Common Ground
Dance Festival
ARTISTS AND STAFF
DAVID NORSWORTHY
David Norsworthy (he/him) is a Tkarón:to/Toronto-based dance artist, choreographer, producer, curator, and arts educator of mixed Japanese immigrant/British settler descent who is “an exceptionally lucid performer, impressive and articulate” (Globe and Mail). A graduate of The Juilliard School, he delights in asking questions, and is fascinated by the transformative power of dancing. David has performed with dance companies and collaborated with dance creators in Canada, USA, Sweden and Australia. Notable performance projects include productions with Dancenorth (Melbourne), Skånes Dansteater (Malmö), Peggy Baker Dance Projects (Toronto), and The Merce Cunningham Trust (New York City). His choreographic career has included independently produced full-length works, international tours, and commissioned projects for companies, universities and schools. David’s choreographic work centres collaboration, and often explores themes of connection, co-creation, consent, and community through interactive experiences. David is the grateful recipient of the Living Arts Centre’s Ron Lenyk Award (2016) and was one of three finalists for the Toronto Arts Foundation’s Emerging Artist Award (2018). As a Co-Founder/Co- Director of TOES FOR DANCE, David has initiated and led educational programs with national reach across Canada, and has spearheaded hyper-local audience development projects. He is also a Board Member of CanAsian Dance, and a part-time Rehearsal Director for Norrdans, a contemporary dance company in Sweden. www.davidnorsworthy.com
Photo by Colton Curtis
TANVEER ALAM
Tanveer Alam (he/him) started his Kathak training with Sudeshna Maulik and continued further nuanced studies with guru Sandhya Desai. Alam is a 2019 graduate of The School of Toronto Dance Theatre. Alam has performed in the works of Rina Singha, Lata Pada, Padmini Chettur, Brandy Leary, Harikishan S. Nair, Sashar Zarif, Lucy Rupert, and Peter Chin, to name a few. Alam is also invested within the dance sector as an Alliance Lead at The South Asian Dance Alliance of Canada, a guest curator alongside Nithya Garg at Dancemakers (2023 season), and was a guest curator/artistic associate with TOES FOR DANCE (2023 season). He has developed skills in the fields of curation and production by working as an independent artist in the city of Toronto, learning by lived experience. He produced Leher, his first full length solo in June 2023, as well as other smaller scale artistic endeavours. Photo by Brandy Leary
CHANTELLE GOOD
Chantelle Good, originally from Toronto, Canada, is a performer, choreographer, and teaching artist, now based in Brooklyn, New York. She studied at Marymount Manhattan College, where she received a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in choreography. To further her training, Chantelle also attended Springboard Danse Montreal where she performed works by La Tresse Collective, Shumpei Nemoto, Stijn Celis, and Ohad Naharin. Past commercial dance credits include: H.E.R. (MTV Africa Music Awards), Jennifer Lopez (American Music Awards), Snoop Dogg (FOX Live New Year’s Eve), Daddy Yankee x Bad Bunny (X Ultima Vez MV), iskwē (Night Danger MV), Haai x Jon Hopkins (Baby We’re Ascending MV), Gary Clark Jr. (Alone Together MV), and Rothy’s “That’s More Like It” Global Campaign. Concert dance credits include: Freddie Falls in Love (Joyce Theater), New York Fashion Week (A--Company), Still Motion Dance Company, Kate Harpootlian & Artists, Loni Landon Dance Project, The Forest of Arden, and Punchdrunk's Sleep No More. Currently, Chantelle can be seen performing in the Broadway Company of MJ The Musical. In addition to her work with TFD, Chantelle is the Programs Director of Share the Movement, a non-profit organization committed to increasing diversity in the professional dance community by providing access and opportunities to young BIPOC dancers. She also enjoys sharing her knowledge and passion for dance as a teaching artist and guest choreographer for institutions and programs across North America. Photo by Jon Taylor
KEIRA MARIE FORDE
Keira Marie Forde is an Ontario-based, London, Ontario-born, professional, multi-disciplinary creator, performer, producer, and arts educator who is passionate about working with youth. Keira's work in dance, theatre, and sound creation has been seen on stage and screen across the globe. Keira's recent credits include Riot based on the Christie Pits riot with Hogtown Collective, What's So Funny with Carousel Players, No More News for Nancy with Alberta-based company Major Matt Mason Collective, Doomsday vs. DreamDay and the Deep Drawer with Theatre Direct. Keira, as an arts educator has worked with over seven different Theatre for young audience companies/festivals across Canada and was one of the artists selected Peel region school board ambassador for Wellness Wednesday. Keira graduated from George Brown's Dance Performance Preparation program and Humber Theatre. Photo by Patty Wayne.
