Two dancers in traditional attire pose in front of a large, textured sculpture in a park with lush green trees and grass.

TOES FOR DANCE

LXCL:6:00-7:00pm - Beginner Dance Class: Dance the Bollywood Way with Rajvi Dedhia7:00-8:00pm - Beginner Dance Class: Classical Han Dance (古典舞) with Jasmine Huang, instruction provided in English and Mandarin

RSVP - Friday Sept 11

LXCL:11:30am-12:30pm - Beginner Dance Class: Rhythms of the Heart with Montana Summers12:30-1:30pm - Beginner Dance Class: Step into Kathak with Sukriti Sharma1:30-2:00pm - Artist Talk with Montana Summers and Sukriti Sharma2:00-2:40pm - Bimaadiziwin Learning Walk with Charlene Grandmaison and Gorge Michael3:00-4:00pm - Intercultural Performances featuring Montana Summers, Sukriti Sharma, and students from TFD’s Fresh Dance Intensive program; co-hosted in English and Mandarin

RSVP - Saturday Sept 12

LXCL:6:00-7:00pm - Beginner Dance Class: Persian Dance From North to South with Raha Dance, instruction provided in English and Farsi7:00-8:00pm - Beginner Dance Class: Joy and Play through Contemporary Dance with Chantelle Good

RSVP - Friday Sept 25

LXCL:11:30am-12:30pm - Beginner Dance Class: Afro-Diasporic Rhythms with Collette 'Coco' Murray12:30-1:30pm - Beginner Dance Class: Colombian Blend with Olga Barrios1:30-2:00pm - Artist Talk with Collette 'Coco' Murray and Olga Barrios2:00-2:40pm - Bimaadiziwin Learning Walk with Charlene Grandmaison and Gorge Michael Carpenter3:00-4:00pm - Intercultural Performances featuring Collette 'Coco' Murray, Olga Barrios, and Prabhāvalī Arts; co-hosted in English and Farsi

