Toronto, ON – August 3, 2024
The 11th annual Toronto International Dance Festival (TIDF) 2024, themed “Dance @ the Square,” was held at Campbell Albert Square in Scarborough, showcasing a vibrant array of local and international dance performances. The event, organized by DD Arts (Dancing Damsels), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting multiculturalism and community development through the performing arts, drew a large and enthusiastic crowd.
The festival commenced with a high-energy Zumba workshop led by certified instructor and dancer Cathy (Catherine) Lee, followed by a Line Dance workshop led by Rhoda Lai, an International Line dance, Ballroom dance, and certified Zumba®️ Instructor and choreographer. These interactive sessions set the tone for an evening of excitement and celebration.
A grand procession featuring dignitaries, community leaders, and performers, accompanied by the thunderous beats of drumming by the Niagara Tharangam (Chendamelam), marked the official start of the festival. Her Worship Mayor Olivia Chow and MP Jean Yip (Scarborough-Agincourt) performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony, launching the festivities.
The evening featured a mesmerizing display of dance performances, including a show-stopping routine by Mayor Olivia Chow, who “stole the show” with her energetic and engaging dance performance. As Mary Ashok, Artistic Director of TIDF 2024, noted: “Mayor Olivia Chow stole the show with her amazing dance performance, getting everyone up on their feet! Her energetic and engaging presence set the perfect mood for the evening, inspiring everyone to let loose and enjoy themselves on the dance floor.”
Esteemed guests, including Past Senator Hon. Dr. Asha Seth, MPP Andrea Hazell, Councillor Parthi Kandavel (Scarborough SouthWest), Hon. Consul Laura McSwiggan (Finland), Hon. Consul Henry Lee (Malaysia), Hon. Consul Christian Clay (Mexico), Karthik Venkataraman (President- Bharathi Kala Mandram), and Shanta Chikarmane (SACHAYS), attended the event, demonstrating their support for the arts and multiculturalism.
The festival’s success was made possible by the tireless efforts of the organizing team, including Marcela Aranda, Paromita Kar, and Jo’el Douglas, who ensured a smooth and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
The featured artists and dance organizations at this event were Ruby Arts Association, Uyghur Canadian Learning Centre, Suhithakumar Maanikkavasagam, Hoor Dance, Grupo Folklorico Mexicano de Toronto, Gabriella Yalaksa, Mississauga Chinese Arts Organization, Emanzi Troupe, Parvini Chadha, D’Funky Crew, Raniya Farah, Racies de Chile, Sankalana Academy of Dance and Music Inc., Tabriz Azerbaijani Music & Dance Ensemble , Nritya Sash Studio, Rascalz & Dyverze (A division of The Clique), Nupura School of Dance and Music, Ensemble Topaz, Nirkoda Israeli Dancers of Toronto, TO Waackers, Cirque Shifters, Mrudanga Centre for Performing Arts, Matthew Jordan & Ana Zamora, Litmus Chinese Dancing Association, Sreeja Golui, itstime2dance, Kethroo Dance Inc., The Clique (Division of Rascalz and Dyverze), Raha Dance Group, The CandyShop Dance, AJ Style Cine Dance Company, Spread Dance BollySalsa, Aesha’s Ananta and Arte Flamenco.
Embracing the festival’s theme of celebrating World Dance forms on a single stage, the audience was treated to a mesmerizing display of local and International artists showcasing their art and culture through dance.
Alex Alexander of Re/Max Community Realty Inc. was the title sponsor, and the event was proudly sponsored by Malabar Gold & Diamond, Mississauga,Royal Kerala Foods, Menon Law Professional Corporation, Canadian College for Higher Studies, Priyanka Sugathan-Mortgage Agent, Arjun Sanilkumar Property Real Estate, Skylight Travel & Tours Inc., Chetankumar Patel 4K TV Box, Dr Bobby Chandy Dentistry Professional, Theresian Selvakumar – Paralegal Of Kadish Law, Myoflex Physiotherapy Clinic,and Kennedy Dental Office.
Festivalgoers savored the diverse food offerings from Tharavadu Home Of Kerala Cuisine, Casa Lugo Mexican Restaurant, Manna Kitchen Catering, The Oven Fresh, and Nitan Chai. Meanwhile, North York Arts (NYA), Color Happy by Swatika Anandhan, and Tamil Canadians with Special Needs (TCSN) hosted arts stalls that provided entertainment for both children and adults. The vibrant evening of art and culture was beautifully enhanced by the presence of multicultural vendors, including Mala’s Sarees, Sandra Nathan – Tesoros Of Ecuador, and Periwinkle Sarees, showcasing their exquisite crafts, jewelry, and clothing.
About the organization:
DD Inc. (Dancing Damsels) is a vibrant multicultural arts promotion company dedicated to fostering cultural exchange, empowerment, and celebration through the performing arts.
For more information about the festival, please visit :www.tidfcanada.com or www.ddarts.com Email: tidfcanada@gmail.com or contactddarts@gmail.com.