SHANNON WIDDIS
Shannon Widdis (she/her) is a dance professional and multidisciplinary artist with nearly two decades of involvement in the world of dance and performing arts. Currently enrolled in Humber College's Advertising and Marketing program, Shannon previously majored in Art, Performance, and Cinema Studies at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver, BC, where she explored various creative mediums. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Shannon is deeply engaged in the advertising and marketing industry. As former Co-Director and Artistic Content Executive of Equity In Dance, a Queer and youth-led organization, she leverages her expertise to create compelling narratives and foster inclusive spaces. In the realm of digital media, Shannon co-owns Ceilidh Creative, a photography business specializing in portraits, love stories, and dance photos, where she applies her eye for visual storytelling and branding. Photo by Ceilidh Creative
BRI CLARKE
Brianna (Bri) Clarke is a performer, choreographer, teacher, and producer, based in Tkarón:to/Toronto. She identifies as a pansexual, cis-gendered female, and colonial settler. Her creative practice centres around how physical, textual, and musical narratives shape characters. Bri's early training began in Ottawa at Leeming Danceworks, where she developed her voice as an artist. She has furthered her training in Germany, New York City, North Carolina, Greece, Los Angeles and across Canada. While gaining her BFA in Performance Dance, Bri performed in and choreographed works across many disciplines, including choreographing a full musical. She continues to be a freelance artist for multiple dance and theatre collectives. Her most precious and long-time collaboration has been with TOES FOR DANCE, teaching at workshops and assisting in production for the Common Ground Dance Festival and “Elusive Truths” (David Norsworthy & Monèt Noelle Marshall). Recently, Bri was the associate producer for NEAR&FAR Projects’ “Phantasmagoria”, which premiered at the 2022 Toronto Fringe Festival. Other productions she has worked on: “WOODS” (Clarice Lima/The Bentway), “A Grimm Night” (Transcen|Dance Project), “5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche” (Unit 6 Collective), “ORACLE” (Guelph Dance Film Festival), “A Subject” (The Garage), “Hold on, let go” (2021 Common Ground Dance Festival). Bri aims to bring a sense of play to the arts community, often hosting improvisational jam sessions across the city. She is also the host and producer of (Art)versations Podcast, wherein she speaks with other artists about their creative endeavours. www.briclarke.ca @brianna_clarkee Photo by Audrianna Martin Del Campo.
