Orillia is known for a bustling arts and cultural community, drawing interests for artists across Canada as a hub for creativity. This February, Arts Orillia invites visitors to a truly riveting performance of dance, song, and spoken word celebrating Black communities and the impact of Black leaders who shape Canadian culture and history.
Black in Canada, by award-winning artist Shameka Blake and the spectacular performers from Artists in Motion, returns to the Orillia Opera House for one night only on February 28th. Back by popular demand, for its second year in Orillia, this critically acclaimed performance will have you on the edge of your seat!
Jamaican born Shameka Blake started dancing at the age of 3. After migrating to Canada, Shameka continued her training at George Brown College in the Commercial Dance Program in addition to beginning her performing career. With a unique style of choreography and creative vision, Shameka Blake is one of the top influential figures in the Toronto dance scene. She has danced and performed concerts, tours, productions as well as having shared the stage with artists such as Lady Gaga, Rida, Arianna Grande, Flo Rida, Ne-yo, Mob Deep, Lil Jon, and Ciara. Shameka has been featured in videos for recording artists Damian Marley, Kreesha Turner, and Sean Paul. She has had the pleasure of being featured as a principal dancer in Luther Brown’s productions On My Way Home and The Red City. Shameka is the proud and successful founder of Artists In Motion (AIM), a multidisciplinary dance group that brings together different styles of dance styles such as Hip Hop, Jazz, Reggae and Lyrical under the same roof. She is the 2015 Black Canadian Award recipient for Best Urban Dance Act.
Alongside Shameka Blake and performers from Artists in Motion, the evening opens with a heartfelt poetic performance by Ty the Poetess, who is celebrated as the “People’s Poet” in Simcoe County. Tyneisha Thomas is a talented author, performer, mother, community leader, teacher, and event curator named Poet Laureate for the City of Barrie in 2022. Prepare to experience the power of words delivered through a message of vulnerability and strength.
This exciting evening comes to you through a partnership with The City of Orillia, Arts Orillia and the Orillia & Area Black Community Association! This event is a great opportunity to hear all about the incredible work that Alasoba Kelsy-Braide is doing to educate our citizens by celebrating Black narratives and Black cultures here in our region. Black in Canada was developed during Arts Orillia’s Dance&Design residency at The Orillia Opera House. AO is proud to have co-op students training in the theatre industry through this technical residency where Youth learn how to bring sound, light, and projection together in perfect timing with the actions on stage!
Black in Canada at the Orillia Opera House
February 28th, 7pm
Black in Canada Photos: @seancarl
Extend your stay in Orillia, book your accommodations at a cozy hotel with amenities and easy access to local restaurants and shops.
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