EVENTS

Chitra Natyam Workshop 

Rhythms United: Toronto International Dance  Festival 2024 (October 11-13, 2024)

Address: 5183 Sheppard Ave E, Toronto, ON M1B 5Z5

12:30-2:30 pm

Uyghur Dance Workshop 

Instructor: Chandna Talluri

Registration required!

Dancers from all disciplines, and movement forms such as circus arts, performance art, theatre arts and dance theatre welcome!

Uyghur Dance Workshop 

Rhythms United: Toronto International Dance  Festival 2024 (October 11-13, 2024)

Address: 5183 Sheppard Ave E, Toronto, ON M1B 5Z5

10:00 am-12 noon 

Uyghur Dance Workshop 

Instructor: Rahmatzhan Ioldashev

Registration required!

Toronto International Dance Festival (TIDF 2024 Fall) is back with a bang! Get ready for an unforgettable evening of dance at the Chinese Cultural Centre Of Greater Toronto. Join us for "Braided Rhythms" a spectacular showcase of talent from around the globe as part of our three day weekend event. Experience the magic of different cultures coming together through the universal language of dance. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind event that will leave you mesmerized and inspired. Grab your FREE tickets now and get ready to be swept off your feet! Food vendors are available and this event is family friendly!

Toronto International Dance Festival (TIDF 2024 Fall) Presents "Rhythms United": A Three-Day Indoor Festival Celebrating Diversity and Excellence in Dance!

The Toronto International Dance Festival (TIDF) proudly announces its 2024 Fall indoor festival, "Rhythms United,” taking place from October 11-13, 2024, at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (CCCGT) located at 5183 Sheppard Ave E, Toronto, ON M1B 5Z5.

This exciting event brings together world-renowned dance artists and companies from diverse backgrounds, showcasing the rich tapestry of global dance forms and dance journeys.

Festival Highlights:

Day 1 (Oct 11): Rhythms Ignite – Festival Launch.

Time: 6:30 – 9:00 pm

Location: Executive Meeting Room & Dexter H.C. Man Hall (CCCGT)

Admission: Free - RSVP required.

Þ Official festival opening with media, international delegates, sponsors, and industry professionals

Þ Panel discussion: "Dance Career Development: Navigating the Diaspora, Touring & Professional Development": featuring panelists Nova Bhattacharya, Merey Ismailova, Parul Gupta, Robert Sauvey, and Chandna Talluri, moderated by festival curator Paromita Kar.

Light refreshments provided with RSVP

Day 2 (Oct 12): Braided Rhythms - Main Festival

Time: 6:00 – 9:00pm

Location: P C Ho Theater (CCCGT)

Admission: Free

Þ Indoor professional dance showcase featuring award winning Canadian and International dance

artists at P.C. Ho Theatre, Toronto.

Food available at venue.

Day 3 (Oct 13): Rhythm Works – Dance Workshops by International Artists

Time: 10:00am – 3:00pm

Location: Dance Studio (CCCGT)

Admission: Free - Registration required

Þ Dance workshops led by International dance artists.

Þ Uyghur Dance Workshop by Rahmatzhan Ioldashev (10:00 am- 12:00 noon):

learn the techniques and history of this unique and rich Central Asian dance tradition from award-winning international star Rahmatzhan Ioldashev of Kazakhstan, who is also among the performers for this year’s Festival Showcase. This is a dance form with ancient roots from the historic Silk Road.

Þ Chitra Natyam Workshop by Chandna Talluri (12:30-2:30 pm): join this rare opportunity to learn Chitra Natyam, a form which fuses dance with visual art, reflecting an exciting and innovative intersection of movement and artistic creation. Taught by international dancer Chandna Talluri who is one of the world’s few specialists of this unique performance tradition! Registration is required to provide the materials for this workshop.

Dancers from all disciplines and movement forms such as circus arts, theatre arts, performance art and dance theatre are welcome!

