About
Join Ontario Science Centre, Power Kids, the National Film Board and School Visits at Harbourfront Centre and celebrate creativity and community with a series of hands-on activities that change each week. Families can explore a wide range of science activities, arts and crafts, youth-friendly short films and dance workshops, all inspired by the spirit of KUUMBA. Every activity is designed to spark imagination and fun for all ages. Space is limited — be sure to come early!
On February 8 only, join us for The Joy Lapps Project for a special family-friendly workshop and performance exploring the steelpan’s history and West-African sounds.
In partnership with The Power Plant, National Film Board, Ontario Science Centre and Harbourfront Centre School Visits.
Joignez-vous au Centre des sciences de l’Ontario, à Power Kids, à l’Office national du film du Canada et aux visites scolaires de Harbourfront Centre pour célébrer la créativité et la communauté grâce à une série d’activités pratiques qui changent chaque semaine. Les familles pourront explorer des activités scientifiques, des arts plastiques, des courts métrages pour la jeunesse et des ateliers de danse, tous inspirés par l’esprit de KUUMBA. Chaque activité est conçue pour stimuler l’imagination et le plaisir chez les personnes de tous âges. Les places sont limitées — arrivez tôt !
Le 8 février seulement, participez à The Joy Lapps Project pour un atelier et une performance familiale explorant l’histoire du steelpan et les sons ouest-africains.
En partenariat avec The Power Plant, l’Office national du film du Canada, le Centre des sciences de l’Ontario et Harbourfront Centre – visites scolaires.
Ontario Science Centre
Date: Feb 1, 8, 15, 16, 22
Times: 12pm-5pm
Location: West Bays
February 1: VIBE Network
Activities
1. Suturing Station
Participants will try hands-on suturing (using pre-incised silicone models) with needle drivers, forceps, scissors and suture material provided. A veterinarian will demonstrate how to perform simple sutures and tie knots to close an incision.
This station introduces practical veterinary skills and highlights connections between human and animal medicine, sparking interest in general medicine.
2. Comparative Anatomy Station
This station will feature a variety of animal skulls (horse, camel, seal, wolf, equine, etc.) and other specimens (plasticine pig heart, hippo teeth, cow femur) to explore differences in anatomy and physiological adaptations.
Veterinarians will explain how these adaptations influence the care animals need and introduces a wide range of species veterinarians work with, especially in zoological and exotic animal medicine.
3. Egg and Chick Development
Explore the role of veterinarians in agriculture and food safety through an interactive egg activity. Participants will observe two wet specimens of a laying hen’s reproductive tract as a veterinarian demonstrates the path of a yolk follicle to becoming a full egg.
Participants will then simulate egg formation themselves using a yellow ping pong ball (yolk), a plastic micro rod (chalazae), butter slime (albumen) and a clear plastic egg (shell gland). A full diagram of chick development will accompany the activity, along with specimens at different stages of embryonic growth, allowing discussions on veterinary diagnostics, flock health and embryonic mortality.
4. Transrectal Palpation Simulation
Participants will practice the tactile skill of transrectal palpation used by large animal veterinarians to diagnose pregnancy. Using a specially designed model, a veterinarian will guide participants through bovine reproductive anatomy and the process of pregnancy detection. Participants will learn tactile skills used in veterinary medicine, parts of bovine reproductive anatomy and how pregnancy is established and diagnosed.
5. Black Veterinary History and Research Displays
Learn about the history and presence of Black individuals at the Ontario Veterinary College and Ontario Agricultural College and explore the current research and contributions of Black Canadians in agriculture and academia in Ontario.
6. Visitor Engagement Booth
Play with temporary tattoos, stickers and swag bags containing donated items such as notebooks, stuffed animals and coloring pages! This station is designed to provide fun takeaways while celebrating Black excellence in veterinary medicine. It will also offer career and pathway information for participants interested in pursuing veterinary or related fields.
Bios
About Canadian VIBE Network
Canadian VIBE (Veterinary Professionals Instilling Black Excellence) Network is a national organization founded in 2020 to increase visibility, mentorship and representation for Black professionals in veterinary medicine. The network now includes 70+ members and focuses on mentorship, equity and community outreach.
