Showtime @ Shops

“What dance gives, can also be received”

Showtime at Shops was a pop-up performance organized at an outdoor shopping space that is frequented by many people including youth. 

Melissa Hart wanted to create a performance experience for the average passersby to remind audiences that dance is essential to human existence and that “what dance gives can also be received.”

By choosing Shops at Don Mills as the location of Showtime at Shops, not only does Melissa want to activate a frequently visited space in their neighbourhood, but also present an opportunity for diverse audiences of all ages outside of the downtown core to experience the incredible vibrant energy of artists who are making waves in the dance community!  

As part of Showtime at Shops Melissa has commissioned a new work by Raoul Wilke and will also feature emerging dancers from School of Groove.  

For this commission, Raoul has created A product of my environment which gives insight into the underground clubs of Chicago and New York in the late 1970s and early 1980s where House Dance originated. This piece explores those communal spaces where house music and the people were as one and features Miha Matevzic and Caroline Fraser.

Curated by: Melissa Hart

Featuring newly commissioned work by choreographer: Raoul Wilke

Performed by: Raoul Wilke, Miha Matevzic and Caroline Fraser

Also featuring opening act performances by: School of Groove

Choreographed by: Kelly Gammie & Queenie Vicente

Sound Technician: Kit Norman