Dance, dance to freedom. In solidarity with Iran’s enduring spirit — 47 years of ongoing resistance and the relentless pursuit of basic human rights under a suppressed regime. Here’s to that day.

Saturday May 9, 16, 23, 30

1pm-4pm

with space before and after for conversation and tea

At the Citadel Ross Centre for Dance – 304 Parliament St

Dance & Freedom is an intensive four-session workshop that blends sorcerer-inspired movement with contemporary dance practices to explore embodying resistance. Open to both trained dancers and non-dancers, the workshop examines how dance and the human body have been suppressed across cultures and how they continue to re-emerge as powerful tools for freedom.

What to expect: Each session includes learning movement vocabularies, lectures, verbal exercises, writing, structured and play-based improvisation, and discussion, concluding with prompts for the next session. Participants dance, record, watch, and reflect together while having dedicated time to build networks, enjoy themselves, and connect socially.

Time in process: The workshop consists of three 3-hour sessions and one seven-hour shooting day with professional cameras, lighting, and live music, giving participants the opportunity to experience the differences between dancing for the camera and for a live audience. A short dance video serves as the artistic outcome.

Dance & Resistance offers a unique opportunity to explore contemporary dance, creative embodiment, and somatic awareness. Participants leave with a deeper understanding of movement as storytelling, resilience, and artistic expression, while contributing to a collaborative, visually compelling project that celebrates the body’s capacity to resist, reclaim, and transform.

Creator and facilitator: Alireza Keymanesh

Director of Photography: Misha Petrenko

Musician: Ilyse Krivel

Photo: 33School – 2019; An underground somatic and dance school in Iran
​Photo credit: Jeremy Suyker