Got-ta Dance!
Toronto has a vibrant and thriving dance scene so if you're curious and/or interested in reviving your too-long-dormant dancing shoes, don't delay any longer! There's a rich variety to choose from, and in my experience, you won't be disapointed with whatever your choice.
See below for several Toronto-based dance companies, their websites and a quick blurb about each of them so you can famillarize yourself.
If you're not content to be only an audience member, many of these companies offer classes that are high-quality and invigorating!
Ballet Jorgen: www.balletjorgen.ca
Founded in 1987 to create an opportunity for Canadian choreographers in classical ballet, is Ontario's second largest dance company, known for its innovative, accessible programming to communities.
Ballet Creole: www.balletcreole.org
Focuses on the performing arts of the Caribbean and Africa, in Canada through fusion of diverse dance and music tradition.
COBA (Collective of Black Artists): www.cobainc.com
Creates and presents the finest traditions in dance and music that celebrate and reflect an Africanist aesthetic.
Dancemakers: www.dancemakers.org
In 1974, a group of independent dancers joined together to create and perform new choreography. In 2002 Dancemakers Centre for Creation opened in the Distillery District.
Danny Grossman Dance Company: www.dannygrossman.com
Formed in 1977 by Danny Grossman to present his own choreography and other dance artists "... to reflect my personal values of equality, pacifism, honesty, courage, and social responsibility, sympathy for the underdog and a willingness to reveal the demons."
Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company: www.flamencos.net
A Toronto group with roots in Flamenco fused with modern dance forms.
Menaka Thakkar Dance Company: www.menakathakkardance.org
Canada’s oldest Indian dance company, exposing audiences to traditional Indian dance.
The National Ballet of Canada: www.national.ballet.ca
Established by Celia Franca in 1951, it presents a full range of traditional full-length classics and encourages the creation of new ballets and the development of Canadian choreographers.
Toronto Dance Theatre: www.tdt.org
Formed in 1968, and now under Choreographer Christopher House, TDT creates and performs original Canadian choreography. The TDT also operates the Winchester Street Theatre.
Information above is compiled by Judith Sandiford of Artword.
See below for several Toronto-based dance companies, their websites and a quick blurb about each of them so you can famillarize yourself.
If you're not content to be only an audience member, many of these companies offer classes that are high-quality and invigorating!
Ballet Jorgen: www.balletjorgen.ca
Founded in 1987 to create an opportunity for Canadian choreographers in classical ballet, is Ontario's second largest dance company, known for its innovative, accessible programming to communities.
Ballet Creole: www.balletcreole.org
Focuses on the performing arts of the Caribbean and Africa, in Canada through fusion of diverse dance and music tradition.
COBA (Collective of Black Artists): www.cobainc.com
Creates and presents the finest traditions in dance and music that celebrate and reflect an Africanist aesthetic.
Dancemakers: www.dancemakers.org
In 1974, a group of independent dancers joined together to create and perform new choreography. In 2002 Dancemakers Centre for Creation opened in the Distillery District.
Danny Grossman Dance Company: www.dannygrossman.com
Formed in 1977 by Danny Grossman to present his own choreography and other dance artists "... to reflect my personal values of equality, pacifism, honesty, courage, and social responsibility, sympathy for the underdog and a willingness to reveal the demons."
Esmeralda Enrique Spanish Dance Company: www.flamencos.net
A Toronto group with roots in Flamenco fused with modern dance forms.
Menaka Thakkar Dance Company: www.menakathakkardance.org
Canada’s oldest Indian dance company, exposing audiences to traditional Indian dance.
The National Ballet of Canada: www.national.ballet.ca
Established by Celia Franca in 1951, it presents a full range of traditional full-length classics and encourages the creation of new ballets and the development of Canadian choreographers.
Toronto Dance Theatre: www.tdt.org
Formed in 1968, and now under Choreographer Christopher House, TDT creates and performs original Canadian choreography. The TDT also operates the Winchester Street Theatre.
Information above is compiled by Judith Sandiford of Artword.