The festival team: 

Mary Ashok (Artistic Director) Gita Sankaran (Executive Director), Jaison Mathew (Public Relations Officer), Soni Marcus (Director), Paromita Kar (Festival Curator), Marcela Aranda (Program Manager), Kanchana Thuraisingham (Outreach Coordinator), Dr. Ashly Verghese (Sponsorship Coordinator), Ada Chu (Staff Administrator), Madhu Seralathan (Technical Support), and Gloria Gift Nankunda (Program Emcee).

Toronto International Dance Festival (TIDF 2024 Fall) Presents "Rhythms United": A Three-Day Indoor Festival Celebrating Diversity and Excellence in Dance!

The Toronto International Dance Festival (TIDF) proudly announces its 2024 Fall indoor festival, "Rhythms United,” taking place from October 11-13, 2024, at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto (CCCGT) located at 5183 Sheppard Ave E, Toronto, ON M1B 5Z5.

This exciting event brings together world-renowned dance artists and companies from diverse backgrounds, showcasing the rich tapestry of global dance forms and dance journeys.

Day 1 (Oct 11): Rhythms Ignite – Festival Launch.

Time: 6:30 – 9:00 pm

Location: Executive Meeting Room & Dexter H.C. Man Hall (CCCGT)

Admission: Free - RSVP required.

Þ Official festival opening with media, international delegates, sponsors, and industry professionals

Þ Panel discussion: "Dance Career Development: Navigating the Diaspora, Touring & Professional Development": featuring panelists Nova Bhattacharya, Merey Ismailova, Parul Gupta, Robert Sauvey, and Chandna Talluri, moderated by festival curator Paromita Kar.

Light refreshments provided with RSVP

LIMITED SEATS!

All GTA based professional dance artists are invited to submit works for consideration for Toronto International Dance Festival 2024 Indoor showcase on Saturday, October 12, 2024! 

This year’s theme is “Braided Rhythms”. In this edition, we are especially inspired by dances which involve percussive rhythm the tap of a foot, the jingle of a jingle dance, and other body percussion-inspired dances, and how these dances can “weave” together to create a powerful, striking and dynamic tapestry of Toronto’s diversity.

Continuing TIDF’s tradition of inclusivity, all the sectors in Toronto’s professional dance mosaic, including the concert dance sector, the commercial dance sector, as well as dance artists creating, teaching and performing in a professional capacity within community settings are invited to send in proposals. This festival is open to all dance genres, and expressive movement forms.

We invite you to submit 8-10 minute extracts from previously performed productions, or new productions (all works must have video footage of the proposed piece so that we may get a visual sense of your proposed work!). Duration of performance must be 10 minutes or under, even if it is an extract of a longer piece. All accepted showcase pieces will receive an Artist Fee.

Please include in your submission:

1) Name of Artistic Lead (whether yourself as soloist or as Artistic Director of your Company)

2) Contact Information

3) About the Proposed Performance:

(i) Title of the Dance Piece (ii) Duration (iii) Genre/Style of Dance/Movement Form

(iv) Number of Performers (v) Names of Collaborators/Performers (vi) Technical Requirements

(viii) Description: a few lines about the piece, and how the proposed work relates to the theme of “braided rhythms” (ix) Please indicate if this is an extract from a previous production or a world premiere or a Toronto premiere.

For more information on registration and submissions, please visit our website.

The deadline to submit is 11:59 pm on August 15, 2024 

and applicants will be notified by August 31,2024.

Toronto International Dance Festival - Indoor Fall 2024 (3 Days) - will be held on Friday  11 - 13  October  2024 at Chinese Cultural Centre (5183 Sheppard Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1B 5Z5).

Call for Artists: Toronto International Dance Festival 2024

DANCE @THE SQUARE

—————————

Join us in celebrating the beauty of diversity through the language of dance! We are thrilled to invite professional, community based, and emerging artists from all over Canada to participate in our upcoming International Dance Festival - Dance @the Square!

Event Highlights:

• Diverse Dance Forms: From traditional to contemporary, showcase your unique dance style on our international stage.
• Inclusive Participation: Open to professional dancers, passionate community artists, and emerging talents. Preference will be given to local artists.
• Global Representation: Embrace and share the richness of your cultural dance traditions with a worldwide audience.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow artists, industry professionals, and dance enthusiasts.

