All-new dance festival lasting weeks debuts in Toronto next month

A new dance festival is coming to Toronto, showcasing the richness and innovation of dances from the African diaspora.

Established by Vivine Scarlett in 1994, dance Immersion is a charitable non-profit organization dedicated to producing, promoting, and supporting dancers and dance forms of the African diaspora. 

From November 8 to 22, the 'Immersion Festival: A Celebration of Excellence in Black Canadian Dance' will be held at the Betty Oliphant Theatre in Toronto. This exciting event will immerse dance enthusiasts in a multi-week celebration of Black Canadian culture and creativity.

The festival aims to promote community pride and belonging, and dance Immersion has curated a standout line-up of artists, youth, and audiences from across Canada to showcase Black Canadian artistry.

Building on over 30 years of supporting Black Canadian dance, the festival features three live performances, 12 workshops, and community events open to all. Ticket holders can experience a range of dedicated Black Canadian artists and participate in hands-on events.

Dancers from across Canada are coming together to educate, and participants can learn from established Black Canadian dance artists such as Kwasi Obeng-Adjei, Reequal Smith, Natasha Powell and Isaac Gasangwas, while presentations from the next generation of Young Black dancers from across Ontario will showcase the next wave of talent shaping the province's dance scene. 

Along with Toronto's LuaShayenne Dance Company, Representation from Ebnflōh Dance Company based in Montreal and Calgary's N.A.P.P.Y. Dance will be in attendance to perform. 

The schedule also includes community gatherings where attendees can exchange ideas, build connections, and celebrate the past, present, and future of Black dance. Guests are invited to engage with the artists they've experienced throughout the festival to ask questions and learn more.

To top it all off, the festival finishes with a free closing party on Sunday, November 22, at 3:30 p.m.

Information on specific workshops, performances, and community gatherings, along with a full festival guide, can be found on the event's website. 

Tickets range from $30 to $100 + HST and are available now.

Immersion Festival: A Celebration of Excellence in Black Canadian Dance will take place from November 8-22 at the Betty Oliphant Theatre, 404 Jarvis St., Toronto.