Education
Welcome to FFDN Education
At FFDN, our goal is to create meaningful learning experiences for students of all ages. We invite students to engage on a deeper level with the art of dance in order to strengthen their knowledge of diverse expressions of movement.
Workshops
Each year FFDN has the opportunity to bring international dance artists to Toronto to host both public and private workshops for the Toronto dance community. These workshops offer the opportunity for dancers of varying experience levels and dance styles to broaden their repertoire of movement and understanding of international dance. Please contact education@ffdnorth.com for more information on how to arrange a private workshop for your students.
School Shows
FFDN’s school show experience provides students the opportunity to critically engage with dance companies from around the world. We are committed to creating diverse and inclusive learning experiences for students in order to add the wealth of knowledge in dance education. Alongside each performance, FFDN’s education team provides educators with teaching resources pertaining to the historical context of the dance form, guiding questions and activities for students to engage in before, during and after viewing the performance.
Student Talks
We understand the importance of providing students with the opportunity to learn from professionals in the field. It is for this reason, we create opportunities for students to connect with artistic directors, choreographers and producers to get a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process, while also learning of prospective avenues in the arts industry. Please contact education@ffdnorth.com to arrange a student talk for your students.
Each fall during our annual dance festival FFDN has the opportunity to bring international dance artists to Toronto for performances and to host both public and private workshops for the Toronto dance community. These workshops offer the opportunity for dancers of varying experience levels and dance styles to broaden their repertoire of movement and understanding of international dance.
Below are a list of free public workshops for all levels hosted by FFDN through the upcoming 2024 festival.
SATURDAY, SEP 21
6:30PM - 7:30PM
Malpaso Dance Company
Where: The Underground Dance Centre (220 Richmond St, W)
Level: Intermediate/ Advanced
Taught by: Daile Carrazana and Malpaso dancers
The Cuban Technique of Modern Dance: a dense blend of Cuban movement modes and North American modern dance techniques. The session will also include Afro Cuban social dances. If wearing socks, cotton socks are recommended.
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Malpaso Dance Company performs at FFDN 2024 on Sep 26 & 27 as part of HOMECOMING: 2024 Signature Programme.
MONDAY, SEP 23
9PM - 10:30PM
The Mars Project: Thomas Moon
Where: 401 Richmond St West, Suite b104
Level: Intermediate/ Advanced Tap
Taught by: Thomas Moon
Step into the rhythm with The Mars Project, where some of the world’s finest tap dance musicians come together - like Thomas! An international touring artist, Thomas sings and tap dances. He draws on Black American folk traditions and their close ties to jazz music and rhythm.
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The Mars Project by Travis Knights is presented at FFDN 2024 from Oct 4-6 at The Creative School Chrysalis.
FRIDAY, SEP 27
5:00PM - 6:00PM
Tkaronto Open II
Where: York University Accolate East Building, Studio E (83 York Blvd, North York)
Level: All Levels (Beginners welcomed)
Taught by: Acosia Red Elk
Participants will be guided through the basic footwork of traditional Jingle Dress dance in a highly physical Powwow Dance Class, while developing a deeper understanding of the cultural significance and history of the dance form.
Tkaronto Open II is presented during FFDN 2024 on Sep 28 at Union Station TD Carriageway.
SATURDAY, SEP 28
6PM - 7:30PM
The Mars Project: Reona
Where: 401 Richmond St West, Suite b104
Level: Intermediate/ Advanced Tap
Taught by: Reona
Step into the rhythm with The Mars Project, where some of the world’s finest tap dance musicians come together - like Reona! An international touring artist based in Tokyo, Reona carries around tap shoes, a wooden board, iron plates, tin pot lids, stainless steel bowls, etc., and makes full use of what she has in order to materialize the sounds in her head.
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The Mars Project by Travis Knights is presented at FFDN 2024 from Oct 4-6 at The Creative School Chrysalis.
SUNDAY, SEP 29
1:00PM - 2:30PM
Nederlands Dans Theatre
Where: Windborne Studio at Canada's National Ballet School (400 Jarvis St)
Level: Intermediate/ Advanced
Taught by: Ralitza Malehounova
Workshop description coming soon.
Nederlands Dans Theatre will perform a duet by choreographer Marco Goecke as part of FFDN's one-night-only 10th Anniversary Celebration Party, Studio 24 on Sep 28.
FRIDAY, OCT 4
5:00PM - 6:00PM
Rock Bottom Movement
Where: Betty Oliphant Theatre at Canada's National Ballet School (400 Jarvis St)
Level: All Levels (Beginners welcomed)
Taught by: Alyssa Martin
Workshop description coming soon
Rock Bottom Movement world premieres Alyssa Martin's new full-length work Big Time Miss at FFDN 2024 from Oct 2 - 5.
SATURDAY, OCT 5
10 - 11AM
Propeller Dance
Where: Meridian Hall, Reherasal Hall - 1 Front Street East
Level: Contemporary Inclusive, All Levels
Taught by: Frank Hull
Enter the world of Propeller Dance where all bodyminds are welcome. This workshop, led by seasoned inclusive dance artist Frank Hull, explores inclusive dance practices, centering your deep relationship to your own movement pathways, and relationship to your mobility device and other people. Enjoy Taking Time, and allowing for deep connection to self, others, and our interconnectedness.
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See Propeller Dance in 'Waiting in the wings no more' during FFDN 2024 from Oct 4-6 at Betty Oliphant Theatre.