
International Dance Week 2021: April 24-30
CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
Anyone can learn new moves in all-levels workshops in Flamenco and Philippine Folk Dance. Experienced dancers can try classes in Bellydance and Bollywood styles. All classes will be held on zoom, register here, or see website for more details.

Flamenco with Patricia Vasconcellos of Flamenco del Sur
Saturday April 24, 3:30-4:30pm
FREE on Zoom
Open to all levels register here
Have lots of fun leaning the “Por Tangos” Flamenco Rhythm in this all-levels workshop with Patricia. She’ll teach you a short choreography with clapping, Braceo (arm and wrist movements), and footwork. You’ll finish the dance with a typical Flamenco “Remate.” Please wear comfortable closed shoes (ballet shoes,
running shoes, ballroom or flamenco shoes).

Technique Sunday: Belly dance with Luna of Rising Moon
Sunday April 25, 12:15-1:30pm
$5 (or free if you fill out a survey!) on Zoom register here
For experienced dancers, details here.
Explore the ancient art of Bellydance. We will focus on fundamentals including slow figure eights, arm and hands frames and movements, different kinds of shimmies and travelling steps. We will play with combinations and form a connection with the music. Please wear comfortable workout clothes and a scarf of any kind around your hips if you have one. No shoes are required. Also keep water handy to stay hydrated especially after the shimmy practice!
I grew up in Colombia, South America, and moved to London, Ontario in 2003 where I started taking bellydancing classes with various master instructors. Through the years, I developed a passion for this art and it is what I love to do. I enjoy performing, developing choreography, and exploring the various bellydance styles and fusions. Since 2012, I have been teaching in London. I am the founder of Rising Moon Bellydance and have performed as a soloist and with my troupe in various festivals and events in Ontario and the US.

Technique Tuesday: Bollywood with Josette Joseph
Tuesday April 27, 12:15-1:30pm
$5 (or free if you fill out a survey!) on Zoom register here
For experienced dancers, details here.
Josette has been training in Bollywood and Indian Classical styles for 19 years and has performed on tv, on stage in front of thousands, and alongside some of Bollywood’s top stars. In this class, participants will learn some Bollywood technique along with a quick routine to “Jai Ho”.
Josette has been dancing for 19 years. She began training and performing in Bollywood, which she currently teaches at PFA, then branched out to Ballet, Jazz, and Hip Hop in high school. She has competed in numerous competitions (and placed first with her team in a national competition), has performed on TV, and has been paid to perform around Ontario. She has trained with well-known, Toronto-based companies such as Badass Babes and DARK Dance.

Philippine Folk Dancing with Mari Udarbe Han
Wednesday April 28, 5:30-6:30pm
FREE on Zoom
Open to all levels register here
Mari will be teaching about cultural expression with an introductory session on “Pangalay”, a Philippine Indigenous dance originating from the Tausug people of the southern Philippine islands. This dance is characterized by hand movements that resemble the ocean waves, which is enhanced by long, metal fingernails called “Janggay.”
Mari Udarbe Han is registered physiotherapist with a decade of experience in orthopedics. She is the owner and operator of 519physio, a treatment space housed with 519 School of Hip Hop. Inspired by her own dance journey as part of the Kayumanggi Philippine Performing Arts of Manitoba and Synergy Dance Productions, she is passionate about artist health and wellness. In 2020, she hosted the first ever “Artist Wellness: Virtual Summit” with many guest speakers covering topics including nutrition, hypermobility, strength, mental health, etc. Mari believes the goal of physiotherapy in dance (and in life!) is to optimize performance, reduce injury and rehabilitate various musculoskeletal conditions through self-awareness and movement.

Contemporary with Samantha Sendas
Friday April 30, 4-5pm
FREE on Instagram
Open to all levels register here
Sam Sendas is very excited to be joining London Dance festival yet again, this time from the comfort of her own home. Sam was the 2018 LDF Dance Mob choreographer and is still keeping busy in the London dance community in various ways (prior to the recent turn of events) She can be seen in performances with Breath in MVMT, teaching and taking classes at O.N.E Dance Studio, Choreographing for the premiere of The Saidat Show LIVE, or just dancing around in any open space she can find. Sam is very grateful for the opportunities London Dance Festival has given her, especially now during this time of social distancing. She hopes everyone is staying safe and can’t wait for the day when we can all dance together again.
AND MORE!

Dance Community Round Table
Sunday, April 25 at 2pm.
FREE
Join us to discuss the current needs of our dance community in London. Feel free to share your ideas on how we can keep supporting local talents during these difficult times. All feedback is appreciated.
More details here.

Dancer Wellness with Mari Udarbe Han
All week on social media
Mari Udarbe Han is a registered physiotherapist with almost 10 years of experience. She is an advocate for dance medicine and rehabilitation, and is the official wellness director of 519 School of Hip Hop. Mari has been working on initiatives to provide accessible education and to increase awareness in London’s dance community.
Dance Ontario #DanceWeekend21
The Dance Week fun will continue April 29-May 2 with Dance Ontario’s #DanceWeekend21 events. Be sure to check out all the great films, workshops, and more!

International Dance Day – Virtual Family Dance Party!
April 29, 2pm FREE
Join Alan Faigal for a fun family dance party on April 29 at 2pm to kick offDance Ontario’s #DanceWeekend21 on International Dance Day, everyBODY is invited to dance along in a family friendly energizer of JOY! Register HERE.