RSVP - Saturday Sept 26

<p fr-original-style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; orphans: auto; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; margin: 1rem 0px; line-height: var(--body-font-line-height); font-size: calc((var(--large-text-size-value) - 1) * 1.2vw + 1rem); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); overflow-wrap: break-word; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.34px; text-align: center;" id="isPasted" style="font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; margin: 1rem 0px; line-height: var(--body-font-line-height); font-size: calc((var(--large-text-size-value) - 1) * 1.2vw + 1rem); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); overflow-wrap: break-word; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0.34px; text-align: center; box-sizing: inherit;"><span fr-original-style="text-decoration: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(231, 157, 4);" style="text-decoration: inherit; overflow-wrap: break-word; color: rgb(231, 157, 4); box-sizing: inherit;">Common Ground Dance Days (CGDD) is a series of free, outdoor, intercultural, and participatory events that celebrate movement and community!Co-presented by TOES FOR DANCE, Flight Festival, and North York Arts, the program includes welcoming Beginner Level Dance Classes in a variety of styles, Bimaadiziwin Learning Walks that share and uplift Indigenous knowledge, insightful Artist Talks, as well as creatively-vibrant&nbsp;Intercultural Performances featuring evocative dances and compelling works-in-process by professional choreographers and student dance artists. Schedule At-A-Glance Friday, September 11, 2026&nbsp;(rain date: Sept 13)6:00-7:00pm - Beginner Dance Class: Dance the Bollywood Way with Rajvi Dedhia7:00-8:00pm - Beginner Dance Class:&nbsp;Classical Han Dance (古典舞) with Jasmine Huang, instruction provided in English and Mandarin&nbsp; Saturday, September 12, 2026&nbsp;(rain date: Sept 13)11:30am-12:30pm - Beginner Dance Class: Rhythms of the Heart&nbsp;with Montana Summers12:30-1:30pm - Beginner Dance Class: Step into Kathak&nbsp;with Sukriti Sharma1:30-2:00pm - Artist Talk with Montana Summers and Sukriti Sharma2:00-2:40pm - Bimaadiziwin Learning Walk&nbsp;with Charlene Grandmaison and Gorge Michael&nbsp;3:00-4:00pm - Intercultural Performances featuring Montana Summers, Sukriti Sharma, and students from TFD&rsquo;s Fresh Dance Intensive program; co-hosted in English and Mandarin &nbsp;&nbsp;Friday, September 25, 2026&nbsp;(rain date: Sept 27)6:00-7:00pm - Beginner Dance Class: Persian Dance From North to South with Raha Dance, instruction provided in English and Farsi7:00-8:00pm - Beginner Dance Class:&nbsp;Joy and Play through Contemporary Dance&nbsp;with Chantelle Good Saturday, September 26, 2026&nbsp;(rain date: Sept 27)11:30am-12:30pm - Beginner Dance Class: Afro-Diasporic Rhythms with Collette &#39;Coco&#39; Murray12:30-1:30pm - Beginner Dance Class: Colombian Blend with Olga Barrios1:30-2:00pm - Artist Talk with Collette &#39;Coco&#39; Murray and Olga Barrios2:00-2:40pm - Bimaadiziwin Learning Walk&nbsp;with Charlene Grandmaison and Gorge Michael Carpenter3:00-4:00pm - Intercultural Performances featuring Collette &#39;Coco&#39; Murray, Olga Barrios, and Prabhāvalī Arts, co-hosted in English and Farsi These events are connected to Willowdale&rsquo;s multi-faceted and family-friendly Common Ground Dance Festival that has brought artists and audiences together annually since 2021. Through our offerings this year, you will be able to witness and experience Indigenous movement traditions, Bollywood, Kathak, Contemporary, Bharatanatyam, Iranian dance, Classical Han dance, and more. All events are free and unticketed, although attendees are encouraged to RSVP to receive weather-related updates directly in their inbox and a chance to win prizes onsite! In the event of inclement or unpleasant weather, please check your inbox and our social media (@toesfordance) for updates about possible postponement. Directions + ParkingClick here for a&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/9UZNFL6XTxbLxAkK7" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">Google Map</a> to Lee Lifeson Art Park. Note: The park has two addresses (both are correct): 45 Princess Ave AND 223 Gladys Allison Pl.&nbsp; The park is accessible from North York Centre TTC Station. Exit the subway station through the RioCan Empress Shopping Mall and exit the mall near the Second Cup. Cross Doris Avenue at the crosswalk, and you&rsquo;ll see the park on your right. The nearest curb cut can be accessed by going further along Princess Ave, leading you to the north entrance of the park. There is no parking directly onsite. There are several paid parking lots in the area. Limited street parking in the neighborhood is free after 6pm. AccessibilityThe best Wheel-Trans drop-off location is 45 Princess Ave, bringing you closer to the aforementioned curb cut on the north end of the park. Lee Lifeson Art Park features gently sloping ramps and paved pathways suitable for mobility devices. Most activities will take place in proximity to paved pathways, although some activities may take place on grassy areas within the park. Seating will be available on the wooden benches of the amphitheatre with additional chairs and blankets also available. Attendees are welcome to bring their own camping stools, lawn chairs, or blankets. Accessible viewing will be available on paved pathways around the site. All announcements and dance class instructions will be amplified. A fully accessible washroom and water drinking fountain are available on-site. If you need a moment to step away, a Quiet Area is available in the south east corner of the park. Beginner dance classes will be taught with options for participation depending on your mobility. You are welcome to engage in the event while sitting (chairs provided), standing stationary, or simply by observing and/or feeling the music!&nbsp; Mandarin translation will be available for a class on Sept 11 and the performance on Sept 12. Farsi translation will be available for a class on Sept 25 and the performance on Sept 26. If you have any specific access needs or questions, please reach out to our Access Coordinator, Cass (<a fr-original-style="" href="mailto:cass@toesfordance.ca" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;">cass@toesfordance.ca</a>) ahead of time - we&rsquo;re here to help ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for you! Full festival details at:&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);" href="http://www.toesfordance.ca/common-ground" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">www.toesfordance.ca/common-ground</a> . If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email&nbsp;<a fr-original-style="" href="mailto:info@toesfordance.ca" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;">info@toesfordance.ca</a> Presented in partnership with Flight Festival of Contemporary Dance and North York Arts. Made possible with funding from the City of Toronto, Toronto Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, and the Government of Canada. We gratefully acknowledge additional support from Toronto Arts Foundation/Arts in the Parks, Willowdale Central Ratepayers Association, TO Live, and Empress Orthodontics. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1785167151/wysiwyg/wj8cwnewosua7dhyz52s.png" style="width: 600px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; max-width: 100%; position: relative; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="width: 600px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable">