GABRIEL CROPLEY
Gabriel Cropley is a Toronto based lighting designer and three-time Dora Mavor Moore award nominee. Recent credits include Cendrillon for University of Toronto Opera (Elgin Theatre), Wakati for NAfro Dance Productions (Winnipeg), home for RAW Taiko Drummers, December Dances for Dance Arts Institute, RISE: Fall Dances for TMU Performance Dance, Empty Space Empty Time for Ottawa Dance Directive (Southam Hall, NAC), and Magic of Assembly for Toronto Dance Theatre. Gabriel has had the privilege of collaborating with the City of Toronto/Nuit Blanche, Ballet Creole, Victoria Mata Productions & Aluna Theatre, Coal Mine Theatre, dance: made in canada | fait au canada, Bicycle Opera, CanAsian Dance, dreamwalker dance, University of Toronto Opera, Sampradaya Dance Creations, Dancemakers, Humber Theatre, BoucharDanse, Sashar Zarif Dance Theatre, pounds per square inch performance, Avinoam Silverman Dance, Little Pear Garden Dance Company, Toronto Heritage Dance, Capitol Theatre Port Hope, Newton Moraes Dance Theatre, York Dance Ensemble, TOES for Dance, Danny Grossman, Sook-Yin Lee & Jennifer Goodwin, Theatre Gargantua, Peggy Baker Dance Projects, Hamilton Children’s Choir, Tracey Norman, Forcier StageWorks, JDdance, Art of Time Ensemble, the School of Toronto Dance Theatre, and more. gabrielcropley.ca Photo by Aleksandar Antonijevic
BARBARA SIMMS
Barbara Simms (they/she) is a dancer currently based out of Tkaronto. Playful, thoughtful and curious, they are a good friend and a struggling artist. Since graduating from Toronto Metropolitan University’s performance dance program in 2021, they have been navigating the world of freelance dance as a dancer, choreographer, audience member, and collaborator. She is continually striving to absorb new physical knowledge, and has a strong desire to deeply understand a wide array of teachings and methodologies. Their passion for movement exists in continual discussion with their other artistic expressions, including listening to music, cooking dinner, writing in their notes app, and getting dressed. Right now, movement brings Barbara joy on the dance floor, at morning drop-in classes, and when she recognizes her friends in her own moving body. Photo by Aidan Tooth
SIMON MAZZIOTTI
Simon Mazziotti (he/him) is a Gen-Z, lefty, triple aquarius, queer movement artist located in Tkaronto/Toronto. Graduated from Toronto Metropolitan University’s Performance Dance program in 2021 (formerly Ryerson University). He most recently performed in a new work, Ojalá by Sofía Ontiveros at Citadel + Compagnie’s Dance Mix 2023. Hmm…What’s This? by Renee Smith presented by Peggy Baker Dance Projects, and Semi-Precious: Semaphore, a work by Justine Chambers presented at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Simon is finding fulfillment through training with a diverse range of facilitators including Marion Castaillet in Berlin at the notorious B12 workshop. At this stage in his career, Simon is interested in testing the physical and mental limits of the body through contemporary movement and exploring new ways of approaching creation. Simon is inspired by working with other artists who engage in the act of creating community and supporting anti-oppression practices. Photo by Aidan Tooth
SOPHIA HASSENSTEIN
Sophia Hassenstein is a contemporary dance artist, lighting designer, and movement teacher based in Tkaronto. A lover of learning, she is an alumnus of the Alberta Ballet School (2017), the School of Toronto Dance Theatre (2020), and York University (2023). She has performed as a dancer in various festivals including the Luminato Festival (2018), Toronto Fringe Festival (2019), SummerWorks Performance Festival (2019), dance made in canada (2023), and Nuit Blanche (2023). In the past year, Sophia was delighted to perform with Tiger Princess Dance Productions, Stephanie Lake Dance Company, and Under 5 Collective as a dancer, rehearsal director, and co-choreographer. As a designer, she has worked with such companies like Frog in Hand, Artists in Motion, and Fermented Dance. Through lighting design, dance, and teaching, Sophia values the quiet language of movement and how it informs and shapes her understanding of the world. Photo by Kendra Epik
DIANA LOPEZ SOTO