Benefits for Participants:

• Standard Honorarium: Recognizing the value of your artistry, selected artists will receive an approved standard honorarium.
• International Exposure: Showcase your talent to a diverse and engaged audience, both onsite and through our virtual platform (Social media Live).
• Collaborative Experience: Engage in cross-cultural collaborations and celebrate the unity of dance.

Submission Guidelines:

Application Deadline: May 31, 2024.

• Open to: Professional, Community, and Emerging dancers.
• Dance Forms: All genres and cultural dance styles are welcome.
• Duration: 5- 10 Mins.
• Submission Requirements: Provide a video sample of your performance, a brief artist bio, and contact details.

How to Apply:

Through this website submit your application and learn more about this exciting opportunity.

Let's come together in the spirit of multiculturalism, creating a harmonious dance mosaic that reflects the diversity of our global community. Your unique voice adds to the vibrancy of our festival!

📧 Contact: [email protected]

🌐 tidfcanada.com

📱416.788.6412 

DAY 2 - PROGRAM SCHEDULE: (click Read more)

Toronto International Dance Festival - Indoor Fall 2023  Second Day - will be held on Sunday 26th November,2023 at Chinese Cultural Centre (5183 Sheppard Ave E, Scarborough, ON M1B 5Z5).

DAY 2:

Sunday 26 November, 2023 @ 7 pm

Door Opens @ 6:30

6:50: Opening Videos

7:00 • Welcome Speech: Gita Sankaran (Director, DD Inc.)

7:02 . Opening Program

1.Group Name: Karika - Verses of Dance

Lead Choreographer/s: Ragamalika Mohanraj, Pallavi Maity and Avni Shirbur

Dance Style: Odissi

Karika - is defined as the verses of Upanishads and Karila also refers to She who instills certainty. She is said to be Nitya (the Eternal Woman). She brings about growth and development.

Karika is dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of Indian classical dance forms. With a profound understanding of the artistry and cultural significance of these dance styles. Our moto is to support working women who have a passion for dance. We hope to build a safe space where women can continue with their practice without feeling overwhelmed by external pressures. We strive to captivate the audiences and create a memorable experience through our performances.

Raga and Pallavi will be presenting ‘ANGIKAM’, which will be traditional Odissi (Odissi is a major ancient Indian classical dance that originated in the temples of Odisha) Choreographies reimagined as a Duet.

2.Group Name: Hoor Dance Team

Lead Choreographer/s: Anahita Nayebi

Dance Style: Persian Classical Dance

Journey of Womanhood - Our performance takes you through a woman’s life, from birth to eternal grace, using Persian dance, Tar, and Daaf. Birth: The Blossom of Innocence - We begin with the innocence of infancy, reflecting life’s possibilities through gentle Persian dance, accompanied by the Tar. Youth: The Dance of Passion - Youth comes alive with passionate Persian dance and Tar and Daaf, symbolizing exuberance and resilience. Adulthood: The Elegance of Maturity - Adulthood is portrayed with graceful Persian dance and Tar, celebrating strength and wisdom, supported by the Daaf. Motherhood: The Nurturers of Life - Motherhood is honored with soft Tar tunes and prayers through dance, focusing on maternal love. Elderly Wisdom: The Dance of Eternal Grace - Wisdom in old age is expressed through reflective danceand haunting Tar melodies.

3.Group Name: Arte Flamenco!

