Mainstage mixed program
FREE! RSVP to receive weather updates.
Experience the power of human forms in movement; fuelled by robust creative energy and cultural connection. Breathe deep and feel the moment!
Our Mainstage Mixed Program is the heart of Common Ground Dance Festival and features a diverse constellation of spectactular choreographers, dancers, and musicians with roots in Toronto, across Turtle Island, and beyond! The program will be anchored with four impressive works including:
Anvikṣā, choreographed and performed by Dr. Sanjukta Banerjee and Harikishan S Nair, utilizes repertoire pieces of the Mohiniyattam form to study the concepts of introspection, examination, and inquiry. It celebrates a diversity of aesthetics for two dancing bodies within space and time, uniquely expressed through Mohiniyattam and delicately layered in conversation with each other.
Raoul Wilke and Caroline ‘Lady C’ Fraser will perform FOR THE CULTURE, an amalgamation of different street styles that pay homage to the pioneers.
running from and towards (preview), created and performed by Rakeem Hardy, is an odyssey into the unknown, a dance with the immaterial, a meditation on fear and aspiration. This work is rooted in western contemporary dance with European and American influences.
Prajakta Dravid - Atmika will present Damru-Kruti (Creation through Rhythm). It is believed in multiple cultures that the "Damru", a small hand-held drum created the first sound. Its shape symbolizes the union of the feminine and masculine forces, and the rhythm produced by this damru led to all of creation. Damru-Kruti explores this belief in an abstract representation through the technical aspects of Kathak that mirror this unfolding - supported by an underlying traditional Hindustani vocal composition, all accompanied by live music.
Additionally, our Mainstage Mixed Program will include performances by local student groups.
David Norsworthy, Chantelle Good, and Tanveer Alam will co-host the event, guiding the audience’s artistic journey from piece to piece by offering artist introductions and context with their friendly vibe.
Raoul Wilke (left) and Lady C (right). Photo by Kendra Epik Photography.
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. Lee Lifeson Art Park is wheelchair accessible. Limited reserved seating will be available for anyone who may need it. Priority seating available or upon request for folks with mobility limitations. All speaking/verbal announcements throughout the performance will be amplified.
Rakeem Hardy (left), photo by Shannon Widdis. Dr. Sanjukta Banerjee and Harikishan S Nair (right), photo courtesy of Toronto International Dance Festival.