“As Black creative expression typically receives less recognition and donor and funding support, the goal of this fundraiser is to raise additional resources and awareness so that we can continue to create more fully-resourced opportunities for our artists and connect to more communities across Canada.”
Since our last interview, dance Immersion has had a very busy and successful year. In 2021, we launched our 21/22 season, presented four new dance works, hosted two virtual Community Bantabas, hosted our first Virtual Versus Dance Battle, launched a new blog/Instagram live series, hosted our Legacy Series: Tap Dance Symposium, and launched an international youth project. In addition to this, we have continued to provide mentorship, education, and support to artists.
Our focus for 2022 is to continue to connect with, and support artists within the African-diaspora. One way in which we are accomplishing this is through our annual Supporting Black Futures Fundraiser, which will run throughout February. As Black creative expression typically receives less recognition and donor and funding support, the goal of this fundraiser is to raise additional resources and awareness so that we can continue to create more fully-resourced opportunities for our artists and connect to more communities across Canada.
Another initiative that supports our February target is our second annual Versus Virtual Dance Battle which will take place Sunday, February 20th at 8:00 pm (EST). This friendly, free, online event will feature Toronto Krump artist Marcus “O.G” Paris, and Winnipeg- based Hip- hop artist Genie Baffoe. Both artists will dig into their archives and pull out some of their favourite clips of them dancing to share with the audience. The Versus Virtual Dance Battle provides dancers across Canada an opportunity to get to know one another, showcase their work, and simply have fun!
Keep an eye on our social media pages to learn about upcoming events, and visit our website to learn more about our organization, and to see what’s in store for our 21/22 season!
Supporting Black Futures Fundraiser Information
There is a profound lack of support for the beauty, diversity, and contributions of African Diasporic dances in Canada. Though practiced in dance studios, schools, and stage programs worldwide, Black creative expression receives less recognition and donor and funding support, especially when projects are produced by Black-led organizations like dance Immersion.
These are the factors that fed the purpose and mission of dance Immersion; these are our reasons for being. Until these factors are no longer valid, our programs and services will continue to be vital.
As the world battles the COVID-19 pandemic, we are collectively more aware of those around us, our communities, and how we interconnect.
Through this, dance Immersion remains steadfast in our commitment to nurture Black dance in Canada. We continue to challenge the inequitable systems that prevent everyone from thriving and we maintain our focus on generating real change for our community. Over the next five years, our primary focus is on creating more fully-resourced opportunities for our artists and connecting to more communities across Canada.
Our February 2022 fundraising goal is $10,000. If you are able to join us in supporting this vision, please click here to make a donation.
If you are unable to donate financially, please consider reaching us at info@danceimmersion.ca to be added to our list of volunteers. We have some exciting events coming up in this and the next season, so be sure to keep an eye on our page for updates.
Versus Dance Battle Information
Join us on Sunday, February 20, 2022 @ 8:00 PM eastern time for dance Immersion’s 2022 online Versus Dance Battle: Marcus “O.G” Paris (Toronto) VS GeNie Baffoe (Winnipeg)!
No registration is required. Join the event for free on dance Immersion’s YouTube page or website – https://danceimmersion.ca/event/2022dancebattle/
Inspired by the popular music Versuz Battles, dance Immersion has invited Marcus and GeNie to dig into their archives and pull out some of their favourite clips of them dancing to share with us – Hip Hop, Krump, and more. Each artist will battle three video clips from the past: No winners, no losers, just fun!
Hosted by Nicole Inica Hamilton, the Versus Dance Battle will feature stellar dance clips, commentary from the artists, and an interactive product giveaway!
Click the link to learn more about the artists: https://danceimmersion.ca/event/2022dancebattle/
dance Immersion celebrates communities of dancers at home and around the world and supports their perseverance through the pandemic.