On this episode of United in Dance Podcast, we’re joined by Kathleen Doherty of Rooted Dance for a thoughtful conversation about artistic evolution, community, and the future of dance in Nova Scotia.

Kathleen shares the story behind the transition from Votive Dance to Rooted Dance, including what inspired the name change and how the new identity reflects the company’s ongoing creative vision. We also discuss the projects she’s currently developing, her goals for the future, and the importance of creating meaningful work that connects artists and audiences.

A key focus of the conversation is the relationship between dance and live music in performance. Kathleen talks about the possibilities that emerge when movement and live sound come together, and how this collaborative approach can create a more immersive experience for audiences.

We also explore the impact of the 2026 provincial budget cuts on Kathleen’s work and the wider arts community, including the challenges of continuing to create, produce, and support dance during a time of reduced resources.

It’s an honest and engaging conversation about rebranding, artistic growth, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the resilience required to keep dance moving forward. Tune in and get United in Dance with Kathleen Doherty of Rooted Dance.

Learn more about Rooted Dance at rooteddanceprojects.com.

PLUS! We have Halifax indie music artist STUTTERS in our Nova Scotia music spotlight.

AND we talk how dance positively impacts older adults living with dementia in our "Did You Know" segment.

Connect with Dance Nova Scotia online at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DanceNS.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on our socials ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠

Dance Nova Scotia is extremely excited to welcome Montreal multidisciplinary artist and Ballroom Kiki scene leader Anton May to the podcast. A dancer and instructor, Anton is also the leader of the Montreal Chapter of the Legendary International Imperial Dynasty Haus of Hua Mulan as Father Broadway Mulan.

We sat down to chat with Anton while he was in Halifax to present "Practicing Celebration", a youth Vogue + Ballroom introductory workshop. We chat Vogue styles, history, representation in media, and so much more including the scenes across Canada.

PLUS! We have Halifax indie Hip-Hop and Rap artist C-Stile in our Nova Scotia music spotlight.

Connect with Dance Nova Scotia online at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠DanceNS.ca⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and on our socials ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠

This is a first in a new series within the United In Dance podcast focusing on the attack on the Arts, Culture, and Heritage sector in Nova Scotia as a result of the 2026 Provincial budget.

In this conversation we are speaking with Oriana Duinker, Executive Director of The Writers' Federation of Nova Scotia, discussing the complete elimination of funding to the Writers in Schools program, what that means for students, parents and the writers themselves.

We encourage all Nova Scotians to contact their MLA's and demand that these cuts to our cultural landscape be reversed. Templates and how to at: http://www.nsarts.ca/