About
The evening begins with a graceful dance lesson led by Waltz Toronto’s own Cheryl Henry and Simon Threlkeld. Experience an enchanting introduction to Bridgerton-style dancing, set to modern pop hits but rooted in the timeless charm of 19th-century social dances, including the Waltz, Polka, Two Step and Quadrilles.
No prior experience or partner is needed; this event warmly welcomes absolute beginners. Simply bring your curiosity, your sense of fun and perhaps your finest Regency-era evening wear!
Following the lesson, be swept away by a live performance from The Triple Timers, whose melodies and movement will transport you to a bygone era of enchantment.
7pm–8pm: Dance Class*
8pm–9:45pm: Live Band
*Sign up below for your Free Ticket to attend the Dance Class portion of the evening.
This event is rain or shine! This event will continue in most weather conditions with the exception of lightning storms or extreme weather.
About Waltz Toronto
Waltz Toronto, formerly known as Mostly Waltz Toronto, takes pride in offering a welcoming atmosphere to everyone, from the most inexperienced novice to long time social dance enthusiasts. Waltz Toronto’s events are among the most established and terrifically fun dances in the city of Toronto, and many would agree that they’re among Toronto’s best kept secrets. They also like and teach Polka, Ragtime Dancing, Blues Dance, Peabody, Schottische and other partner dances.
About Simon Threlkeld
Simon Threlkeld teaches and loves Lindy Hop, 1920s dances, ragtime dances, 19th century dances, traditional Viennese Waltz, polka and cross-step waltz. He also teaches and loves Air Steps, lifts, drops, dips and floorials and thinks this is some of the best and most fun stuff in dance.
Threlkeld has been teaching dance for over 20 years, co-founded Toronto’s Lindy Hop scene in late 1995 and 96, has taught many classes and workshops, has presented many live band swing dance parties, organized many dance workshop weekends since the mid 1990s and has attended many workshops with the world’s most highly regarded Lindy Hop teachers. He is the coordinator of Swing Toronto and Waltz Toronto.
About Cheryl Henry
Cheryl Henry started dancing Lindy Hop in March 2000. After learning this dance was created by African Americans, she has been relentless in her research and teaching of early Afrocentric dance styles. Henry has had the honour to meet and study with international Lindy Hop, tap, jazz, and music masters, Frankie Manning, Norma Miller, Chester Whitmore, Chazz Young, Skip Cunningham, Jeni LeGon, Dawn Hampton, Sugar Sullivan and Barbara Billups.
Henry’s keen interest in 19th and early 20th century vernacular dances also led her to workshops with Richard Powers and Angela Amarillas which included waltz, and with Chad Fasca and Midori Asakura to learn Peabody. She has choreographed for and performed on local, provincial and international stages. Henry is eager to continue learning, teaching and collaborating on the majestic dances and music history of the African Diaspora.
About The Triple Timers
Rebekah Wolkstein (Violin, Vocals)
Founder and leader of Payadora. Multi-award-winning composer, co-founder of Schmaltz & Pepper and first violinist of the Venuti String Quartet.
Drew Jurecka (Bandoneon, Violin, Mandolin)
Grammy-winning producer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist. Producer of Payadora’s albums and arranger of the Silent Tears repertoire.
Joseph Phillips (Double Bass, Guitar)
Principal bass of Orchestra London Canada and a versatile performer across classical, folk, jazz and world music. Studied with Joel Quarrington.
Mark Camilleri (Piano)
Theatre music director, orchestrator and pianist with a 35-year career spanning concert halls, film scoring and the stages of Broadway and Mirvish Productions.
Venue
235 Queens Quay West
Toronto, ON