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Dance Revolt: Caribbean Diasporic Dance

Dance Revolt: Caribbean Diasporic Dance

This year’s theme dives deep into the Caribbean diaspora, connecting the rhythms and stories of Caribbean and Latin American dance forms to Canada’s cultural landscape. From workshops to masterclasses, students will experience the power of dance as a tool for cultural expression and community building.

Date: November 25, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Humber College, 5th floor of the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation (North Campus). 205 Humber College Blvd.
Cost: $45/student (Includes 2 workshops, 1 masterclass, and a commemorative t-shirt)

Dance Revolt 2024 is back with a vibrant celebration of Caribbean Diasporic Dance! This year’s theme brings the rich rhythms of Soca, Dancehall, and Reggaeton to the forefront. Students will immerse themselves in a cultural experience that connects the powerful histories of the Caribbean and Latin America with the vibrant energy of modern dance.


What to Expect:

  • Interactive Workshops: Dive into the history, cultural context, and signature moves of Caribbean and Latin American dance forms.
  • Masterclass: Learn from expert choreographers (Stay tuned for the full lineup!).
  • Cultural Conversations: Explore how these dance forms have shaped and been shaped by the migration and experiences of Caribbean and Latin American communities in Canada.
  • Networking & Community: Connect with fellow dancers, educators, and industry professionals in a dynamic environment.

Dance Revolt is more than just a dance event—it’s an opportunity to learn about the history, culture, and significance behind the moves. We’ll explore how Caribbean and Latin American Canadians have contributed to Canada’s cultural landscape through music and dance, building a stronger understanding of the diaspora experience.

Spaces are limited—register now on Eventbrite to secure your spot!


Connecting the Histories of South American and Caribbean Canadians Through Music

  1. Music as a Cultural Bridge:
    Discussion Questions:
    • How did music and dance help Caribbean and South American communities preserve their culture when they migrated to Canada?In what ways have Soca, Dancehall, and Reggaeton influenced the Canadian music scene?
    Curriculum Connection: This aligns with the “Understanding Dance in Context” strand, emphasizing the role of dance as a form of cultural preservation and a bridge between different generations and communities.
  2. Cultural Resilience and Adaptation:
    Discussion Questions:
    • How have Caribbean and South American music genres like Reggaeton and Dancehall evolved as they’ve been embraced in Canada?What challenges did these communities face in expressing their culture through music and dance, and how did they overcome them?
    Curriculum Connection: This connects to the “Exploring Dance Forms and Styles” strand, encouraging students to explore the ways dance forms change as they migrate and adapt to new cultural environments.
  3. The Role of Diaspora in Shaping Canadian Culture:
    Discussion Questions:
    • How have Caribbean and South American immigrants influenced the broader cultural landscape in Canada, particularly in music and dance?What role does dance play in expressing identity for second- and third-generation Caribbean and South American Canadians?
    Curriculum Connection: This aligns with the “Dance in Society” strand, which looks at how dance connects to community building, cultural exchange, and identity.
  4. Cross-Cultural Fusion in Dance:
    Discussion Questions:
    • How can we incorporate elements of Caribbean and South American dance into contemporary choreography while honoring their origins?What examples of cross-cultural fusion do you see in today’s music and dance industries?
    Curriculum Connection: This fits with the “Creative Expression and Creation” strand, as it encourages students to explore new ways of blending dance styles, while remaining respectful of their cultural significance.
  5. The Influence of Caribbean Festivals in Canada:
    Discussion Questions:
    • How have Caribbean festivals like Caribana in Toronto celebrated and promoted Soca, Dancehall, and Reggaeton in the broader Canadian context?
    • How do these festivals help sustain Caribbean culture in Canada, and what role does dance play in this?
    Curriculum Connection: This touches on the “Dance as a Profession” and “Dance in Society” strands, as it opens up discussions about the professional opportunities in cultural festivals and the social impact of dance within these community celebrations.