About Dr. Keisha Harris DVM, MPH, BSc
Dr. Keisha Harris is a veterinarian, first-generation university graduate and neurodivergent professional whose path into veterinary medicine was non-linear and shaped by a long-standing interest in One Health and equity across human, animal and environmental systems.
She earned her Bachelor of Science from the University of British Columbia and completed both her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Public Health at the Ontario Veterinary College.
Dr. Harris’s work sits at the intersection of animal welfare, public health, food safety and food systems. She has held roles with Veterinarians Without Borders in Ghana, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, regulatory bodies and community-based animal health initiatives. These experiences led her into food systems work, where she currently supports traditional poultry and layer operations with Hendrix Genetics, applying a One Health lens to animal welfare, food security and public health.
She is also focused on how the veterinary profession supports the people within it. She serves on the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s Wellness, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (WIDEA) Committee and is the co-founder of the Canadian VIBE Network, mentoring and advocating for Black veterinary professionals and aspiring veterinarians across Canada. She also volunteers with HBSPCA vaccine clinics to support access to veterinary care. Outside of work, she enjoys music festivals, hiking, birding and is currently completing her scuba certification, bringing her love of ecosystems from land to water.
About Dr. Jonas Goring
Dr. Jonas Goring is the General Manager and Director of Commercial Operations for Animalytix Canada, one of the leading sources for animal health commercial insight in North America and a founding board member of the Black Veterinary Association of Canada, the unified voice of Canadas Black veterinary community.
Prior to Animalytix, Dr. Goring spent 13 years with IDEXX Laboratories based in British Columbia., Ontario and The Netherlands and 8 years in private practice in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. He is a graduate of Concordia University (BSc) in Montreal and holds advanced degrees from Université de Montréal (DVM) and Queens University, Kingston (MBA). When not helping practices and companies with their reporting needs, Dr. Goring enjoys spending time with the family in their small farmhouse in Puslinch, Ontario.
About Dr. Melanie Moore
Born and raised in the Cayman Islands, Dr. Moore earned her BSc in Animal Science from Aberystwyth University (2016) and her DVM from the Ontario Veterinary College (2021). While at OVC, she co-founded the Canadian VIBE Network with the goal of fostering community, visibility and support for Black veterinary professionals across Canada. That same commitment to equity and access now carries through her work as a veterinarian both locally and globally.
Dr. Moore’s passion lies in serving underserved communities, ensuring that pets and their owners can receive the care they need regardless of barriers. Her international work has taken her to Nepal, Thailand, Poland and Samoa, where she has volunteered in remote communities to provide vital veterinary aid and education. Currently, Dr. Moore works at a private small animal clinic while actively collaborating with local shelters and organizations to support accessibility in veterinary care.
February 8: Urban Pilots Network
Activities
The Urban Pilots Network activities will invite participants to explore the world of aviation through hands-on, interactive experiences. Guests can step into a flight simulator to fly a circuit and learn the fundamentals of flight, then tap into their creativity by designing and decorating their own clothespin aircraft using vibrant colours, sparkles and imaginative details — making for a fun and engaging activity for all ages.
Bios
About The Urban Pilots Network
Established in 2004, the Urban Pilots and Professionals Network is a not-for-profit organization with a clear purpose: to inspire and support youth pursuing aviation, while providing awareness to the Black and racialized community of aviation opportunities, supporting these communities with guidance, mentorship, scholarships and programming.
Founded by Tony Lawrence, Len Isaacs and Bill Shepard, what began as a small community initiative has grown into a nationally recognized organization focused on access, representation and opportunity. In July 2004, we launched our first summer camp for children aged 9–13, introducing them to the fundamentals of flight. In 2006, we expanded our reach through UPN in schools, bringing seminars, career fairs and aviation exposures into classrooms. In 2018, we received funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation through the Youth Opportunity Fund, which allowed us to deliver the Youth Taking Flight summer camp over three consecutive summers. By 2024, our network had grown to over 150 members. In 2025, we hosted our first two-week youth summer camp in partnership with the Dream Never Dies Foundation and delivered our first all-girls aviation camp with Black ESTEEM. Our partnership with iFlyToTo enabled us to share the gift of flight with our student camp participants, turning inspiration into lived experience.
