Discover Dance 2025
NEW PARTNERS, RENEWED VISION!
Presenting Partner: Dancemakers
Community Partner: Jamii on the Esplanade
In 2025, we joined forces with Jamii on the Esplanade and Dancemakers to embody what it means to be a shared space for dancing our stories boldly.
Connecting beloved collaborators Vivine Scarlett, Ed Hanley, and Dainty Smith, we provided space for creative play and reflection. Out of this powerful convergence emerged The Lady Comes Home, a daring new solo by burlesque artist, storyteller, and truth-teller Dainty Smith. As part of the process, Dainty led an open evening workshop introducing participants to the artistry and technique of burlesque. A final public showing offered an intimate glimpse into the creative evolution of the work. With Vivine’s choreographic mentorship and Ed’s evocative music, Dainty’s work claimed space for vulnerability and power, sensuality and self-actualization.
We affirmed our commitment to supporting works that speak from the heart, challenge conventions, and invite us all to witness the richness of embodied storytelling. Rooted in an equity mandate that prioritizes historically excluded voices, Discover Dance resources practices from the margins to dismantle barriers for diverse forms of excellence to flourish.
Hosted by: Nova Bhattacharya
Discover Dance 2023
Movers & Makers!
Presenting Partner: TO Live
Community Partner: Baycrest@Home
Discover Dance is back and we’re putting the spotlight on dancer, choreographers who are creating new works and want to share their process with you. They are exciting movement storytellers, delving into their vibrant cultural and dance identities to create works that play with theatricality, interpersonal relationships, and identity. It’s an hour-long tour into the creative minds of highly skilled movement makers – you can ask questions, share your responses or simply observe. Whether you join us in person or on-line, Discover Dance is free and fun for all ages.
Hosted by: Nova Bhattacharya, Neena Jayarajan & Dainty Smith.
“Discover Dance is not to be missed!”
“Discover Dance is a terrific way to learn from and celebrate the extraordinary dance artists of many nations and backgrounds in our dance community”
“An inviting atmosphere, and a depth of artistry that opened my mind to consider things anew”
“We appreciate your time and energy in advancing Baycrest@Home's mission to provide opportunities for meaningful making, connections and joy for older adults and carers” ~ Melissa Tafler, Manager of Culture, Arts and Health Services at Baycrest
“Watching the performance of dancer and choreographer Eilish Shin-Culhane is an invitation to welcome joy as an integral part of dance and as a necessary part of life. Eilish Shin-Culhane is a Tkaronto based queer artist of Koren and European ethnicity. The intersections of otherness and difference that live in her body shine through in her commitment to the pursuit of reclaiming childhood joy in our adulthood.” - Dainty Smith
Discover Dance 2022
NEW ARTISTS, NEW HOSTS, NEW CONVERSATIONS.
Presented by TO Live and Nova Dance
In Person and ONLINE - 12PM EST
Enjoy our free, all ages program sharing the artistry of superlative dancers. Performing live from Greenwin Theatre - Meridian Arts Centre, Meridian Hall and streaming directly to you – Discover Dance is an hour-long expedition into a performer’s life onstage and behind the scenes – and there’s always a chance to try out a move or two.
Hosted by Travis Knights, Dainty Smith, and Susie Burpee.
Discover Dance 2021
New platforms, new partners.
ONLINE - 1pm EST
Enjoy our free, all ages program sharing the artistry of superlative dancers. Performing live from the Jane Mallet Theatre and streaming directly to you – Discover Dance is an hour-long expedition into a performer’s life onstage and behind the scenes – and there’s always a chance to try out a move or two.
Hosted by Neena Jayarajan and Nova Bhattacharya .
NEW PARTNERSHIP
The Baycrest Foundation is a global leader in geriatric residential living, with a special focus on brain health and aging.
Culture and arts programs are a cornerstone in their work to defeat dementia and help older adults experience more joy in their lives.
Sharing Discover Dance with their Baycrest@Home program has been a wonderful way to connect through the power and vitality of movement. Hosted by Neena Jayarajan, Nova Bhattacharya and Meera Kanageswaran.
Discover Dance 2020
One live show and eight online conversations.
In 2020, we presented one live event in March and then faced with pandemic uncertainties honoured our commitment to artists by hosting them in a virtual conversation about their work.
Read about these conversations HERE.
Hosted by Nova Bhattacharya & Emily Law
Discover Dance 2018-2019
A pilot program supported by Toronto Arts Council’s Open Door funds.
In partnership with TO Live’s Education and Engagement department, we launched a free, all-ages lunch hour series at Meridian Hall and Meridian Arts Centre.
Giving audiences a chance to see dance close-up, hear stories, ask questions and try out ways to move.
Sharing the artistry of stellar Toronto talents and the diaspora of dance forms from the city’s vibrant cultural scene.
Hosted by Nova Bhattacharya & Neena Jayarajan.
2019 ARTISTS
2018 ARTISTS
