It was great to work with Fall For Dance North. Toronto’s Premier International Dance Festival who hosted the Tkaronto Open II. Tkaronto Open II celebrates and honours indigenous dance forms.
Tkaronto Open II, is a Powwow style competition. Dancers dance at the same time in front of a set of judges. The music is live from Drummers singing and drumming one single drum. The sound shakes your whole body. The dancers move forward round by round until the last two dancers battle it out to win the cash prizes and title.
It is epic to see the speed and physical stamina of the dances mixed with regalia and the crowed cheering.
The event was produced by Freddy Gipp and Thunder Jack for the second year.
For many years, Indigenous dance was illegal in Canada. To experience a multigenerational Indigenous community of dancers coming together to dance openly is a symbol of the strength of many generations.
Thanks so much to dancers for taking a moment to be photographed after rounds and rounds of dance battle.
Thanks sooooo much to Freddy Gipp Producer
Acosia Red Elk Head Judge and Arena Director
Adrian Harjo Master of Ceremony
Ryland Moore Arena Director
Fall for Dance North FUZE Reps @neighbourhoodstudios