Our work is supported by industry partnerships, including Jazz Aviation, Air Canada, WestJet, NAV CANADA and Porter Airlines. In collaboration with Air Canada, we established the Air Canada UPN Scholarship to reinforce our shared commitment to building a more inclusive and representative aviation community.
About Shabbir Bhaijee
Raised in Nairobi, Kenya, Shabbir Bhaijee’s passion for aviation took root at an early age. In 2023, he began his formal flight training journey, driven by a clear vision and unwavering discipline. Since then, Bhaijee has accumulated over 250 hours, a multi–engine rating and a frozen Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL). In addition to this, he has earned an Instructor Rating, allowing him to teach, mentor and inspire the next generation of pilots. With a foundation built on resilience and a global perspective, his goal is to fly for an airline while continuing to give back to the aviation community through instruction and leadership.
About Neghat Aria Hidari
Neghat is from Mount Brydges, Ontario and a graduate of the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies program at Seneca Polytechnic. During her time at Seneca, she took on the role of Lead Mentor in the Peer Mentoring Program, where she played a pivotal role in helping first year students adapt to college life and navigate their new academic environment.
Neghat is also a licensed commercial pilot, having obtained her commercial pilot’s license at Diamond Flight Centre, where she works as both a ramp agent and dispatcher. Her passion for aviation extends beyond her own training; she collaborated with Darsim Aviation Solutions Inc. to deliver a seven-week aviation course that included simulator instruction for youth after school.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Neghat actively volunteers for various aviation organizations, including Urban Pilots and Professionals Network, Elevate Aviation and Women in Aviation International. She is a Director on the Junior Board of the Northern Lights Aero Foundation, where she co-leads the Speakers’ Bureau and Mentorship Committee, fostering opportunities for aspiring aviators.
Neghat’s commitment to community service extends beyond aviation. She volunteers with the Cross-Cultural Learner Centre, assisting newcomer families in settling and integrating into the London community. Additionally, she is a mentor for youth at Big Brothers and Big Sisters London, providing guidance and support to help them thrive. Through her diverse experiences and dedication to both aviation and community service, Neghat exemplifies a commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
About Michelle Clarke
Michelle is a dedicated and passionate advocate for diversity and empowerment within the aviation community. For the last three years, she has been a member of the Urban Pilots and Professional Network, where she began her journey as the assistant editor for the Urban Flyer newsletter.
Recently, she has taken on the roles of Programs and Outreach Director and Chief Editor of the Urban Flyer, allowing her to amplify the voices of those within the aviation industry.
Currently a student pilot, Michelle is working toward obtaining her private pilot license. Her journey in aviation is just beginning, but her commitment to giving back is heartfelt. She loves engaging with and mentoring the next generation of pilots and aviation professionals, particularly those from Black and racialized backgrounds.
Understanding the challenges of representation in the industry, Michelle strives to inspire others by highlighting that a career in aviation is attainable and within reach. Although she graduated with a Business Administration–Marketing diploma, life had other plans for Michelle — plans that ultimately align with her passion for aviation. Throughout her career, she has actively participated on multiple committees and executives board advocating for women’s rights, fair implementation of collective agreements and uniting workers within the workplace. With a vision to empower aspiring aviators and create a vibrant, diverse community, Michelle is determined to break down barriers and inspire the future leaders of the aviation industry to take flight.
About Malik Shwehdi
Malik is a recent graduate of the Integrated Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) program at Toronto Airways Inc., holding a Frozen ATPL with a commercial pilot license and a Group I Instrument Rating. With a strong academic background in Structural Engineering, Malik brings a unique analytical perspective to his aviation career.
He is honored to have received multiple aviation scholarships, including the 2025 Dream Never Dies Foundation Aviation Excellence Scholarship and the 2019 Jazz Aviation Pathway Award for Professionalism and Diversity. Malik’s aviation experience spans various roles, including Head Flight Dispatcher, Flight Follower and Ramp Crew Scheduler with Ottawa Aviation Services.
In addition to his aviation pursuits, Malik has demonstrated leadership in a range of positions, such as Team Lead Swim Instructor in the Ottawa region and Valet Team Supervisor at the St. Regis Toronto.