Lead Choreographer/s: Elena la Comadre

Dance Style: Flamenco (Traditional)

Dos Ritmos Flamencos (Two Flamenco Rhythms) - Bulerias and Sevillanas - features two rhythms in the genre of Flamenco dance. Bulerias has a special place in the world of flamenco. It is complex and yet it can lend itself to simplicity, always undergoing change, full of spontaneity and humor while embodying a festive quality. Dating back to the 19th century, it was birthed from the solea or alegrias as singers and dancers would finish off with a faster-paced, livelier palo or rhythm. Like many flamenco palos, there are many styles of the bulerias depending on their regions of birth, such as Jerez, Lebrija, Triana, Utrera, Cadiz and so on. The form bulerias is hard to master because of its improvisational element. Whether complicated or simple, the bulerias has a majestic quality of grace brought out by the individuality of the dancer, singer or guitarist. Sevillanas has many different expressions from classical to flamenco.  Therefore, it was and remains a socially important cultural expression. A bit of history states that the dance and rhythm of Sevillanas is strongly associated with the culture and people of Sevilla. Around the 15th century, this dance form developed in the historical region of Castile having its roots in an old Castilian dance called Seguidillas. Sevillanas gained its status as an independent genre by the 18th century as part of Escuela Bolera (Spanish Classical Dance).  It is a cross between Spanish folk dances and ballet influenced strongly by the French. By the year 1900, the escuela bolera tradition and for this dance, gave way to blending with flamenco - hence Sevillanas Flamencas.

4.Group Name: Saugandhikam Dance Academy

Lead Choreographer/s: Sanjukta Banerjee

Dance Style: Mohiniyaatam

Namami Gange - In the puranas, Ganga has been described as the apah of the heavens - the holiest of all waters. Emerging from the sweat of Lord Vishnu, Ganga is the gateway to Shiva Loka. But how did this river of the heavens become the source of life for the earth? From ancient days to modern times, Ganga has been personified through poetic imaginations. While in the mountains, she is described as a little girl, skipping over stones and pebbles, gazing at colorful butterflies and flowers in amazement, and humming to herself as she flows downstream. While entering the plains, Ganga is imagined as a lady in her youth – yuvati. Flanked by her sakhis, she babbles and giggles, sings, and dances, and almost unknowingly turns into a beautiful maiden – joyous, restless, energetic, and full of love and life. Her bold waves crash against the banks, awakening consciousness, and lifting souls. The genre of Mohiniyattam embellishes the Ganga stotram with rich technique and the expression component will harness the mood of this presentation.

5.Group Name: Dance Fachin

Lead Choreographer/s: Emma Bartolomucci

Dance Style: Contemporary Hip Hop

THE FOURTH R: reduce, reuse, recycle, Revolutionize! We all know the situation: the planet, the people and the animals are in a really tough spot. Animals and resources are becoming extinct, the CO2 levels are rising, and the Arctic is melting. But there is hope - and it’s US! Our story follows the journeys of three characters; a fossil fuel investor giant, a consumer of all things, and a person who lives in a place vulnerable to the effects of climate change. These characters are representatives of groups of people globally that share climate experiences. As our play unfolds, we see how their daily actions contribute to the rising emissions and in the end their ability for empathy will be the only cure to the disease.

What you are watching tonight is a short excerpt of a 40 minute long, full length work. Since its inception in 2020, The Fourth R has been shown 58 times across Canada (Toronto, across Ontario, Edmonton, Charlottetown & Halifax) and the UK (Edinburgh and Dalkeith). Visit dancefachin.com to learn more.

6.Group Name: Tdot Tdat Thai Dramatic Dance Troupe

Lead Choreographer/s: Jarucha Janmekha

Dance Style: Thai Classical Dance

Thai Blessing Dance - In Thai, the word rabam means “a synchronized dance”. Each dancer makes similar gestures and motions. The word Krit daab hiniharn means “power and glory”. So, now we know that Rabam Krit daab hiniharn is a synchronized dance for power and glory. This dance first appeared in the historical play “Kiertisak Thai” staged at the Silapakorn Theater in Bangkok in 1943. The dancers represent gods and angels who have gathered in joyful dance to honour the power and glory of the Thai nation. The scattering of fragrant flowers gives blessings to the audience. The lyrics of the song also carry a message of good wishes and happiness. So make a wish, and who knows? Maybe it will come true because of these blessings!