Award-winning multidisciplinary Mexican/Canadian artist, mother and land caretaker. She has presented and exhibited her work nationally and internationally in France, Panama, Mexico, Costa Rica, the USA and Canada. She produces and co-produces site-specific performances, vertical dance, art installations and experimental film. Her interest in sustainable practices inform the direction of her collaborations and offerings. Diana’s love for material, physics and body/space connections informs her rigging designs and structures, installations and sculptural sets that come to life through her movement explorations. In 2028 and 2019, thanks to the Canada Arts Council for the Arts, Diana participated in the Guapamacataro Art and Ecology residency, the Vancouver International Vertical Dance Summit and the ‘Ritual de las Aguadoras’ with the Tirindikua family from the Barrio de Santo Santiago Michoacan. Diana is co-creator of Land Embodiment Lab with Coman Poon, member of Vanguardia Dance Projects and collaborates with Hercinia Arts, Femme du Feu, Look Up Theatre and Victoria Mata. Photo by Vita Cooper
VICTÒRIA MATA
Venezuelan-Canadian dancer, choreographer with a background in expressive arts therapy. Mata’s career was first sculpted by pedagogic, self-directed training, which proceeded with training under internationally renowned choreographers and receiving an MFA in Contemporary Choreography from York University. As a settler in T’Koronto, Mata’s sensibility to inclusion and border stories are due to her eclectic upbringing across three continents before the age of fifteen. Mata’s contemporary expressions are rooted in Afro-Indigenous Venezuelan genres, harness/vertical dance and durational/ installation dance. Photo by Tulio Hernandez
KELLY REINDORF
Kelly Gammie is a dance artist (DEUCEnDIP dance crew) and passionate dance educator based in Toronto. After receiving a BFA in dance from York University and a professional career dancing on some of Canada’s biggest stages, Kelly now co-directs School of Groove, a street/commercial dance and mentorship program dedicated to educating and empowering the next generation on their personal dance journey. She is also a member of the Groove Collective, creating and dancing with graduates of the program who are ready to move into professional dance opportunities. She is honoured to teach at dance studios in and beyond the GTA, as well as work with arts organizations such as Just Bgraphic, North York Arts and Outside Looking In. Dance has been central to her personal development and evolving self. Such lessons greatly inform her teaching philosophy where she aims to foster confidence, community and collaboration. Photo by Jasmine Dela Paz
QUEENIE SEGUBAN
Queenie Seguban, originally from Manila, Philippines, discovered her love for music and dance early on. After moving to Toronto, Canada in 2002, she utilized her passion to build connections while maintaining her identity. After graduating from York University with a Bachelor's degree in Kinesiology and Education, she immersed herself in dance with her dance crew, DEUCEnDIP, mastering various street dance styles, including Hip Hop, House, Krump etc. With over a decade of experience in dance, teaching, and creative direction, Queenie has performed and has put on performances at esteemed venues such as Much Music's New Music Live, Bazaar Dance Showcase, Toronto Pride Festival, Canada's Walk of Fame and more. Co-founding School of Groove, a dance training and mentorship program for women, she aims to empower dancers to realize their full potential and to help them navigate their dance journeys. As Associate Director of Outside Looking In, she also helps bring dance programs to Indigenous communities across Canada, fostering self-expression and developing self-esteem through dance. Driven by a desire to share the transformative power of dance, Queenie mentors others to discover their potential and live it to the fullest. Photo by Nino Vicente
KATELYN MINA BERNARD
Katelyn Bernard is a passionate dancer and choreographer from Toronto who has developed her craft in hip hop choreography over the past 6 years. Her immense training in Hip Hop, Krump, and Dancehall has allowed Katelyn to further develop her skill set and range as a dancer, performer, and choreographer. Her dedication has presented her with multiple opportunities. From opening up for July Black on Canada’s day, to being chosen to present her choreography at Toronto’s very first Elevate Showcase in 2019 and Pulse Showcase in 2023, performing at TIFF 2022 and more. Katelyn’s goal is to create a shared experience and connection between herself, the dancers, the audience, and the music that they won’t forget. As well as instilling unshakeable confidence in her students. Photo by Jasmine Dela Paz
NIA
Nia is a dancer and artist from Toronto, whose distinctive style blends the vibrant rhythms of hip hop and dancehall with her own creative flair. Over the decades, dance has evolved from a cherished hobby into a profound part of her life, offering not only joy and peace but also a space for introspection and connection. Nia aims to push her boundaries and share her passion for dance, striving to inspire both her peers and her audience to follow their passions and talents.
