Dive into the world of street dance with this exciting program that covers a variety of foundational styles, including Breaking (Breakdance), Popping, House, and Hip Hop. This program provides students with the opportunity to learn the history, techniques, and cultural roots of these influential dance styles. 

What You’ll Learn: 

• Key moves and foundations of Hip Hop, Breaking, Popping, and House 

• The history of each style and its roots in underserved Black and Latino communities in the U.S. 

• How to create short choreography and freestyle to Hip Hop, Funk, and House music 

• The cultural significance of each style and how it has shaped modern dance 
   

Cultural Experience: 
Through each dance style, students will explore the impact of these dance genres on global culture and its roots in social and political movements. Adjusting these conversations accordingly to each grade and age group, this program connects students to the rich legacy of Street Dance while fostering creativity, self-expression, and cultural awareness.

“Canada is a real meeting place of musical influences from around the world”, says violinist Chris McKhool.

3x JUNO Award nominees Sultans of String deliver a concert that transcends categorization, mixing Spanish flamenco, Arabic folk, East Coast Celtic and Django-jazz. Music has the ability to bring people and cultures together in a way that emulates what we love to see in the world. It creates a collaboration that breaks down the barriers that divide us, helps us to see our common humanity and provides a model for peace.

Performances include one free CD.

This pre-recorded unique musical experience enhanced with professional Digital Sound and a multi-camera setup includes diverse collaborations with a roster of global artists and new Canadians, providing an example of cross-cultural dialogue and inviting to reflect on Canada’s diversity. The concert is followed by an live interactive Q&A session.

With professional dancer and arts educator Julianne Lavertu, participants will explore the fundamentals of Afro-Caribbean dance while learning traditional movements and then integrating them into a short choreography. Throughout the workshop, information about the history, native people of the Caribbean, music, traditional clothes and movements associated with these dances is shared by the artist, allowing the participants to anchor their learning in the cultural context from which these dances originate. This unique blend of cultures mixed with the traditional and ceremonial rites of passage of the native people of the Caribbean has created the vibrancy and celebratory nature of Afro-Caribbean Dance.

The workshop focuses on the tools and techniques needed to create “stop motion” animation. Participants will study the fundamentals of animation: design methods, creative techniques, voice-over, video and audio editing procedures, and the importance of transforming creative ideas into artistic works.

Shaun Elie offers video workshops that can adapt to different situations. In the two-hour workshop, Participants will learn techniques and create very short videos. Residency projects allow them to develop more complex projects, exploring particular themes or issues.

In this immersive hands-on experience in the art of video production by video artist Shaun Elie, students will delve into the essential tools and techniques used to create creative videos. Shaun will guide students through the process of developing ideas, crafting compelling narratives, and translating them into engaging video. This workshop is also available for teachers.

In collaboration with the school, Shaun will develop customized video projects that use different techniques such as green screen, mapping, creation of video equipment from everyday objects and the creation of a soundtrack.

The Underground is a street dance show duet created by Moov Ottawa Dance. Choreographed and performed by Moov’s Artistic Directors Alea de Castro and Arnaldo Betancourt Silva, the 20-minute performance immerses audiences in the underground world of street dance—where individuality, culture, music, and expression come alive through the styles of Waacking, Hip Hop, Breaking, House, and Popping. Welcoming audiences of all ages—from kindergarten to grade 12, and even parents and young adults—the show is followed by a 30–45 minute interactive experience. This engaging segment invites everyone to participate in movement, cheer on their peers, and showcase their own grooves in a supportive, educational, and high-energy atmosphere rooted in the vibrant essence of street dance culture.

Step into the vibrant world of Afro dance or “Afrobeats”, a dynamic dance style blending African rhythms with global music influences. This program offers a fun and immersive experience where students will not only learn the energetic steps of Afrobeat but also connect with the culture and history behind the dance. 

What You’ll Learn: 

• Afrobeat steps that can be seen in viral TikTok’s and videos 

• The history of Afrobeat music and its cultural significance 

• Short choreography and a final freestyle session 
   

Cultural Experience: 
Through the movement and music of Afrobeat, students will explore African heritage, the evolution of the genre, and the impact of Afrobeat artists like Fela Kuti. This program offers a celebration of culture and community, all while staying active and having fun! 

Waacking, born in the underground clubs of Los Angeles in the 1970s, is a powerful form of self-expression. This program focuses on the art of arm movements, emotional freedom, and creative improvisation, celebrating the legacy of the LGBTQ+ BIPOC community who created it. 

What You’ll Learn: 

• Waacking arm techniques and poses 

• The history of Waacking and its roots in the queer BIPOC community 

• How to dance to disco, R&B, and other genres like pop and house 

• Creative exercises to express individuality and confidence 

• The cultural and social history that shaped this liberating dance style 
   

Cultural Experience: 
Waacking is about freedom, liberation, and honoring the pioneers of the dance. As students master the movements, they will learn about the dance’s connection to LGBTQ+ culture and the expression of individuality, welcoming all genders and identities to join.

Step into the exciting world of digital comics with visual artist Andy Akangah! In this engaging hands-on workshop, participants will learn to sketch, ink, and digitally colour a comic scene while exploring techniques for dynamic drawing, texture, and atmosphere. Andy shares his creative journey and guides participants through the steps of bringing their stories to life using accessible digital tools. 

Tech Requirements: 
Participants must have access to touchscreen Chromebooks with Chrome Canvas. MASC can supply up to 5 iPads upon request if needed.

Bring the energy, resilience, and beauty of Haitian culture into your classroom with Sounds of Haiti, an engaging dance workshop designed for students of all ages. Through the rhythmic movements of traditional Haitian folklore dance and vibrant live or recorded music, students will get their bodies moving while immersing themselves in the rich cultural heritage of Haiti. 

More than just a fun and active experience, this workshop is a powerful exploration of history, identity, and empowerment. As the first Black nation to gain independence—overcoming one of the world’s strongest colonial powers—Haiti’s story is one of strength, resistance, and pride. Students will discover often-overlooked positive aspects of Haitian culture, from its traditions and artistry to its pioneering role in the global fight for freedom. 

Requirements: gym or other space where students can dance.