The Vancouver International Dance Festival was founded in 2000 by Barbara Bourget and Jay Hirabayashi who programmed the festival with a commitment to inclusivity and a nod to their own eclectic interests. VIDF leadership transitioned to Deanna Peters and Victor Tran in 2024. They bring a grassroots DIY ethos that continues Barbara and Jay's legacy of celebrating diverse forms of dance.

The VIDF is a highly anticipated event that has no aesthetic boundaries. It showcases work that's raw, kinetic and experimental — performances that engage and challenge audiences. Increasing public appreciation for dance is a core goal.

Equity and approachability are central principles of VIDF, which strives to make dance accessible to all sectors of the Vancouver population, including those who are economically disadvantaged. If dance is universal, then the VIDF welcomes everyone to be a part of it.