Malik is passionate about community engagement and actively volunteers with the Urban Pilots and Professionals Network (UPN). He is dedicated to inspiring and guiding the next generation of aviation professionals, particularly those charting their unique paths, and is committed to broadening access to opportunities within the aviation industry.
About Deep Singh
Born in India, Deep was captivated by aviation when his family immigrated to Canada at a young age. There was something about the airport setting and seeing a massive KLM aircraft that sparked a lifelong passion. After establishing a successful career in transport and logistics during his 20s, Deep decided to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot. With the support of his wife, he enrolled in the IATPL program at Brampton Flight Centre, earning his commercial pilot license along with a Multi-Engine and Group 1 Instrument Rating.
Growing up in Rexdale, Ont, aviation seemed like an impossible dream due to high costs and limited exposure to the industry and its members. When he discovered the Urban Pilots and Professionals Network (UPN) and their mission, he knew he had to get involved. He would like to inspire the next generation of aviators with similar dreams and provide mentorship to help them achieve their aviation goals. Deep has dedicated the past year to mentoring aspiring pilots and supporting community programs, finding this involvement to be an incredibly rewarding experience.
Deep envisions one day piloting a Boeing 777 to India, and he is passionate about encouraging others to pursue their dreams as well. He believes that with determination and the right support, anyone can achieve their aviation goals. Deep encourages everyone to take advantage of the incredible resources provided by UPN and to believe in their potential.
About Stephon Lamy
Stephon Lamy is a Toronto-based aviation professional and a commercial student pilot with a robust background in airline operations and customer service. Currently employed with Porter Airlines as a Line Service Representative, he has completed formal flight dispatch training, which provides him with a solid operational and safety focused perspective in the airline industry.
Lamy’s experience spans operations management, personal protection services and project coordination, showcasing his discipline, leadership and meticulous attention to detail. Driven by passion for aviation and a commitment to continuous growth, he is dedicated to building a career that integrates flight operations, dispatch and aircraft services. With a long-term vision of making significant contributions to the field of commercial aviation, Lamy is poised to advance and excel in his professional journey.
February 15: Black ESTEEM Activities
Activities
Black E.S.T.E.E.M. welcomes participants to a hands-on Black History Month drop-in experience focused on phlebotomy and human health. Families are invited to check their blood pressure, learn about blood draws and explore the human body through interactive activities like VR headsets, robotic arms and microscopes.
Bios
About Black E.S.T.E.E.M
Black E.S.T.E.E.M is a first of its kind non-profit organization dedicated to expanding access to entrepreneurship, science, technology, engineering, economics and mathematics (ESTEEM) for Black girls ages 10-15 across Ontario. We exist to address the systemic barriers that limit Black girls’ participation and advancement in STEM related fields, despite their early interest and demonstrated potential.
Our vision, to transform the landscape for Black girls to be unbound changemakers of tomorrow. The work we do focuses on culturally responsive education, mentorship and support to build technical skills, confidence, leadership capacity and a strong sense of belonging in fields where Black girls have been historically underrepresented.
We engage Black girls and their families through workshops, mentorship programs, experiential learning opportunities and community-based initiatives that support both academic and personal development. Our programming is informed and delivered by a network of Black women professionals, ensuring learning experiences are age-appropriate, affirming and rooted in Black girls’ lived experiences.
In addition, we collaborate with post-secondary institutions, STEM organizations, educators and community partners to provide exposure to diverse career pathways, real-world applications and long-term opportunities within ESTEEM industries. Through these partnerships, Black E.S.T.E.E.M creates sustainable pathways that support Black girls from early interest to future leadership.
February 16: The Let’s Talk Science Black Volunteer Collective & Sauropsida
Activities
The Let’s Talk Science Black Volunteer Collective
Travel with Black scientists through history, learning about the many Black inventors, trailblazers and scientists who have shaped today’s STEM knowledge. Visitors will learn hands-on coding, communication and robotics by using Ozobots!
Sauropsida: Ecology, Conservation & Prehistoric Education
Join us to discuss Black scientists, artists and educators in ecological conservation, palaeontology and herpetology with an array of natural history specimens for guests to touch and interact with.