EMMA ROSBOROUGH
Emma is a Toronto based dance artist, choreographer, teacher, and performer. She has professional dance training in the following disciplines: jazz, ballet, tap, contemporary, hip hop, locking, house, krump, popping, animation, and more. Emma has had the honor to learn and work with artists such as: Aj MegaMan, Tatiana Parker, and PopNTod. Some of her training credits include: Footnotes Academy, Soulbotics, Reality Check Popping and Animation Company, and School of Groove. Emma has competed across Ontario, and has had the opportunity to work with studios based in California, New York, Colorado, and the UK. Some of Emma’s dance credits are: “Raptors 905” Sauga City Dancer, “Latin Sparks Toronto,” “1234 Dance Arts” dance show, “Show Time At Shops” Dancemakers, “Arts In The Park” dance performance, “Pajama Jam” dance show, 7-Eleven Commercial, performance series with Award-Winning Children’s Entertainer “Saidat”, Deep Jandu’s “Delhi Ki Chhori” music video, Karan Aujila “Jee Ni Lagda” music video, Common Ground Dance Festival “Toes for Dance”, Drayton Entertainment’s “Cinderella the Panto”, and Drayton Entertainment’s “The Little Mermaid.” Emma currently works with youth and adult programs, where she creates a safe and inspiring outlet to share her passion of teaching. She is passionate about dance, and strives for her students to discover the best version of themselves. Photo by Shaun Benson
SARAH HIN CHING U
Sarah Hin Ching U 余衍晴 (she/her) is a Chinese-Canadian dance artist/choreographer, trained and influenced by a multitude of styles including contemporary, hiphop, ballet and breaking. My main intentions in my practice are 1. Explore and promote the cross-pollination between contemporary dance and street dance. 2. Investigate the integration of new media tools in performance-making, pushing the boundaries of choreography beyond physical movement. Select presentation credits include Dancing on the Edge (Vancouver), National Arts Centre, Capsule: Video series (Ottawa), The Dance Centre (Vancouver), NewWorks (Vancouver), REvolver(Vancouver), DanceWorks (Toronto), Skampede (Victoria), Free Flow Dance Theatre (Saskatoon), Good Women Dance(Edmonton) among others. In 2022, I received the Professional Performing Artist Award from British Columbia Arts Council and have recently received Professional Development award to train under bboy Savage Rock in the art of breaking. I been awarded residencies at Circuit est (Montreal), Dance Arts Institute (Toronto), Impulse Theatre (Victoria), City of Port Coquitlam, ArtStarts (Vancouver), and Plastic Orchid Factory. Photo by Laura Zeke
MINUET CHARRON
Minuet “Min-T” Charron (she/they), is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher currently based in Toronto, ON. She mainly practices Contemporary dance and Breaking. Notable mentors include Kathleen Doherty (Votive Dance) and Nick “GenNew” Nguyen (FL&SH Crew). After graduating in 2021, Minuet moved to Calgary, AB, to train in Vernacular Jazz at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks, and in their spare time danced with illFX Education, and Patrick Fernandez in his program Aura. Minuet has been a Nova Scotia Talent Trust scholarship recipient since 2020, and has been awarded the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Artistic Achievement, and the 2011 Canada Games Young Artist of Excellence Award. Currently, Minuet is a student at Dance Arts Institute (formerly the School of Toronto Dance Theatre). Photo by Vivian Tran
MARINA ROBINSON
Marina Robinson is a Vancouver born movement artist, choreographer and teacher. During her time in Vancouver, Robinson trained with the pre-professional training program, Source Dance Company. Robinson specializes in contemporary floorwork and is currently expanding her foundational knowledge of breakdance. Since her move to Toronto in 2022, Robinson has had the opportunity to perform and choreograph the original duet titled Transcendence at 100 Days of Summer Festival and the Purple Glow Showcase. She has danced in Alli Carry’s work titled A Subject, presented by The Garage TO and in Clarice Lima’s work titled WOODS, presented by Beyond Concrete at The Bentway. Most recently, Robinson has produced and choreographed her own new work titled, Unfurl, which was presented at the Toronto Fringe Festival in July 2023. She continues to immerse herself in the Toronto arts community as is currently teaching at The Fifth Dance. Photo by Kylie Thompson
