YENSA Festival, AUG 20-23 Workshops
AFRICA VIBES, YENSA’s signature workshop series, invites Black women dance instructors to share with the community their expertise in movements rooted in the African diaspora. AFRICA VIBES not only amplifies their voices but also contributes to the preservation and promotion of diverse dance forms. Come with an open heart and ready to cultivate new friendships and embrace the journey of movement rooted in spirit.
Jazz Dance
with Natasha Powell
AUG 20
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: National Ballet School of Canada, 400 Jarvis St.
Studio 6D Concourse Level
Jazz Dance
Join Natasha Powell for an Authentic Jazz Dance workshop. Authentic Jazz Dance is a collection of dances created within African-American communities from the late 1800s through the mid-1900s, set to jazz and swing music. From the Suzy Q to the Charleston, this workshop explores what it looks and feels like to dance to jazz music, with a focus on the tools, technique, and musicality that bring these movements to life. The class begins with a warm-up followed by conversations on the historical and cultural context of jazz dance lineage, swing rhythms, and how we embody jazz through movement.
ABOUT NATASHA POWELL
Natasha Powell is a Toronto native who has been working in the dance industry for 20 years. Her soulful approach to movement that transcends genre can be seen and felt in her dancing, choreography, and teachings. As the founder, artistic director, and choreographer for her company HOLLA JAZZ, she has created award-winning productions, presenting historical jazz dances in a contemporary aesthetic. Their productions have been nominated for multiple Dora Mavor Moore Awards. Her choreographic language has led her to collaborate with the National Ballet of Canada; and on theatre projects for Canadian Stage productions of Choir Boy (2022), and Fall on Your Knees (2023). Natasha is a recipient of the 2023 Johanna Metcalf Prize in the Performing Arts, presented by the Metcalf Foundation. Inspired by Black-American vernacular dances like jazz, hip hop, and house dance Natasha shares her love for movement through teaching workshops in Toronto and abroad.
Sabar Dance
with Imania Fatima Detry
AUG 22
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: National Ballet School of Canada, 400 Jarvis St.
Studio 6D Concourse Level
Sabar Dance
Join Imania Fatima Detry, Assistant Artistic Director of Ayodele Drum & Dance, for an energizing Sabar dance workshop. Rooted in improvisation and community expression, Sabar is a vibrant dance form of the Wolof people, primarily from Senegal and The Gambia. Traditionally performed in social gatherings, it is used to celebrate a wide range of life events through rhythm, movement, and collective joy. Sabar is a high-energy, rhythm-driven traditional dance and drumming style from Senegal, known for its fast footwork, vibrant movements, and communal celebration.
ABOUT IMANIA FATIMA DETRY
Imania Fatima Detry is a Chicago-born and bred performing and teaching artist with a focus on West African dance. With over 20 years of professional training and performance with Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago as a principle artist and as the founding member and assistant artistic director of Ayodele Drum and Dance, she truly enjoys and works to preserve African dance and culture as well as share her current experiences and style in her teaching and performing! She has worked with artists such as Chance the Rapper, Fatima Robinson, Fox Productions and more. Imania has expanded her choreography with fusion styles that include djembe and Dundun dance, Sabar, house, Chicago footwork and Afrobeat.
African Dance
with Lua Shayenne
AUG 23
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: National Ballet School of Canada, 400 Jarvis St.
Studio 6D Concourse Level
African Dance
Join Lua Shayenne for an enriching workshop rooted in the traditions of West African dance and live drumming. Participants will explore the history and cultural significance of a specific rhythm while being invited to sing, move, and experience the heartbeat of polyrhythms within their own bodies.
This workshop will have live percussions!
ABOUT LUA SHAYENNE
A finalist of the 2024 Toronto Arts Foundation Muriel Sherrin Award and the 2025 Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prizes, Lua Shayenne, a dynamic creator, intertwines contemporary narratives through dance, song, and storytelling. Inspired by her African heritage and the Baha’i Faith, her art aims to ignite hearts and stirs consciences, fostering dialogue and advocacy for ecological stewardship, social equity, and spiritual growth. Lua is the Dora-nominated creator and performer of the dance theatre children’s tale Yassama and The Beaded Calabash touring since 2023. Lua is the artistic director and choreographer of Lua Shayenne Dance Company (LSDC). Through LSDC, Lua boldly envisioned and launched YENSA Festival in 2022. Lua teaches at Toronto Metropolitan University’s dance program and brings African dance, music, storytelling and culture to grassroots organizations and schools all over Canada.
Preparing for Your Workshop
What to bring:
Comfortable clothing to move in, water bottle (refill station available). We dance barefoot. If you have an injury, please take care of yourself as needed. Clean dance shoes or socks are welcome. Outdoor shoes are not permitted in the studio. We suggest leaving valuables at home.Change rooms:
There is a washroom available for changing. If that is not comfortable for you, we recommend arriving dressed for class.Latecomers:
Please warm up on the side before joining to avoid injury.Sensory note:
YENSA’s live drum and dance workshops include sustained rhythms and varying volumes. You are welcome to step out, take breaks, or use ear protection as needed. Please listen to your body.Health and safety:
Please comply with current Ontario public health regulations and all health and safety measures in place at the venue.Anti-harassment policy:
Lua Shayenne Dance Company is committed to a healthy, harassment-free environment. There is zero tolerance for harassment in any form. Our culture is based on mutual respect and collaboration. This applies to all participants and staff.Refunds:
Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable once registration has been completed. If you miss the class, kindly consider it as a donation to the artists and staff. Thank you for your understanding.Filming:
Please refrain from filming during the workshop. We appreciate your cooperation.DIRECTIONS
Venue: Canada’s National Ballet School
Please arrive at least 15 minutes early. Upon arrival, all participants will be required to complete a check-in form at reception before being guided to the studio space.
Please note that the studios are located a short distance from the main entrance. Give yourself enough time to navigate the building, change, and get comfortable before the workshop begins.
Is parking available?
Street parking is available on Jarvis Street and surrounding areas. Public parking lots are also located within walking distance of the theatre.
Is the venue accessible by TTC?
The Betty Oliphant Theatre is accessible by TTC via Sherbourne Station and Wellesley Station. Streetcar and bus stops are also located at Carlton & Jarvis and Wellesley & Jarvis. The venue is approximately a 10–15 minute walk from either station. Accessible TTC routes and trip planning information are available at
www.ttc.ca.
I have more questions. Who can I contact?
If you have any questions or require assistance, please contact us at
assistantproducer@yensafestival.com.