<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1785168058/wysiwyg/jzco1rkoayg3sjwo3gtw.png" style="width: 600px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; padding: 0px 1px; user-select: none; max-width: 100%; position: relative; box-sizing: inherit;" fr-original-style="width: 600px; display: block; vertical-align: top; margin: 5px auto; text-align: center;" fr-original-class="fr-draggable"> Hi <span contenteditable="false" data-custom-variable="{{firstname}}" fr-original-class="fr-deletable styled-tag-chip" fr-original-style="" style="color: rgb(42, 42, 196); overflow-wrap: anywhere; user-select: none; background-color: rgb(248, 248, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(191, 191, 255); border-radius: 4px; margin: 0px; padding: 1px 8px; font-size: 11px; display: inline-block; box-sizing: inherit;">First name, Thank you for RSVPing for Common Ground Dance Days 2026 (CGDD)!&nbsp;The most up-to-date information about the festival can be found here: <a fr-original-style="text-decoration-color:initial;-webkit-user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit;" href="https://www.toesfordance.ca/common-ground" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color:initial;-webkit-user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit;" target="_blank">toesfordance.ca/common-ground</a> .&nbsp; We are looking forward to seeing you at Lee Lifeson Art Park, and will be in touch via email if there are any weather-related scheduling changes or postponements. Until then, we encourage you to <a fr-original-style="text-decoration-color:initial;-webkit-user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit;" href="https://www.instagram.com/toesfordance/" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color:initial;-webkit-user-select:auto;box-sizing:inherit;" target="_blank">follow us on Instagram</a> to learn more about the artists and events as new information is relased. If you have any general questions, please contact Bri Clarke (<a fr-original-style="" href="mailto:bri@toesfordance.ca" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;">bri@toesfordance.ca</a>). If you have any specific access needs or questions, please reach out to our Access Coordinator, Cass (<a fr-original-style="" href="mailto:cass@toesfordance.ca" rel="noopener noreferrer" style="text-decoration-color: currentcolor; user-select: auto; box-sizing: inherit;" target="_blank">cass@toesfordance.ca</a>) ahead of time - we&rsquo;re here to help ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for you! With gratitude, David Norsworthy-Shibatani and Tanveer AlamCGDD Co-Directors