HARIKISHAN S NAIR
Harikishan S Nair is the Founder and Artistic Director of Regatta Kala Kendra. He is active in the community as a dance artist, theatre artist, teacher, choreographer, actor, mentor, dramaturge and rehearsal director. He is a passionate and critical advocate for equity within the dance sector for practitioners of South Asian dance and a community leader who articulates issues on how these performance aesthetics interface with established institutions of dominant dance presenting/curation in Canada. Born and raised in Kerala (India) he has been dancing since age 3 and is fluently trained in Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam and Kuchipudi. He tours new choreographic works and conducts teaching workshops and master classes extensively across North America. He has gone on to collaborate, perform, and present his work at numerous dance festivals in India, the UK, Canada, and the USA. He is the Co-Founder of Atam Arts Collective, a Malayalam theatre group based in Toronto, the Co-Director of SADAC—South Asian Dance Alliance of Canada, and the Associate Artistic Director of ĀNANDAṀ Dancetheatre. Harikishan has been generously supported by the Metcalf Foundation, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Toronto Arts Council and the Ontario Arts Council to continue building his artistic practice and skills as a leader and maker in this sector. Photo by Alvin Collantes
DR. SANJUKTA BANERJEE
Dr. Sanjukta Banerjee is an acclaimed Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam and Kathakali dance artist. She is a choreographer, research scholar and educator. An empanelled dancer with Indian Television, Banerjee is internationally acclaimed for her enactment of Mother Goddess Durga for ten consecutive years for special telecast during Navratri (1994-2004) on Indian Television. Alumni of Kalamandalam Calcutta, nurtured under the tutelage of Guru Dr.Thankamani Kutty and Late Guru P. Govindan Kutty, Sanjukta has performed in more than 300 National and International Festivals in Asia, Middle-East and North American cities. Founder and Artistic Director of Saugandhikam Dance Academy, she mentors Indian classical dance forms in young practitioners in North America. From her Academy she conducts regular in-person and online dance lessons of Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam. Banerjee has offered courses, lecture-demonstration and workshops in various Universities of North America and Europe. To her credit she has won several accolades “Outstanding Young Person” (North Calcutta Junior Chamber, Kolkata), "CCI" award (Critic Circle of India, New Delhi). Banerjee has been awarded the prestigious title of “Singar Mani” (Mumbai), “Natya Kala Rathna” (Toronto), and holds a doctoral degree in dance from York University, Toronto. Photo by Robinson Nelson
PRAJAKTA DRAVID
Prajakta Dravid is a Kathak dancer, teacher & choreographer based out of Toronto, Canada. Trained under the tutelage of Pandita Maneesha Sathe, Prajakta has a Masters in Kathak and has been conferred the title of "Nritya Shiromani". A recipient of the National Artists' Scholarship from the Government of India, Prajakta has performance credits at the Indian Embassy(Portugal), World Peace Festival(Japan), Pune Festival & Cuttack International Festival (India) among others. In Canada, she is carving her own niche, having performed at Kathak Mahotsav, DanceOntario-Dance Weekend, Collective Festival, Arzoo Dance’s Choreographer’s Voice and more. She is promoting Kathak through her institute Ātmikā, training dancers of all ages. She is empaneled with Bharti Vidyapeeth and Gandharva Mahavidyalay as an examiner for advanced level examinations in Kathak. Through her artistic journey, Prajakta has participated on panels and collaborated with artforms like Salsa, Korean drums, Bharatanatyam, Ghatam, while staying rooted to the tradition of Kathak. Photo by Suresh Mallya