7.Group Name: Kaleidoscope Chinese Performing Arts (KCPA)

Lead Choreographer/s: Joyce Sheng/Sheila Song

Dance Style: Classical Chinese Han-Tang Dance

Dance to the Joy - "The Han-Tang Classical Chinese Dance" is a style of contemporary classical Chinese dance formed in an artistic process of refining and recreating the dance images in historical documents and cultural relics. It centers around the culture of the Han and Tang dynasties, but also includes a variety of historical dance forms from the Pre-Qin dynasty to the Ming and Qing dynasties, embodying the connotations of traditional Chinese aesthetics and artistic spirits. This dance pieces described a group of girls dance to the music with joy.

8.Group Name: Sapna Sehravat and Ayushi Sharma

Lead Choreographer/s: Sapna Sehravat and Ayushi Sharma

Dance Style: Odissi

Ardhanarishwar means half-woman lord. In this piece, Lord Shiva dances in his half-man, half-woman form representing the yogic concept of the human being having masculine and feminine aspects, equally. The feminine aspect is represented by Parvati, the consort of Shiva. The lyrics translate as follows:

“To Her whose body shines like molten gold,To Him whose body shines like burning camphor,To Her who has well made up hair,And to Him who has the matted locks 

I bow to you Shiva and Parvati.”

9.Group Name: ICONS

Lead Choreographer/s: Kristen and Lina

Dance Style: Afro Caribbean Fusion

Empowerment - ICONS are a dance group of 4 dynamic African and Caribbean women. We perform routines which highlight each of our unique cultures including San Tome, Jamaica and Guyana. We all have diverse dance backgrounds and bring each element of our culture to our routines. In every performance, we include moves, theme and song choices curated to empower women. Women empowerment is the focus of our team. We believe all women should stand in their power and be strongly represented in community and art spaces. We also want to highlight the vast culture of the diaspora and increase the visibility of African and Caribbean culture in a positive light.

10.Group Name: Prajakta David

Lead Choreographer/s: Prajakta David

Dance Style: Kathak (Indian Classical Dance from Northern India)

Goonj (Resonance) - When there is perfect synchronization between different elements, it gives rise to an experience beyond description - a resonance – Goonj. This piece presented in the Indian Classical dance form of Kathak showcases the resonance of the dancer with the music and vocals, and the aesthetic movement & footwork that accompanies it.

Goonj begins with a contemporary Chatarang, meaning four colours. The four colors of music in this piece are a poem about rain, a tarana, pakhawaj compositions and the melody. It is titled “Meha Barso” composed by Mr. Uday Ramdas and is set to Raag Megh in the 12 beats Drut Ektaal rhythm.

In the second half of the performance, the dancer transitions from the soft melody into a fast-paced technical presentation that highlights the most distinctive features of Kathak like footwork, chakkars and elegantly designed movements set to a rhythm of 16 beats, reaching a crescendo with multiple fast spins.

11.Group Name: Shivani Shivakumar

Lead Choreographer/s: Shivani Shivakumar

Dance Style: Bharatanatyam (Indian classical dance)

Shambhala - this is a Shiva keerthane which describes various aspects and elements of the lord of dance Nataraja. The first jathi will explore the ardhanarishwara form of lord shiva combined with his consort Parvati. 

12.Group Name: UV Movement

Lead Choreographer/s: Elisa Rosalia and Tahnee Reyes

Dance Style: Circus Arts

Ground Cube Duo - Tahnee and Elisa debuted their first duo performance in early 2018 after meeting in a pole class in Toronto. Two artists with a similar flair for adventure, they have created duo-work on several apparatus including pole, lollipop Lyra, aerial Lyra and are currently debuting a brand-new piece on a custom-built circus apparatus the LED ground cube! With backgrounds in dance, pole, aerial arts, and fitness, both partners are skilled in the art of creating a synchronized piece and are excited to share this custom creation with you today. 

