Kevin A. Ormsby & KasheDance

KasheDance is an Afro-Contemporary dance company with roots in Toronto and branches connecting it to the United States and the Caribbean. The company is unique in Canada in its use of the Critical Response Process to create, research and present dances that give voice to the realities of African Diasporic experiences. A creative practice based on traditional and contemporary diasporic languages (“KasheDantek”) has helped the company build its audience, connect to established artists while focusing on performance, as well as education and outreach opportunities. KasheDance invites everyone to dance, move and create in a shared experience. Kevin A. Ormsby is the Artistic Director of KasheDance, and will lead the Creatives in Residence project.

Citadel + Compagnie is an artistic and community entity with a dual purpose. It is at once both place and people. The Citadel: Ross Centre for Dance is a remarkable building nestled in the Regent Park neighbourhood of Toronto. Since 2012, The Citadel has established itself as an open and welcoming space for artists to rehearse, create and perform, and where the community can learn, communicate, and share.

Toronto Public Library is the busiest urban public library system in the world. Every year, they have millions of users visiting our branches and taking advantage of our online services. They empower Torontonians to thrive in the digital age and global knowledge economy. With expanded access to technology, lifelong learning and diverse cultural and leisure experiences, Torontonians have increased opportunities for growth and success, as well as stronger connections to each other and their communities.

September 23, 1-3pm – Workshop in-person / hybrid
Moving in a Kollective Kommunity- Kitchener
KW Musical Productions, 14 Shaftsbury Dr, Kitchener, ON N2A 1N5
Working inter-generationally and with dance enthusiasts to professionals, the Afro- Caribbean workshop will use the KasheDantek technique to explore movement to support a afro-contemporary dance workshop linking African, Afro-Caribbean and dancehall vocabulary under the philosophy “indeed we all breathe, feel and dance”. Participants will be lead through a warm up, movement and group creation.

September 27, 4-5:30pm – Workshop in-person / hybrid
Moving Through Words Kreatively
Toronto Public Library, Oakwood Branch, 341 Oakwood Ave, Toronto, ON
Inspired by the production Facing Home: Love and Redemption by KasheDance in collaboration with Christopher Walker. Using the concept of word, action, creating meaning, the workshop will involve a physical warm up, explore the creative aspects of writing, movement generation and evolve to exploring both the elements of words meaning in creating choreography. The workshop is designed to unpack some of the concepts of text, choreography and physical intent rooted; integral to of sections of the production.

September 29, 6-7:30pm – Workshop in-person / hybrid
Afro-Caribbean Workshop
The Studios at Assembly Park, 80 Interchange Way Vaughan, ON L4K 5C3
This Afro-Caribbean workshop with Kevin A. Ormsby and KasheDance will weave together movements from across the Caribbean. Using KasheDanTek, which incorporates Afro-Caribbean and contemporary movements and music, KasheDance will explore the everyday nuances of gestures and moving. The workshop is intended for all ages and levels of experience. We invite everyone to dance, move and create in a shared experience.

October 1, 2-4:30pm – Workshop in-person / hybrid
Moving in a Kollective Kommunity- Pickering
Afiwi Groove, 1895 Clements Rd #103, Pickering, ON L1W 3V5
Working inter-generationally and with dance enthusiasts to professionals, the Afro- Caribbean workshop will use the KasheDantek technique to explore movement to support a afro-contemporary dance workshop linking African, Afro-Caribbean and dancehall vocabulary under the philosophy “indeed we all breathe, feel and dance”. Participants will be lead through a warm up, movement and group creation.

October 7 – Workshop in-person / hybrid
Information TBD

October 11, 7-8:30pm – Workshop in-person / hybrid
Moving in a Kolletive Kommunity- Toronto
Citadel + Compagnie 304 Parliament Street Toronto, ON M5A 3A4
Working inter-generationally and with dance enthusiasts to professionals, the Afro- Caribbean workshop will use the KasheDantek technique to explore movement to support a afro-contemporary dance workshop linking African, Afro-Caribbean and dancehall vocabulary under the philosophy “indeed we all breathe, feel and dance”. Participants will be lead through a warm up, movement and group creation.

October 15, 1-6pm – Showcase in-person / hybrid
‘Kultcha Live Yah’ Showcase at Citadel + Compagnie.
Activities: 1-4:15pm. Performance: 4:30-5:30pm
Citadel + Compagnie 304 Parliament Street Toronto, ON M5A 3A4

Kevin A. Ormsby, along with KasheDance, will draw from Pan-Africanist based movement and host the ‘Kultcha Live Yah’ series at Citadel + Compagnie during the Festival. The series includes in-person and online workshops leading up to a final performance, which will feature a spectrum of dancers performing against a backdrop of digital artwork. The series is part of the organization’s 15th anniversary celebration that will incorporate dancers and the general public.

Citadel + Compagnie:

• Wheelchair Accessibility can be pre-arranged with Citadel + Companie.
• Washrooms available
• Paid underground parking at Dundas st. E & Regent St.
• Accessibility information for this venue.

Toronto Public Libraries:

• Wheelchair Accessible
• Washrooms available
• Paid parking behind the library, off of Holland Park Ave. and on Oakwood Ave. one block south of Rogers Road.
• Accessibility information for this venue.