DANCE &
PERFORMANCE ARTS
Dance, with its ability to make the spirit soar, is a true artistic expression of the indomitable spirit gift passed down to African descendants in the new world. Canadian and international dancers of African ancestry will share the stage to articulate a place for their art in the 21st century dance world.
SALANGO
The word “Salongo “means “We come together to create something beautiful.” The Salongo program is comprised of 5 dance companies and 5 soloists and 5 creative workshops ….
This program covers a spectrum of dance that includes Afro-Cuban, Caribbean, Congolese, Ghanaian, Zambian, Latin America, Jazz, South Africn, Contemporary and classical styles.
Deborah Castello-Karikari (Salongo Program Director)
Luther Hansraj (Stage Manager)
DANCE COMPANIES
Ballet Creole
Latinomotion
Len Gibson Ensemble
Matisimela
Usafiri Drum and Dance Ensemble
SOLOISTS
Zelma Badu
Zab Maboungou
Louis McWilliam
Kim McNeilly
Patrick Parson
YOUTH IN DANCE
MATSIMELA
This group of 20 dancers ranging from 13 – 19 reflects the spirit of resistance and continual empowerment that we pass on to our youth. Matsimela means “Roots” in Sesatha, one of the languages spoken in South Africa. Their repertoire includes Farburundi means Dance a vibrant dance that embraces the joyous the mineworkers of contemporary South Africa who inspired it. I spirit inherent in traditional dance of the Sou Sou people of the Republic of Guinea. The Mineworkers Hails the mineworkers of contemporary South Africa who inspired it. I Am Ancient Afrika, a chant in tradition ‘call and response’, brings us full circle as the youth look back with pride and confidence at the unrecognized contribution of their ancestors to civilization.
Dance Spirit
A four day, soaring celebration of dance whose spiritual and aesthetic impulse is rooted in African dance expression. World renowned dancers from Scotland, France, Canada, the USA and South Africa, are featured in programs that range from jazz, ballet, African traditional to improvisational and new-media experimental expressions.
The Spiritual Impulse: Suits
The Spiritual Impulse: Suits
by Learie McNicholls
July 10, 8 pm , Du Maurier Theatre Centre
Trinidadian –born McNicholls is a “dancesmith whose movement vocabulary conveys many layers of meaning while superb dancers execute every body and hand gesture with telling detail” (Toronto Star).
SO FAR
SO FAR featuring Rosina Bonsu
July 10, 8 pm
Du Maurier Theatre Centre
*Opening performance for The Spiritual Impulse
The Spiritual Impulse: Incantations
The Spiritual Impulse: Incantations
by Zab Maboungou
July 11, 8 pm , Du Maurier Theatre Centre
A work inspired by ancestral central African rhythms and dance. Maboungou is a choreographer, dancer, philosophy professor, publisher writer and founding artistic director of Montreal’s Compagnie Danse Nyata Nyata
Talk Back interactive Session with Zab following performance
Groupe Bassan
Groupe Bassan
July 12, Harbourfront
Suite Life: Links & Changes
Suite Life: Links & Changes
July 12, Harbourfront
Thirteen talented young dancers from various Toronto communities
programmer: Denise Matthews
Coach: Arlene Duncan