Bios
About The Let’s Talk Science Black Volunteer Collective
The Let’s Talk Science Black Volunteer Collective are a group of Black volunteers from Let’s Talk Science who provide free, interactive STEM activities for Black youth from K-12 across Canada. We are committed to providing Black-centred STEM opportunities, ideas and education to Black youth in a way that will encourage their participation and support positive self-image. In doing this, we simultaneously create opportunities for additional leadership roles for Black graduate students and professionals.
February 22: Visions of Science
Activities
The Excellence Expo is an interactive, hands-on experience that connects historic Black scientific breakthroughs to the potential of the students in the room. By recreating innovations inspired by trailblazers like Augustus Jackson and Katherine Johnson, the Expo shows youth that innovation in STEM is not only accessible, it’s part of their legacy.
Participants use event passports to explore “Elements of Excellence,” a series of engaging STEM stations themed after the Periodic Table and Black innovators. Activities include making ice cream while learning about thermodynamics, testing trajectories through a target-based game, creating hair moisturizer to explore emulsions and chemistry and building light-up structures with playdough to understand electricity and circuits. Together, these interactive booths bring science to life while celebrating Black excellence in STEM.
Bios
About Visions of Science
Visions of Science exists to transform society, communities and the planet by ensuring equitable access to STEM. Since 2004, we have engaged more than 20,000 Black and racialized youth from low-income communities through transformative STEM learning experiences that build leadership, resilience and belonging. Through long-term, community-rooted programming, we challenge systemic barriers, nurture curiosity and empower the next generation of innovators, change-makers and problem solvers.
PowerKids
Date: Feb 1, 8, 15, 22
Times: 12pm-4pm
Location: The Bays
February 1, 8, 15 & 22
Activities
Join PowerKids at the Harbourfront Centre for the KUUMBA Festival of Black Culture and Futures! Families can enjoy a range of hands-on art activities which change weekly, including printmaking, creating musical instruments from everyday materials, and collage projects. Families can also enjoy an open group Power Plant Gallery Tour at 2pm every Sunday. All activities are designed for creativity and fun. No registration is required, just drop in!
February 1: Musical Instrument Making
February 8: Printmaking
February 15: Musical Instrument Making
February 22: Printmaking
Bios
About PowerKids
The Power Plant is Canada’s leading public art gallery devoted exclusively to contemporary visual art. PowerKids is a series of free creative workshops for children aged 7–12, led by skilled and dynamic artist-educators and inspired by the current exhibitions at the Power Plant.
PowerKids takes place on select Sundays throughout the exhibition seasons and includes a guided tour in or outside the gallery followed by a short creative activity. Each workshop is different, so kids can return throughout the season and be inspired every time.
The National Film Board (NFB)
Date: Feb 1, 8, 14, 15, 16 & 22
Times: Screenings at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm
Location: Studio Theatre
Films provided courtesy of the National Film Board of Canada.
February 1 & 15 Screenings
Film Compilation Lineup #1 (52 minutes total)
Sounds & Pressure: Nana McLean
Directed by Graeme Mathieson & Chris Flanagan; 2024; 12 minutes
Against the changing face of Toronto’s Little Jamaica, where she established some of the city’s landmark reggae record stores, singer Nana McLean challenges outdated stereotypes and establishes her reputation as the queen of reggae in Canada
Black Soul
Directed by Martine Chartrand; 2000; 9 minutes
Martine Chartrand’s animated short dives into the heart of Black culture with an exhilarating trip through history. Watch as a young boy traces his roots through the stories his grandmother shares with him about the events that shaped their cultural heritage.
Icebreakers
Directed by Sandi Rankaduwa; 2019; 15 minutes
Josh Crooks is a young, gifted African-Canadian hockey player in an overwhelmingly white sport. In its intimate story of transgenerational identity, Ice Breakers reveals the buried history of how Black athletes helped pioneer modern hockey, as Crooks discovers that his passion is tied to a remarkable heritage.
Oscar
Directed by Marie-Josée Saint-Pierre; 2016; 12 minutes
Mixing animated sequences and archival footage, Oscaris a touching portrait of virtuoso pianist Oscar Peterson at the twilight of an exceptional career, as he wistfully meditates on the price of fame and the impacts of the artist’s life on family life.