AMRUTA NIKTE
Amruta Nikte is a kathak artist with 14 years of kathak training under her belt. She began practicing kathak at 'Nrityadhara - Kathak Institute' in Thane, at the age of 5, after her school teachers noticed her interest in dance. Amruta has completed her Madhyama Poorna exam of Gandharva Mahavidyalaya in Mumbai under the guidance of Guru Smt. Kavita Ahire. She is currently preparing for her 'Diploma- level 1' exam of Bharti Vidyapeeth under the skillful guidance of Guru Smt. Prajakta Dravid at 'Atmika Kathak Institute' in Toronto. Photo by Bhaskar Gangani
ISHAA VINOD CHOPRA
Ishaa’s approach extrapolates her lived experiences in mental health and applies it to education, advocacy and multidisciplinary arts. She holds a degree in Kathak under the guidance of Guru Pta. Maneesha Sathe. She has resumed her training under the tutelage of Guru Prajakta Dravid, at Atmika school of dance. As a Member Artist of the Workman Arts Organization, she integrates dance therapy into community for healing and expression by infusing Latin, Classical and Folk styles as a facilitator. In her memoir ‘Finding Order in Disorder’ in lucid, simple prose, she addresses what it is like to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, how it affects interpersonal relationships, and how societal norms influence our understanding of and responses to mental health issues. As a Research Associate of a York Master’s Thesis documentary project titled ‘Unfinished,’ she explores her journey in mental health vis-à-vis multidisciplinary arts. Photo by Biswarup Das
RAJEHKUMAR
Rajesh Sant specializes in playing contemporary music and had started his journey at an early age to the musical world. He was first introduced to Sitar and Jaltarang by his father who was an eminent violin and Shenai player in India. Rajesh has the privilege to belong to an illustrious musical family. He has completed his classical music training from an Indian University. Rajesh has traveled extensively in India and throughout the world and had performed live in major music programs.
MADHURA LONDHE
Madhura Londhe is a young musician originally from Pune, India. She was trained under Shri Anand Godse from the Godse Vadyavadan Vidyalaya and completed her Sangeet Visharad, equivalent of the bachelor’s degree in music, from the Akhil Bharatiya Gandhrava Mahavidyalaya, India. She has performed in various concerts in Maharashtra, India and has also been a key member of an orchestra based on Hindustani classical music in Pune, India. After moving to Toronto 5 years ago, she started performing in concerts and training students about the nuances of Hindustani music. Photo by Print2Go Studio
PARAG DHADPHALE
With dual master’s degrees in engineering and construction law, Parag's journey extends beyond academia into the rhythmic realm of Tabla. Guided by esteemed gurus like Dr. Sandhya Kale, Pandit Suresh Samant, Late Pt. Sudhir Mainkar, and Pandit Praveen Karkare, Parag is a seasoned Tabla player. He has performed in Tabla solo concerts and has accompanied vocalists, instrumentalists, and Kathak dance performances across India, UAE, UK and Canada- demonstrating his versatility and ability to collaborate with other musicians across various genres. Parag's passion goes beyond performance; he has conducted workshops on the 'Appreciation of Hindustani Classical Music,' and performed in concerts organized by Government of Maharashtra’s Culture Department, Indian Consulate Dubai, EXPO 2020 etc. to spread the art of Hindusthani music. The establishment of 'Naad,' dedicated to teaching and promoting the art of Tabla, showcases Parag's commitment to passing on his knowledge and skills to the next generation. Photo by Lakeland
YASH UMESH JOSHI
My name is Yash Umesh Joshi, I am 17 years old and am currently in grade 12 at Erindale Secondary School, under the IB program. In addition to my academic commitments, I've been pursuing Hindustani Classical vocal music in Akhil Music Academy under the guidance of my Guru Srimati Rasika Jog for the past nine years. My favorite raags are Jaunpuri or Jaijaivanti. Reading is my passion, especially. Fantasy and Mystery are my favourite genres. I am a diehard fan of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, Sherlock Holmes etc. Software Programming is my favourite pastime where I can apply creativity and problem-solving skills! I am a blackbelt in Taekwondo. Fun fact, I’m always eager to try out new and diverse cuisines being a foodie. Photo by Umesh Joshi
