FESTIVAL LAUNCH
featuring iii by Barbara Simms, Meeting in the Moment, why she moves and It’s a Party Workshop by Groove Collective!
FREE! RSVP to receive weather updates.
Please join us for the launch of Common Ground Dance Festival 2024!
The evening will begin with iii by choreographer Barbara Simms; a trio rooted in themes of balance and connectedness. In an exercise of mental and physical focus and rigour, three bodies move through a series of simple, slow moving tasks, building in risk and complexity over the course of 45 minutes. Featured performers include Simon Mazziotti and Sophia Hassenstein.
Later in the evening, we’ll gather in the amphitheater for Meeting in the Moment, a one-time only series of improvised duets featuring various festival artists.
Then, Groove Collective will hit the stage with why she moves; a dynamic and personal Hip Hop-based performance prompted by the question “Why do you dance?”. Three emerging artists, Katelyn Bernard, Nia, and Emma Rosborough will share their personal style/story and the process of discovering their collective voice. Mentored by Kelly Gammie and Queenie Seguban, co-founders of North York-based School of Groove. This performance includes ASL interpretation.
The night will end with an interactive and irresistibly fun workshop titled It’s a Party!. Led by the Groove Collective, this class is an opportunity to learn famous party grooves and social dances. It is open to all ages and levels of dance experience, and geared towards beginners. We know you wanna try it! Come dance with us!
Schedule of Events
6:15-7:00 iii by Barbara Simms
7:00-7:20 Meeting in the Moment, a one-time only series of improvised duets featuring various festival artists
7:20-7:40 why she moves by Groove Collective
7:40-8:20 It’s a Party! Workshop with Groove Collective
Groove Collective (left) photo by ES Cheah Photography. Simon Mazziotti and Sophia Hassenstein in iii (right).
EVENT DETAILS
LOCATION: This event will take place at Lee Lifeson Art Park, just steps from North York Centre subway station. Exit towards Empress Walk for a short-cut! A public washroom is available onsite for audience members. Lee Lifeson Art Park is a part of the City’s Alcohol in Parks Program which means you’re welcome to bring a beer or cup of wine to enjoy while witnessing the performances!
WHAT TO BRING: The amphitheater has bench seating available. You may want to bring a portable stool, camping chair, or cushion. You may also want to bring a blanket to stay cozy, in case it gets chilly after sunset! Other than that, just bring your enthusiasm and an open mind :)
RSVP: This is a free event, with no ticket or pre-registration required. However, please RSVP by clicking here (https://forms.gle/MBsyqsdmSsTJW3kk8) so we can keep you up-to-date via email regarding any schedule changes due to inclement weather.
WEATHER: In the event of inclement weather, we will reschedule this event to Sunday, September 22. Weather announcements will be emailed directly to those who RSVP, and posted on our Instagram story.
ACCESSIBILITY: This event will have ASL interpretation for announcements, as well as for the recorded text as a part of why she moves. Lee Lifeson Art Park is wheelchair accessible. Limited reserved seating will be available for anyone who may need it. All speaking/verbal announcements throughout the performance will be amplified.
Groove Collective workshop at CGDF 2023. Photo by Aidan Tooth.