From the young prodigy’s beginnings in Little Burgundy to his triumphs on the international scene, this animated documentary by Marie-Josée Saint-Pierre explores the profound solitude of an artist constantly on tour. Set to the tunes of Peterson’s sometimes catchy, sometimes melancholy-tinged compositions, the film tells a heartfelt story about a life in jazz.
Bios
About The National Film Board of Canada (NFB)
The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) is a leader in exploring animation as an art form, a storytelling medium and innovative content for emerging platforms. It produces trailblazing animated works both in its Montreal studios and across the country, and it works with many of the world’s leading creators on international co-productions. NFB productions have won more than 7,000 awards, including seven Oscars for NFB animation and seven grand prizes at the Annecy festival.
February 8, 14, 16 & 22 Screenings
Film Compilation Lineup #2 (47 minutes total)
Sounds & Pressure – Roy and Yvonne
Directed by Graeme Mathieson and Chris Flanagan; 2024; 15 minutes
Roy Panton and Yvonne Harrison made history as one of the first Jamaican ska duos. Decades after going their separate ways, the pair rekindle their magic — this time, 3,000 kilometres north, in Scarborough, Ontario.
Joe
Directed by Jill Haras; 2002; 8 minutes
This animated short tells the story of Seraphim “Joe” Fortes, one of Vancouver’s most beloved citizens. Born in the West Indies, Joe Fortes swam in English Bay for over than 30 years. A self-appointed lifeguard at first, he became so famous that the city of Vancouver finally rewarded him with a salary for doing what he loved best. He taught thousands of people to swim and saved over a hundred lives. Yet there were some who did not respect him because of his skin colour. Through his determination, kindness and love for children, Joe helped shift attitudes.
King’s Court
Directed by Serville Poblete; 2025; 20 minutes
A fast-paced look at friendship, family and the journey to manhood in modern society, King’s Court is a National Film Board short film that blurs the line between documentary and fiction, immersing viewers in the raw emotions and struggles of two lifelong friends in Toronto’s Bleecker Street neighbourhood — one of Canada’s most diverse and densely populated areas. Through engaging, cinematic storytelling both on and off their favourite basketball court, we root for these inspiring young men in pursuit of identity and acceptance.
Zab Maboungou
Directed by Carmine Pierre-Dufour; 2021; 4 minutes
This portrait of choreographer Zab Maboungou provides insight into the meticulous training and physical strength behind one of her pivotal works: Mozongi.
Bios
About The National Film Board of Canada (NFB)
The National Film Board of Canada (NFB) is a leader in exploring animation as an art form, a storytelling medium and innovative content for emerging platforms. It produces trailblazing animated works both in its Montreal studios and across the country, and it works with many of the world’s leading creators on international co-productions. NFB productions have won more than 7,000 awards, including seven Oscars for NFB animation and seven grand prizes at the Annecy festival.
Dance Workshops
in collaboration with Harbourfront Centre School Visits
Date: February 1, 8, 14 & 22
Times: 1:30pm-2:30pm, 3pm-4pm
Location: The Lookout (February 1, 14, 22), Main Loft (February 8)
February 1: Body Percussion
The School Visits team is excited to welcome you to our drop-in Body Percussion workshop at Harbourfront Centre with Karly Friesen. Participants will be introduced to the rich diversity of body percussion across cultures and will use their bodies as instruments to discover potential for musical expression through rhythm and sound.
Bios
About Karly Friesen
Karly Friesen is a Toronto-based, multidisciplinary artist from Sudbury Ontario. A graduate from the performance conservatory program at George Brown College, she is an actor and creator focused on Shakespeare, Clown, Improv and Devised Work. An avid mover, Friesen has trained in a multitude of dance styles including contemporary, ballet, jazz, tap, modern, hip-hop, Romani, Bollywood and musical theatre.
Along with performance, she is a certified Basic Actor Combatant with Fight Directors Canada. Friesen is also proud to be an Arts Educator for Harbourfront Centre where she has had the privilege of teaching visual and performance arts to students across the GTA.
Chosen previous fight direction credits include August Osage County (Oshawa Little Theatre), If We Were Birds and Better Living (Alumnae Theatre). Chosen previous acting credits include Midsummer Night’s Dream, Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (STC/YES Theatre) Innocence Lost, Two Minutes to Midnight, Punch Up, The Living End: Madame Winnifred’s Circus of Wonders (Theatre on the Ridge), Boom Baby and Nested (Alumnae Theatre).
