The School of Dance in Ottawa is located in the historic Crichton Street School building. This building, a red brick structure, was originally a public school built in 1875. The School of Dance purchased it in 2000, saving it from demolition and renovating it into a vibrant arts education centre.
The School of Dance was founded by Merrilee Hodgins and Joyce Shietze. It first opened its doors on Wellington Street, in the west of Ottawa, in 1978, as a nationally registered, educational, charitable, non-profit organization designed to provide professional training for dance. It is now located at 200 Crichton Street in Ottawa.
This listing was uploaded by Katie Miller, Heritage Analyst at the National Trust for Canada, on Wednesday July 2, 2025.
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By Nikita Koziel Ly (Ottawa)
Founded in 1978 by Merrilee Hodgins and Joyce Shietze, The School of Dance began its journey on Wellington Street in west Ottawa. Established as a nationally registered, charitable, non-profit organization, it has been dedicated to providing professional dance training for over four decades.
In 2000, the School found a permanent home in the historic Crichton Street School building—a red brick landmark originally constructed in 1875. By purchasing and renovating the building, the School not only saved a piece of Ottawa’s architectural heritage from demolition but also transformed it into a vibrant hub for arts education.
Today, The School of Dance operates from 200 Crichton Street, continuing its mission to inspire, educate, and nurture the next generation of artists.
