Immersion Festival at Betty Oliphant Theatre

Immersion Festival is an eagerly-anticipated celebration of Canadian cultural life for audiences, and a sought-after performance and networking opportunity for renowned and aspiring artists, with 3 distinct stage performances, 12 workshops, a dance education roundtable, and community gatherings. Performances and workshops are open to all.

3 Electrifying Stage Presentations

• VANGUARD Presentation – A presentation of commissioned duets between 7 of Canada’s internationally-renowned dance artists and live musicians: November 21 @ 7:30 PM & November 22 @ 2:00 PM
• NATIONAL Presentation – A presentation of 6 acclaimed Canadian Black-led dance companies and artists from Calgary, Toronto, Montréal, and Nova Scotia: November 20 @ 7:30 PM & November 21 @ 2:00 PM
• NEXT GEN Presentation – Our one-of-a-kind Youth presentation, featuring 10 performances by Black-led youth groups on a professional stage: November 14 @ 7:30 PM & November 15 @ 2:00 PM

12 Inspiring Workshops

• 4 technique workshops for youth: November 8 from 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• 4 workshops for beginner community members aged 16 – 99+: November 11 & 12 from 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
• 4 technique workshops for professional dance artists: November 17 & 19 from 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
• Workshops will be led by artists from Prince Edward Island, Vancouver, and Toronto in African Street Dance Fundamentals, Bahamian Caribbean Folk, Vernacular Jazz, and Rwandan Traditional & Street Dances.

3 Gathering Events

• An intergenerational roundtable gathering providing guidance for youth dancers entering the professional realm: November 9 from 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM
• A lunch reception for artists to meet informally with visiting and local presenters: November 19 from 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
• A closing celebration following the final performance featuring an intimate, moving performance by Ebnflh Dance Company of Montréal!: November 22 from 3:30 PM – 6:00 PM