February 8: Jazz (CANCELLED)
Please note: today’s February 8 jazz dance workshop has been cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience and we hope to see you at next week’s hip-hop dance workshop on Saturday, February 14!
The School Visits team is excited to welcome you to our drop-in Jazz workshop at Harbourfront Centre. Participants will work with experienced dance educator, Karly Friesen, to explore the elements of dance through the fundamental concepts of traditional Jazz dance.
Bios
About Karly Friesen
Karly Friesen is a Toronto-based, multidisciplinary artist from Sudbury Ontario. A graduate from the performance conservatory program at George Brown College, she is an actor and creator focused on Shakespeare, Clown, Improv and Devised Work. An avid mover, Friesen has trained in a multitude of dance styles including contemporary, ballet, jazz, tap, modern, hip-hop, Romani, Bollywood and musical theatre.
Along with performance, she is a certified Basic Actor Combatant with Fight Directors Canada. Friesen is also proud to be an Arts Educator for Harbourfront Centre where she has had the privilege of teaching visual and performance arts to students across the GTA.
Chosen previous fight direction credits include August Osage County (Oshawa Little Theatre), If We Were Birds and Better Living (Alumnae Theatre). Chosen previous acting credits include Midsummer Night’s Dream, Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime (STC/YES Theatre) Innocence Lost, Two Minutes to Midnight, Punch Up, The Living End: Madame Winnifred’s Circus of Wonders (Theatre on the Ridge), Boom Baby and Nested (Alumnae Theatre).
February 14: Hip-Hop
The School Visits team is excited to welcome you to our drop-in Hip-Hop workshop at Harbourfront Centre with Zuri Skreete. Participants will work with an experienced dance educator to explore the pillars of hip hop and the elements of dance.
Bios
About Zuri Skreete
Zuri Skeete (she/her) is a Black queer emerging multidisciplinary dance artist within the Toronto community. Skeete is a graduate from York University with a BFA in Dance and a Specialized Honours in Choreography/Performance. She is a performer, choreographer and teacher with a heavy focus on improvisation and contemporary dance.
Skeete has had the opportunity to work with artists such as David Norsworthy, Syreeta Hector, Tracey Norman and Susan Lee. She has co-choreographed pieces for Dance Ontario Weekend and Fever After Dark and has also choreographed and performed a commissioned piece for Toes for Dance’s Common Ground Festival.
Additionally, she is the co-founder and artistic director of The Meaningful Movement which aims to create spaces, events and conversations for all artists and art lovers. Skeete is constantly striving to explore her identity and movement aesthetic, persistently questioning whether she can delve deeper into everything she works on. Being present, staying curious and always ready to play allows her to fully immerse in the language of dance. She is always grateful for opportunities to collaborate and share her passions with other artists.
February 22: Hip-Hop
The School Visits team is excited to welcome you to our drop-in Hip-Hop workshop at Harbourfront Centre. Participants will work with experienced dance educator, Zuri Skreete, to explore the pillars of hip hop and the elements of dance.
Bios
About Zuri Skreete
Zuri Skeete (she/her) is a Black queer emerging multidisciplinary dance artist within the Toronto community. Skeete is a graduate from York University with a BFA in Dance and a Specialized Honours in Choreography/Performance. She is a performer, choreographer and teacher with a heavy focus on improvisation and contemporary dance.
Skeete has had the opportunity to work with artists such as David Norsworthy, Syreeta Hector, Tracey Norman and Susan Lee. She has co-choreographed pieces for Dance Ontario Weekend and Fever After Dark and has also choreographed and performed a commissioned piece for Toes for Dance’s Common Ground Festival.
Additionally, she is the co-founder and artistic director of The Meaningful Movement which aims to create spaces, events and conversations for all artists and art lovers. Skeete is constantly striving to explore her identity and movement aesthetic, persistently questioning whether she can delve deeper into everything she works on. Being present, staying curious and always ready to play allows her to fully immerse in the language of dance. She is always grateful for opportunities to collaborate and share her passions with other artists.
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