THE 2024 NATIONAL SHOWCASE WORKSHOP SERIES IS HERE!
Six (6) FREE dance workshops with artists from Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver!
The workshops are open-level and are best suited to those aged 15+.
COST: Free with Registration [register below or at the workshops]
LOCATION: Meridian Arts Centre – Rehearsal Hall
5040 Yonge Street, North York
- The Rehearsal Hall is accessed from the Stage Door at the south side of the building
- TTC access at North York Centre subway station, with a 5-minute walk south on Yonge Street
- Paid parking available at various lots (underground and street level) and on Beecroft Avenue (street level). Map below.
The workshops are offered in partnership with TO Live.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER:
National Showcase Registration Page
WORKSHOPS AVAILABLE:
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 from 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
Afrofusion: Movement & Intention with Esie Mensah (Toronto)
- A guided session on using Afrofusion movement as a language to tell stories.
Tuesday, October 1, 2024 from 8:00 PM – 9:15 PM
Konto: Nigerian Street Dance with Ambrose Tjark (Ottawa/International)
- Ambrose’s classes are based in the rawness and authenticity of Nigerian street dance styles called NAIJA FUSION with a focus on teaching the foundation of ‘KONTO’, which is the fundamental of NAIJA FUSION. He discusses its roots, grooves, localities, and musical influences with practical exercises, as well as its evolution into the present day ‘SHAKU’, with choreography to develop your Naija fusion groove and movement. Ambrose’s class is a party. He focuses on creating a fun and safe space; a class environment where there’s no judgment, freedom of movement and self is celebrated. It’s a party while learning and exchanging.
Wednesday, October 2, 2024 from 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
Contemporary Dance with Juan Duarte (Vancouver)
- This workshop uses technique to strengthen the body and focuses on interpretation and musicality. Exercises include ballet and jazz, stretching, coordination movements, turns, jumps, and floor work. Freeing and joyful, Juan’s dance style takes its inspiration and moods directly from the music, bringing its roots and emotions into the choreographed movements.
Wednesday, October 2, 2024 from 8:00 PM – 9:15 PM
A-feeree Technique: An Africanist Physical Language with BaKari I. Lindsay (Toronto)
- AFeeree is a distinctive Africanist dance language characterized by total body articulation and rhythmic movement. Its name comes from the Mande word “Feeree,” meaning training or method, and it draws on the physical aesthetics of traditional West African dance from the Sene-Gambian region, as well as Caribbean Indigenous folk dances from Trinidad and Tobago. AFeeree is a physical language that emphasizes muscular development, body attitude, shape, rhythm, and pulse, focusing on how these elements from daily activities manifest in what is identified as “dance.” Rather than relying on fixed positions, AFeeree is a non-perfectionist approach based on the “Natural Bends” of the body—an essential feature in most African dances. The degree of joint bends depends on each dancer’s physical ability, creating endless variations but always adhering to this core principle. The natural bends offer freedom of movement, providing a vast repertoire for variation, combination, and improvisation, making AFeeree accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level.
Friday, October 4, 2024 from 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM
Hip Hop with Nindy Banks (Montréal)
- An introduction and exploration of hip hop dance basics to find freedom of expression. Note: Dancers should wear sneakers for the class.
Friday, October 4, 2024 from 8:00 PM – 9:15 PM
Krump with Jason “Goof” Luce (Montréal)
- An introduction into krump and krump culture. What is it? Why is it? What are the fundamentals of krump and its worldwide impact?
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER: National Showcase Registration Page
