FROM CANADA, FOR THE WORLD: DANCES OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA
November 8 – 22, 2026
Betty Oliphant Theatre, Toronto
Tickets coming in July
The inaugural Immersion Festival combines dance Immersion’s critically acclaimed National Showcase of Canadian Blacks in Dance and our sold-out Youth Showcase presentations into one premiere event designed to elevate and celebrate the artistry of some of Canada’s renowned Black dance artists and Black-led youth groups. Immersion Festival will take place from November 8 – 22, 2026 in Toronto. Workshops and performances will be open to all! Artist details coming soon!
Immersion Festival promises be an eagerly-anticipated celebration of Canadian cultural life for audiences, and a sought-after performance and networking opportunity for renowned and aspiring artists.
3 Electrifying Stage Presentations
- Vanguard Presentation – A presentation of commissioned duets between 7 of Canada’s internationally-renowned dance artists and live musicians
- National Presentation – A presentation of 7 acclaimed Canadian Black-led dance companies and artists from Calgary, Toronto, Montréal, and Nova Scotia
- Next Gen Presentation – Our one-of-a-kind Youth presentation, featuring 10 performances by Ontario-based Black-led youth groups on a professional stage.
12 Inspiring Workshops
- 4 technique workshops for youth
- 4 workshops for non-professional community members
- 4 technique workshops for professional dance artists
- Workshops will be led by artists from Prince Edward Island, Vancouver, and Toronto in African Street Dance Fundamentals, Bahamian Caribbean Folk, Vernacular Jazz, and Rwandan Traditional & Street Dances.
3 Gathering Events
- A networking gathering to connect youth with professional artists
- A reception for artists to meet informally with visiting and local presenters
- A closing celebration following the final performance.
A Roundtable on Dance Education
- An intergenerational day of discussion, sharing, and moving together, providing young and aspiring dancers with information to take confident next steps forward.
Immersion Festival will provide:
- Greater Toronto Area community members of all backgrounds with access to world-class, engaging performances and artistic learning opportunities;
- Black Canadian artists with barrier-free access to high-level performance, career-building, and educational opportunities;
- Black-led youth groups with sophisticated education and performing opportunities that provide career development and networking engagements;
- A celebration of Canadian cultural life and the contributions of the African diaspora.
Immersion Festival is generously supported by a venue partnership with Canada’s National Ballet School.
