International Dance Day
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International Dance Day
Highlighting Black / Caribbean Owned Dance Studios in the GTA
Wishing everyone a happy international dance day!
Dance is and will always be something in my life that I cherish. It has given me discipline, a way to share my culture, and provided an outlet for me to express myself. So blessed to have transformed my passion for dance into a business, a lifestyle, and a source of inspiration for others. With dance as a foundation of Simply Shakera, I have been able to grace many stages and be featured by: CP24, The Canadian Olympic Committee, The Marilyn Denis Show, Breakfast Television, etc. while simultaneously teaching 100s of women and children dance over the years.
Similar to me, there are other artists in the General Toronto Area who are passionate about dance so much so that they founded companies to share their passions with the world. I have compiled a list of local Black / Caribbean Owned Dance Studios.
Over the past few months I have seen many lists of small businesses and/or Black owned business to support and often I see this group left out. These companies need support just as much as retail stores and restaurants. They provide training, variety and most offer styles rooted in culture.
Support local. Support the arts.
Without continued participation in virtual classes, competitions and conventions etc. these companies will be negatively impacted. Check out the list below and if I missing any, please add in the comments! Support can be in the form of participation or amplification.
Afiwi Groove School
Aifwi Groove aim to empower, educate, and inspire all ages through African and arts and culture. Their programs promote positive self-esteem, confidence and an active lifestyle while educating and connecting participants to arts and culture of the African Diaspora.
400 Monarch Avenue. Unit 11. Ajax, ON. L1S 2G6
https://www.instagram.com/afiwigroove
A New DAEI Dance School
A New DAEI Dance School is an award-winning family-friendly community space for toddlers, children, tweens, teens and adults.
1 Nelson St W (Inside the Art of Dance Centre). Brampton, Ontario, L6X 1B6
https://www.instagram.com/anewdaei
City Centre Dance
City Centre Dance is the hottest drop-in dance studio located in Downtown Mississauga, offering a wide-selection of classes in various styles and levels for people of all ages and abilities.
68-5359 Timberlea Blvd Mississauga, ON L4W 4N5
https://www.citycentredance.com
https://www.instagram.com/citycentre_dance
DOAHL Dance Academy
DOAHL provides a full dance curriculum for dancers age 3 and up looking to make dance as a career, and for those who simply want to enjoy the art of dance, learn new skills, and make life-long friendships.
50 Anderson Ave,Markham, ON,Canada L6E 1A5
https://www.instagram.com/doahlacademy
Industry House Studios
Industry House Studios an elite dance training facility located in the Stockyards District.
100 Symes Rd Unit 202 & 203
https://www.industryhousestudios.com
https://www.instagram.com/industryhousestudios
Jade's Hip Hop Academy (JHHA)
JHHA is the only all Hip Hop and street dance studio in Toronto, the GTA and one of the few of its kind in Canada.
1310 Steeles Ave E Unit 6, Brampton, ON L6T 1A2
https://jadeshiphopacademy.com
https://www.instagram.com/jadeshiphopacad
Riddim Fitness Wellness Centre
The Riddim Fitness Wellness Centre serves the community by offering fitness programs, personal training and dance classes for children, youth and adults that also want to live their best lives and take the journey to wellness in a fun, welcoming and supportive environment.
845 WESTNEY ROAD SOUTH, UNIT#7. AJAX, ONTARIO
https://www.instagram.com/riddimfit
Socacize
Socacize Fitness is a creative blend of authentic Caribbean and African dance techniques, in harmony with effective fitness moves, resulting in a unique, non-judgmental and exhilarating dance fitness program.
2811 Weston Road. North York, ON M9M 2R8
https://www.instagram.com/socacize
The Space
The S.P.A.C.E. is a full performing arts centre focused on building self-esteem. They encourage students to dream, challenge them to develop determination and perseverance along with technique and give them the confidence both to get up on stage and perform and to believe in themselves.
1324 Danforth Avenue, Toronto, ON M5J 1M9
https://www.instagram.com/thespacetoronto
Lastly, although we do not have a physical studio, I would be remiss not to shoutout my company Carnival Spice!
Carnival Spice is an award winning dance and fitness company that showcases Caribbean carnival arts. We are currently offering a variety of virtual programming HERE . You can also connect on instagram via https://www.instagram.com/carnivalspice
