Four decades later, the company is celebrating the historic milestone and toasting to a promising future continuing to develop artists, while engaging communities in the arts.

Last night the City of Launceston council hosted a reception to mark the occasion, offering somewhat of a reunion for long-term affiliates of the company.

This included founding director Jenny Kinder, who took on the role exactly 40 years ago to the day - on May 18, 1981.

Known at the time as the Tasmanian Dance Company, it became Australia's first dance-in-education company.

Forty years on, Kinder said Tasdance had continued to foster artistry and innovation in a uniquely Tasmanian way.

"The arts were incredibly well funded in the late 70s, early 80s. There was a lot of excitement and will to experiment and innovate," she said.

"Still to this day, the foundations of something like Tasdance is that essential value of creativity, artistry and choreography - as well as excellent dancing.

"The language changes and the directions morph, but underpinning it all is an essential creativity that's valued."

Since its inception a list of about 300 artists have been affiliated with the company, with more than 90 choreographers working to create 180 works.

Tasdance artistic director Adam Wheeler said innovation remained at the heart of it all.

"We talk about it being innovative in 2021, so think back to 40 years earlier and it's like 'wow'," he said.

"We have these beautiful parallels, from completely different generations.

"But it's all connected through this creativity, this artistry - it's circular and it connects us."

Wheeler said Tuesday's celebrations marked the first in a series of events acknowledging the company's 40th anniversary, including the launch of an alumni group aimed at reconnecting former Tasdance affiliates.

"One thing we've learnt from the pandemic is how we can use streams to connect us worldwide," he said.

"I am hoping tonight is a little more locally focused, and then we can reach out to as many of our alumni as possible - basically anyone who has spent time at 197 Wellington Street."

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