Toronto (July 1, 2019): Thousands gathered at the Albert Campbell Square in Scarborough to celebrate Canada Day with Dancing Damsels in rhythm, dance and colour on Monday July 1st, 2019 .
The free outdoor event started with the Canadian flag hoisting by Dolly Begum (MPP Scarborough Southwest), Jim Karygiannis (Councillor for Scarborough Agincourt) and Jennifer McKelvie (Councillor for Scarborough-Rouge Park) . Members of the public together with performing artists for the event gathered in unity to commemorate Canada’s 152ndbirthday with the Canadian National anthem to kick off the celebrations.
Later, the inauguration of the 6thannual Toronto International Dance Festival (TIDF 2019) Summer Series was initiated by a traditional ribbon cutting led by Salma Zahid M.P (Member of Parliament for Scarborough Centre), Aris Babikian MPP and Alexander Ben-Acquaah from the Consulate of Ghana along with other dignitaries.
The event was emceed by the award winning and multifaceted Sylvia Francis.
Mitul Kadakia of PGA International was in charge of the event management, logistics and marketing of tis event.
Hundreds of attendees attracted by the featuring dance workshop programs, Juanita the Clown to entertain little tots and vendors from all across the GTA offering ice cream, popcorn, hot dogs and many more treats, making Canada Day a fun family celebratory event.
The weather was perfect and the stage was bursting with energy as artists delivered exhilarating dance performances engaging the audience to participate and shake a leg. Niro Dance Creations graced the stage presenting an inviting South Indian classical dance performance in Bharathanatyam depicting specific movement, technique and abhinaya expressions. Hawaiian Magic wowed the crowd with their grass skirts and ALOHA spirit as they took viewers on a magical voyage around the South Pacific expressing the Polynesian culture through traditional music and dance embodying the islands of Hawaii, Tahiti, New Zealand, Fiji and Samoa.
Popular musical numbers were sung by the elegant and graceful Sharmila Ganesh, vocalist “Celina” and the Yangtze River Performing Arts Group. The Folkloric group “Nicanahuac” presented a colourful mixture of Native, European and African elements proudly representing their ancestry and preservation of traditional dance styles in Nicaragua. Ahkenam Arts took the stage by storm with their indigenous Parai (Voice of Freedom) drumming that infused viewers with rhythm as they danced to the beat of the Parai and portrayed the ancient Tamil dance art form. Creating a lively mix of Bollywood and Hip Hop, Prima Dance Juniors entertained viewers with their energizing dance medley and dynamic moves showcasing modern contemporary talent.
Led by Master of the craft, Foly Kolade, Asiko Afrobeat Ensemble electrified the stage and jolted viewers off their seats to groove to the rhythm and base of the horn laced tempo, percussion and contemporary Afrobeat. The players mesmerized the crowd with the intoxicating Nigerian rhythms that represent the cultural pride of the African people. Last but not least, Dancing Damsels very own (DD Dance Team) took dance to another degree delivering an earth shaking performance in South Indian style amplified with a taste of tradition and modern contemporary dance. Each dance item was exhilarating in its own pattern and style and mirrored Canada’s rich multicultural framework.
Chief guest Salma Zahid M.P delivered the feature address for Canada Day with dignity and pride praising this diverse and blessed country that we all call home. Shaun Chen M.P was also among the dignitaries in attendance and thanked Dancing Damsels for hosting the celebratory event and bringing communities together through the arts.
The commemorative event could not have been possible without the support and patronage of our funders the City of Toronto, Government of Canada, The Toronto Arts Council, Scarborough Arts, Rotary Clubs of Scarborough and the Knights of Columbus.
Scarborough Arts, the local arts service organization based in Scarborough, who generously supported this event were also at the venue promoting their innovative arts programs and cultural initiatives to build the community.
The evening ended on a high with an exuberant grand finale colour party presented by “Rung de One” filling the air with vibrant colour powder to celebrate Canada’s rich diversity. Family and friends gathered to be part of the magnificent colour throw that painted each other and coloured the sky with multicultural magic.
To commemorate its 6thyear running and continued success, Dancing Damsels Inc. will be hosting the dynamic and globally recognized Toronto International Dance Festival (TIDF 2019) Summer Series, on July 6thand 7th, 2019 at the Albert Campbell Square, 150 Borough Drive, Scarborough, ON M1P 0B1 between 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm.
The free outdoor festival will feature dance artists locally and internationally from all diverse backgrounds exhibiting “World Dance Forms all on One Stage”. The distinguished festival seeks to offer a single platform for emerging artists, novices and professional artists to showcase their talent and varying dance styles and also presents dance lovers the opportunity to meet and interact with professional dance instructors/choreographers, dance schools and studios to explore their horizons in the performing arts.
Dancing Damsels Inc. endeavors to continue to promote multiculturalism and cultural exchange in Canada through the performing arts and took pride in hosting the Canada Day Celebrations to exemplify its initiatives and embody the cultural diversity that makes us proud to be Canadian.
Managing Director Mary Ashok made the opening remarks and welcomed the audience and Gita Sankaran, Director and the Coordinator of the events made the closing remarks and thanked each and everyone who attended the event to make it a huge success!
Website: www.dancingdamsels.com/ www.ddshows.com
Phone: 416.788.6412
E-mail: contactdancingdamsels@gmail.com
Facebook: @DancingDamsels
Twitter: @dancingdamsels
Report by: Salome Paryag Alvi
