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Dance @the Square presented by the 11th annual TIDF
Dance @the Square embraced the festival's theme of celebrating world dance forms on a single stage.
The opening ceremony featured a grand procession of dignitaries, community leaders, and artists. / Courtesy Photo/ Brinda Kunapalan
The summer installment of the Toronto International Dance Festival (TIDF) 2024, dubbed Dance @the Square took place at Albert Campbell Square on Aug.3 from 1 pm to 10 pm.
Organized by DD Arts (Dancing Damsels), a non-profit dedicated to promoting multiculturalism and community development through the performing arts, the event drew an enthusiastic crowd from across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.
The opening ceremony featured a grand procession of dignitaries, community leaders, and artists, accompanied by the traditional drumming of Niagara Tharangam (Chendamelam). The ribbon-cutting ceremony, officiated by Mayor Olivia Chow and MP Jean Yip (Scarborough-Agincourt), marked the start of the 11th annual TIDF.
The festival kicked off with a Zumba workshop by certified instructor Cathy Lee, followed by a Line Dance session led by Rhoda Lai, a renowned international dance instructor.
Mayor Olivia Chow put on a dance performance. Mary Ashok, artistic director of TIDF 2024,said, "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."
The festival featured a diverse lineup of artists and dance organizations, including Ruby Arts Association, Uyghur Canadian Learning Centre, Grupo Folklorico Mexicano de Toronto, Mississauga Chinese Arts Organization, and many others. The event concluded with a lively BollyX dance session led by Safa Jabrani, keeping the crowd energized well into the night.
Notable attendees included Past Senator Hon. Dr. Asha Seth, MPP Andrea Hazell, Councillor Parthi Kandavel (Scarborough SouthWest), Laura McSwiggan (Finland), Henry Lee (Malaysia), and Christian Clay (Mexico), among others.
Dance @the Square embraced the festival's theme of celebrating world dance forms on a single stage, showcasing a stunning array of local and international artists. The event was supported by sponsors such as Malabar Gold & Diamond, Royal Kerala Foods, and Canadian College for Higher Studies, among others. The event's smooth execution was ensured by coordinators Marcela Aranda, Paromita Kar, and Jo'el Douglas.
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