Olivia MacLean is a professional dance artist, choreographer, educator, caregiver, and proud Black Nova Scotian based in Kjipuktuk/Halifax. Deeply rooted in community and care, Olivia strives to cultivate open, inclusive, and loving spaces through both her art and her educational practice.

A member of The Woods Professional Hip-Hop Dance Company since 2017, Olivia brings a rich background in conservatory-style dance training—including Modern, Contemporary, and Russian Ballet (elementary level exam)—blended seamlessly with a deep commitment to Hip-Hop. She is a graduate of Onset Dance’s hip-hop training program and has served as a lead educator with the program since 2017, under the direction of Sara Steele.

Olivia also trained with Halifax Dance’s Young Company and Intensive Training Program, and has been a core Hip-Hop educator for Halifax Dance’s recreational program since 2016. Her teaching practice centers on accessibility, cultural connection, and empowering dancers to find their own voice in movement. Olivia’s choreography reflects her blended dance background and often aims to bridge the worlds of hip-hop and contemporary dance. As a youth choreographer, she was a three-time recipient of the Pat Richards Choreographic Award at Taking Steps to Fly, presented by Kinetic Studio. Her work—both youth and professional—has been showcased at events and festivals such as Halifax Pride, the National Ballet’s Sharing Dance Day, Nocturne: Art at Night, The Young Company Spring Show, and the Halifax Fringe Festival. Through every role she takes on, Olivia continues to lead with authenticity, creativity, and care—strengthening the cultural fabric of her community through dance.