13.Group Name: Roosara Dance

Lead Choreographer/s: Nilantha K Diyagu Baduge

Dance Style: Low Country Dance from SriLanka

The Devils Dance - Dances in low country are highly ritualistic. This form of dance is performed to appease evil spirits which cause sickness and is thus called ‘Devil Dance’. The dancers wear masks depicting many characters varied in forms of bird, demons, reptiles, etc. There are 18 main dances related to pahatharata style known as the Daha Ata Sanniya held to exorcise 18 types of diseases from the human body. The Low country dances of the southern plains mostly spread in coastal areas such as Galle, Matara, Hambanthota etc. It has two contents of Devil dance and Deity Dance. Dances in low country are highly ritualistic. This form of dance is performed to appease evil spirits which causes sickness and is thus called ‘Devil Dance’.

The dancers wear masks depicting many characters varied in forms of bird, demons, reptiles, etc. Deity Dances are used to get the help of variety of Gods and Goddesses, to appease evil spirits. There are some dances related to the Pahatharata (low country) style known as Daha Ata Sanniya held to exorcise 18 types of diseases from the human body. Furthermore, there are some Kolam (jovial) characters and Devil characters also can be seen. A cylindrical body drum used for low country dancing is called as “Yak Bera”, and it is beaten with both hands The Low Country dance form is known as such because the important schools of this dance form were historically located in the low-lying coastal areas of the Western and Southern Provinces. This form of dance was also known as Ruhunu Dance, as the areas of the present Western and Southern Provinces made up a greater part of the ancient Ruhunu Kingdom of Sri Lanka. Dances of Sri Lanka states that Low Country dances are very different from Kandyan dance—the only similarity being the basic mandiya pose of knees half bent and spread outward, and arms bent at the elbows in line with the chest. These dances are very ritualistic, and the use of masks is prevalent through all of them.

14.Group Name: The Candy Shop Dance 

Lead Choreographer/s: Lauren Lyn & Kaleela Dominic

Dance Style: Heels

The Candy Shop Dance

15.Group Name: Ballet Jörgen

Lead Choreographer/s: Bengt Jörgen

Dance Style: Classical Ballet

Excerpts from The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition, The performance will feature excerpts from Ballet Jörgen’s holiday classic The Nutcracker: A Canadian Tradition. Created by acclaimed choreographer and Artistic Director Bengt Jörgen to Tchaikovsky’s well-loved score, this delightful classic is a favourite that brings magic to the holidays. The ballet is set in and around Algonquin Park in 1912 and features Trillium flowers, loons and other distinct  Canadian representations replacing the traditional Nutcracker dances. Designed by award- winning designer Sue Lepage, the sets and costumes take audiences on a grand journey through northern landscapes filled with snowflakes, Mounties, raccoons, chipmunks, and bears. This season the production is celebrating its 15th anniversary with the addition a new section of Cottontail Rabbits.

16. Group Name: Mississauga Chinese Arts Organization

Lead Choreographer/s: Zheng Li/Maggie Ma

Dance Style: Classical Chinese Long Tassel Fan Dance

Peach Blooms Embrace the Moon - This is a classical Chinese dance, showcases the graceful, gentle, and sometimes bashful side of a group of young girls.  They are yearning for their homeland under the moon and peach blossoms.  Dancers using the fan, would pretend that they are looking into the mirror; looking at the moon; catching butterfly etc. This dance involves technics from Chinese Opera in manipulating the long tassel attached to the end of the fan. It is challenging to manipulate the tassel; therefore, we practiced a lot to perfect the skill.

Music of the dance is a compilation of three pieces that perfectly fit in with the theme.  May it be peaceful, lively, or graceful, are all covered. All in all, this is a beautiful dance combined with classical dance moves and fan/tassel technic, mesmerizing!

Closing Ceremony:

• Vote of Thanks: Mary Ashok (Managing Director, DDInc. / Artistic Director, TIDF) 

• Final Bow (Curtain Call)

• Photo Session

Please note: NO BREAKS; Foods/Drinks not allowed in the Auditorium; Flash Photography strictly prohibited. Use the photobooth provided.

SPONSORS | SUPPORTERS| MEDIA & COMPLETE PROGRAM SCHEDULE (CLICK HERE)

DAY 1 : PROGRAM SCHEDULE