<p style="font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;text-decoration:none;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);overflow-wrap:break-word;letter-spacing:0.34px;text-align:center;box-sizing:inherit;max-width:100%">Common Ground Dance Days (CGDD) is a series of free, outdoor, intercultural, and participatory events that celebrate movement and community!Co-presented by TOES FOR DANCE, Flight Festival, and North York Arts, the program includes welcoming Beginner Level Dance Classes in a variety of styles, Bimaadiziwin Learning Walks that share and uplift Indigenous knowledge, insightful Artist Talks, as well as creatively-vibrant Intercultural Performances featuring evocative dances and compelling works-in-process by professional choreographers and student dance artists. Schedule At-A-Glance Friday, September 11, 2026 (rain date: Sept 13)6:00-7:00pm - Beginner Dance Class: Dance the Bollywood Way with Rajvi Dedhia7:00-8:00pm - Beginner Dance Class: Classical Han Dance (古典舞) with Jasmine Huang, instruction provided in English and Mandarin  Saturday, September 12, 2026 (rain date: Sept 13)11:30am-12:30pm - Beginner Dance Class: Rhythms of the Heart with Montana Summers12:30-1:30pm - Beginner Dance Class: Step into Kathak with Sukriti Sharma1:30-2:00pm - Artist Talk with Montana Summers and Sukriti Sharma2:00-2:40pm - Bimaadiziwin Learning Walk with Charlene Grandmaison and Gorge Michael 3:00-4:00pm - Intercultural Performances featuring Montana Summers, Sukriti Sharma, and students from TFD’s Fresh Dance Intensive program; co-hosted in English and Mandarin   Friday, September 25, 2026 (rain date: Sept 27)6:00-7:00pm - Beginner Dance Class: Persian Dance From North to South with Raha Dance, instruction provided in English and Farsi7:00-8:00pm - Beginner Dance Class: Joy and Play through Contemporary Dance with Chantelle Good Saturday, September 26, 2026 (rain date: Sept 27)11:30am-12:30pm - Beginner Dance Class: Afro-Diasporic Rhythms with Collette 'Coco' Murray12:30-1:30pm - Beginner Dance Class: Colombian Blend with Olga Barrios1:30-2:00pm - Artist Talk with Collette 'Coco' Murray and Olga Barrios2:00-2:40pm - Bimaadiziwin Learning Walk with Charlene Grandmaison and Gorge Michael Carpenter3:00-4:00pm - Intercultural Performances featuring Collette 'Coco' Murray, Olga Barrios, and Prabhāvalī Arts, co-hosted in English and Farsi These events are connected to Willowdale’s multi-faceted and family-friendly Common Ground Dance Festival that has brought artists and audiences together annually since 2021. Through our offerings this year, you will be able to witness and experience Indigenous movement traditions, Bollywood, Kathak, Contemporary, Bharatanatyam, Iranian dance, Classical Han dance, and more. All events are free and unticketed, although attendees are encouraged to RSVP to receive weather-related updates directly in their inbox and a chance to win prizes onsite! In the event of inclement or unpleasant weather, please check your inbox and our social media (@toesfordance) for updates about possible postponement. Directions + ParkingClick here for a <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/9UZNFL6XTxbLxAkK7" target="_blank">Google Map</a> to Lee Lifeson Art Park. Note: The park has two addresses (both are correct): 45 Princess Ave AND 223 Gladys Allison Pl.  The park is accessible from North York Centre TTC Station. Exit the subway station through the RioCan Empress Shopping Mall and exit the mall near the Second Cup. Cross Doris Avenue at the crosswalk, and you’ll see the park on your right. The nearest curb cut can be accessed by going further along Princess Ave, leading you to the north entrance of the park. There is no parking directly onsite. There are several paid parking lots in the area. Limited street parking in the neighborhood is free after 6pm. AccessibilityThe best Wheel-Trans drop-off location is 45 Princess Ave, bringing you closer to the aforementioned curb cut on the north end of the park. Lee Lifeson Art Park features gently sloping ramps and paved pathways suitable for mobility devices. Most activities will take place in proximity to paved pathways, although some activities may take place on grassy areas within the park. Seating will be available on the wooden benches of the amphitheatre with additional chairs and blankets also available. Attendees are welcome to bring their own camping stools, lawn chairs, or blankets. Accessible viewing will be available on paved pathways around the site. All announcements and dance class instructions will be amplified. A fully accessible washroom and water drinking fountain are available on-site. If you need a moment to step away, a Quiet Area is available in the south east corner of the park. Beginner dance classes will be taught with options for participation depending on your mobility. You are welcome to engage in the event while sitting (chairs provided), standing stationary, or simply by observing and/or feeling the music!  Mandarin translation will be available for a class on Sept 11 and the performance on Sept 12. Farsi translation will be available for a class on Sept 25 and the performance on Sept 26. If you have any specific access needs or questions, please reach out to our Access Coordinator, Cass (<a href="mailto:cass@toesfordance.ca">cass@toesfordance.ca</a>) ahead of time - we’re here to help ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for you! Full festival details at: <a href="http://www.toesfordance.ca/common-ground" target="_blank">www.toesfordance.ca/common-ground</a> . If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email <a href="mailto:info@toesfordance.ca">info@toesfordance.ca</a> Presented in partnership with Flight Festival of Contemporary Dance and North York Arts. Made possible with funding from the City of Toronto, Toronto Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts, and the Government of Canada. We gratefully acknowledge additional support from Toronto Arts Foundation/Arts in the Parks, Willowdale Central Ratepayers Association, TO Live, and Empress Orthodontics. <img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/hxn9dbuhd/image/upload/v1785167151/wysiwyg/wj8cwnewosua7dhyz52s.png" style="width:600px;display:block;vertical-align:top;margin:5px auto;text-align:center;cursor:pointer;padding:0px 1px;user-select:none;position:relative;box-sizing:inherit;max-width:100%" />

TOES FOR DANCE

Common Ground Dance Days 2026

Lee Lifeson Art Park

RSVP - Friday Sept 11

Free

RSVP - Saturday Sept 12

Free

RSVP - Friday Sept 25

Free

RSVP - Saturday Sept 26

Free

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