PATRICIA LEVERT
Patricia Levert, a North Bay, Ontario native, is an accomplished artist whose journey began in junior high and blossomed through Humber College’s Technical Production and Design Program, completed in 1997. After a decade as a stage manager in Toronto, Patricia moved to Peterborough in 2008, where she broadened her artistic scope to include theatre, dance, music, and circus arts. Specializing in lighting design, projections, and set design, she recently designed lighting for "A Hen Called Freedom" and "Weathering and Waiting" (2024). Patricia is also a graduate of the National Circus School of Canada and a certified Social Circus Instructor. Her alter ego, Zupies, is a captivating French clown from Northern Ontario, enchanting audiences with her circus performances. Patricia’s role as Production Manager for NOMADA, which won a Dora Mavor Moore Award, further exemplifies her dedication to the arts. She remains a creative force, illuminating stages and captivating audiences with her artistry. Photo by Patricia Levert
CAROLINE 'LADY C' FRASER
Known as a multidisciplinary artist, Caroline ‘Lady C’ Fraser Has earned a worldwide reputation Through her skill and unique versatility. She expresses through a wide range of forms, reaching from Popping, Locking, Hip Hop and House to Classical & Jazz Vernacular. She is affiliated with Soul Shifters (USA), Symbiotic Monsters, And is also a member of Holla Jazz dance company. Photo by Jerrick Collantes
RAOUL WILKE
Raoul Wilke, a multifaceted Dora Award winning artist, is the co-founder of The Moon Runners dance crew and the CEO of FeedYourSole. His choreographic work extends into film and theatre, artistic directing and coaching for artists such as Dillion Anthony’s “Love That We Found, Tyra Jutai’s “New Shoes” and Abhithi’s cover of “7 Rings“. Under the artistic direction of Gadfly Dance Company, he got to perform for major brands such as Canada Goose, Azzaro Fragrance as well as grant commissioned works, at the Four Seasons, The Sony Center and many other Canadian based venues. As a black emerging artist, he’s accolades within these different communities opened doors for new collaborations. He was a model for Seika Boye’s “ This Living Dancer” in collaboration with the AGO ( Art Gallery Of Ontario). He performed for The Raptors half time show, as well got to produce his own film over the summer of 2019, commissioned by Canadian Stage Theatre. As a leader of street dance community within Canada, he has mentored various companies and dance schools over the years, on the importance of the historical context, within these venacular street forms and the value of themselves. He has represented Canada internationally battling at world renowned competitions, with his biggest accomplishment to date, representing Team Canada In China, for KOD in 2018. Raoul is currently Faculty at Ryerson Dance School, educating students on these vernacular dance forms that helped shape him in to the man he is today. As a student of dance, he continues to live by the quote, “ See the music, Hear the Dance” by Balanchine. Photo by 905Images
RAKEEM HARDY
Rakeem Hardy (they/them) is a black, queer, agender dance artist originally from Mississauga, ON. They received their BFA and the Thayer Fellowship Award from Purchase College, SUNY. They performed works by Doug Varone, Sidra Bell, Norbert De La Cruz III, and Roderick George. They received additional training at the Taipei National University of the Arts, as well at Springboard Danse Montreal where they performed pieces by Crystal Pite, Alejandro Cerrudo, and Aszure Barton. Rakeem has collaborated and performed with A.I.M by Kyle Abraham, Collectif LA TRESSE, Loni Landon Dance Projects, and Gallim Dance. Currently, Rakeem is a member of the Vancouver-based company, Kidd Pivot. Photo by Maxim Bortnowski