018 systematic review (PMID: 30543905) found that dance training causes structural brain changes including increased hippocampal volume, expanded gray matter in motor cortex regions (precentral and parahippocampal gyrus), and enhanced white matter integrity. Dance uniquely combines music’s reward pathway activation with complex motor demands, creating what researchers call a “pleasure double play” for neuroplasticity.

Studies show dance is superior to repetitive exercise for brain plasticity because it demands both physical activity and cognitive enrichment simultaneously. Research demonstrates enhanced functional connectivity between brain networks, improved cognitive performance, and sustained neuroplastic changes. The combination of rhythm, coordination, memory, and social interaction makes dance one of the most potent neuroplasticity interventions available.

📚Sources:
Meng et al. “Dance for neuroplasticity: A descriptive systematic review” Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews (2019) PMID: 30543905;
Rehfeld et al. “Dance training is superior to repetitive physical exercise in inducing brain plasticity in the elderly” PLOS ONE (2018); Multiple neuroimaging studies showing structural brain changes from dance training

Posted • Dance literally reshapes your brain structure, creating measurable increases in brain volume and neural connectivity

06/10/2025

Hello Arts Community,

It’s Renée Salsiccioli, director of Kootenay DanceWorks.
It’s a busy and meaningful month as we celebrate our young artists of tomorrow and our graduating students. And so…
We’re thrilled to announce that tickets are now on sale for KDW’s Annual Performance: Gather & Groove!

Please consider joining us at the Charles Bailey Theatre on this Saturday, June 14 @ 6pm for a lovely evening that celebrates the joy, creativity, and talent of our community. At a time when we could all use a moment of reflection, this performance reminds us of how vital the arts, community, and the people in our lives truly are. The dancers light up the stage with confidence, artistry, and heart. It really is a lovely show.

Pass it on and thank you for being part of the wider KDW family and arts community.

🎟 Tickets + Livestream available now:
https://purchase.trail-arts.com/ChooseSeats/4601
(250) 368-9669

Please spread the word and join us in celebrating this special evening!

Sending you joy on this lovely day,

Renée Salsiccioli 💕
Director, Kootenay DanceWorks

Photo credit: Lesley Chisholm Photography

06/03/2024

Here it is…. ✨✨✨

ROSSLAND EMERGING ARTIST RESIDENCY

Applications are now open for this 10-day residency in Rossland, BC, developed and facilitated by Lofty Goal Project. The residency will host a cohort of three early emerging dance and/or theatre artists to create new work from August 29 to September 8, 2024. 

The aim of this residency is to provide early emerging artists with the uninterrupted time and space to dive into research for a new work in a new environment that is free of day-to-day distractions and full of new inspiration. Each artist will come to the residency to focus on their own work and research, but will move through these ten days as a cohort with the support of fellow artists in residence, residency facilitators, and the wider community.

Please note, the 2024 residency is open to early emerging dance and/or theatre artists who are currently based OR who grew up and did the majority of their youth training in the Kootenay region.

All the details are available at the link in our bio. But if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to send us a message!

Help us spread the word and share this post far and wide! We’re so excited to connect with artists and for a summer full of wonder and new work.

06/03/2024

The deadline for applications for the Rossland Emerging Artist Residency is in ONE WEEK!

Applications are due Friday, June 7 at 11:59pm.

10 days in the mountains of BC, exploring, learning, creating, and connecting with other artists and the local community.

The applications is fairly short - tell us about your project, tell us about you, and include some support material. That’s it!

All the details are available at the link in our bio.

05/22/2024

🎉🌟 It's that time of year again – our Year-End Dance Recital.

Our talented students have been working tirelessly, perfecting their moves and routines, and now it's time to share their hard work with our wonderful community. Join us for an unforgettable evening at our upcoming show, "Gather and Groove."

📅 Date: Saturday, June 1st, 2024
🕒 Time: 6:00pm
📍 Location: Charles Bailey Theatre, Trail, B.C.

Please support our excited dancers as they light up the stage with their passion and dedication; young artists who are flourishing. We can't wait to see you there and celebrate the joy of dance together! 💃🕺



Feel free to share and spread the word! 🌟