At XUUX Artists Studio (4-7pm)
Sunday September 15, 2024
455 Horton Street E
(limited parking available onsite)
4-5pm FREE Workshop
(spaces are limited – please pre-register!)
5-7pm $20 Performance & Artist Talkback
Tickets available now!
FREE Workshop & Ticketed Performance at XUUX studio!
Purchase tickets online through our Zeffy portal!
4-4:45pm Join Newton Moraes for a FREE Afro-Brazilian Dance workshop!
Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a beginner, Moraes’ classes offer a welcoming environment for all skill levels. Explore the rich cultural heritage of Afro-Brazilian dance, improve your technique, and experience the joy of movement. Newton will focus on small segments of dance phrases that will culminate in a complete choreography. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a water bottle!
Download the full Festival programme now!
5-6:30pm Watch London Dance Festival: Moving in Earnest
Following the workshop, enjoy thought-provoking performances by Newton Moraes, Teagan Ariss, Flamenco del Sur and Los Aires Band, Rising Moon Bellydance, and Priyadarshini Sheshadri. These are spotlight performances where dance is the medium through which stories are conveyed and identity is amplified.
Most events are FREE (but donations are gratefully accepted!)
Learn more at www.londondancefestival.ca or @ldndancefest
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Purchase tickets online through our Zeffy portal!
The London Dance Festival is supported by the London Arts Council through the City of London’s Community Arts Investment Program.
Learn more about the performers!
Newton Moraes is a distinguished dance educator with over 20 years of experience in the field. Renowned for his dynamic and engaging teaching style, he has inspired countless students to explore and express their creativity through dance.
Moraes began his teaching career at prominent dance institutions across Brazil before moving to Canada, where he continued to share his expertise. He has taught at various esteemed schools, including the School of Toronto Dance Theatre, York University, and Ryerson University. His classes, which range from contemporary dance to Afro-Brazilian techniques, are known for their rigorous training, innovative choreography, and cultural richness.
In addition to his work in academic settings, Newton has conducted numerous workshops and masterclasses worldwide, in countries such as Germany, the United States, and Colombia. His international experience and deep understanding of diverse dance traditions have enriched his teaching practice, making his classes a unique blend of technical proficiency and artistic expression. Newton’s commitment to dance education extends beyond the studio. He has also been involved in several community outreach programs, using dance as a tool to empower and uplift underserved communities. His dedication to fostering a love for dance in students of all backgrounds and abilities underscores his belief in the transformative power of the arts.
As a mentor, Newton Moraes is celebrated for his ability to nurture and develop the potential of each student, encouraging them to find their own voice in the world of dance. His passion, expertise, and unwavering support have made him a beloved and influential figure in the dance education community.
Learn more about Newton Moraes here
Anchal Dahiya, BRDRLESS Dance
From a young age, Anchal Dahiya‘s passion for diverse cultures propelled her to embrace their arts and traditions. Introduced to dance at eight, she developed a deep love for styles like Bollywood, Bhangra, Kuthu, Bharatnatyam, and Kuchipudi. Anchal’s dance journey connected her with diverse artists, fueling her desire to celebrate diversity through dance. This led her to establish BRDRLESS Dance Studio in London, ON, the city’s only multicultural dance studio.
BRDRLESS offers workshops, classes, and performances. Anchal actively engages in multicultural events and fundraisers like the Me to We Mission Trip to India. She has performed for events/organizers such as the Western Fair and International Women’s Day (CCLC & GTA organizers), Western University & Collages, and ICAL to foster cultural exchanges.
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Emerging artist: Teagan Ariss
Teagan Ariss is a dance artist and arts worker based in Tkaronto/Toronto who values kindness, learning, and curiosity. In 2021, she graduated from York University’s BFA dance program, where she felt most impacted by the teachings of dance artists: Syreeta Hector, Tracey Norman, and Susan Lee.
Teagan has performed at the Guelph Dance Festival (2019, 2022, 2023), Let the Elephants Dance (2022), and dance:made in canada (2021). She has danced in work by Rock Bottom Movement, Laura Arend, Sadie Cahill and collaborative projects with the Meaningful Movement collective. Teagan has presented work through the Garage (2023). She is also a passionate facilitator of creative movement for children and older adults throughout the city of Toronto.
She is inspired by her experience witnessing creativity and learning at different stages of life.
Follow @teaganariss to learn more about her work.
Performance by Priyadarshini Sheshadri
Priyadarshini is a professional Indian classical dancer specializing in the dance form “Kathak”.
Kathak is one of the eight major forms of Indian classical dance. Its origin is attributed to the traveling bards in ancient northern India known as Kathakar (“storyteller”), who communicated stories from the Hindu epics and mythology through dance, songs and music. Its name derives from the Sanskrit word katha which means “story”, and kathakar which means “the one who tells a story”, or “to do with stories”. Tarana is a traditional Kathak piece that showcases. graceful movements, intricate rhythmic footwork, and. fast pirouettes.
She has been learning and exploring Kathak for the past 16 years and also graduated in the same. Priya has learnt Indian classical carnatic music and Is also a graduate in psychology, journalism and English literature. She has performed in various national festivals and events in India and is excited to explore her artistic journey in Canada.
Follow Priyadarshini to learn more about her work.
Flamenco del Sur and Los Aires Band
Choreographer: Patricia Vasconcellos
At 17 years old, Patricia Vasconcellos started to study Spanish Dance. Six years later, she joined Al Andaluz Flamenco Dance companyin Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In 2009, Patricia moved to Brasilia, Federal District, and continued her studies with the Flamenco dancer, Mrs. Patricia Weingrill at Studio de Danca Capricho Espanhol. In 2010, she started studying tap flamenco technique, castanets, and Bata de Cola with choreographer and dancer Mr. Danny Souza. She joined the Claude Debussy Centre of Dance and Arts where performed and studied Flamenco Culture for 6 years becoming Flamenco teacher and choreographer. In 2017, Patricia moved to London, Ontario, Canada, and in 2019, she opened the FLAMENCO DEL SUR DANCE STUDIO and started to bring the Flamenco culture and flamenco style (Flamenco instruments, items, and tap) to London. She has performed at the London Dance Festival and many other events around London such as Heart Links, London Public Library, Western University, and many more. In 2020, promoted the Los Aurora’s Concert and Flamenco workshop. From 2021 until now, she has been performing and teaching live/virtual Flamenco Rhythms to musicians, dancers, and Flamenco lovers.
Learn more about Flamenco Del Sur at www.flamencodelsur.ca
Performance by Rising Moon Bellydance
Bellydance is a beautiful art and something Luna is very passionate about. She is the Founder and Artistic Director of the Rising Moon Bellydance Troupe.
Originally from Colombia, South America, she loves teaching and performing multiple styles of Bellydance.
Bellydance became a passion of hers almost 20 years ago and she strongly believes everyone should experience it. She performs at a wide range of the London, Ontario festivals and private events, as a soloist or with her troupe. Classes are held at her studio located in Wortley Village, London all year long.
Learn more about Bellydance at www.risingmoonbellydance.co