Dance Revolt: Out of Many, One People

Date: Friday, May 15, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: The Second Student Centre, 3rd Floor, York University
Cost:

• Early Bird: $40 per student (limited availability)
• Standard pricing and group rates apply after January 23, 2026

An Immersive Educational Experience

Dance Revolt Spring 2026 is a full-day cultural dance education conference centred on Jamaica, operating under the theme Out of Many, One People.

Open to students in Grades 8–12, as well as college and university students, the conference blends dance education, cultural history, and community engagement. Programming aligns with the Ontario Dance Curriculum, with a focus on culturally responsive learning, historical context, and creative expression.

This year’s conference also responds to Hurricane Melissa relief efforts in Jamaica, integrating community care into the educational experience.

Educational Highlights

Jamaican Dance, History, and Cultural Context

Dance Revolt Spring 2026 explores Jamaican-rooted dance forms and their global influence. Through workshops and guided discussions, students engage with dance not only as movement, but as a reflection of history, identity, resistance, and community.

A featured live tribute will honour Jamaican pioneers in Toronto’s arts and cultural landscape, centred on The Caribbean Crucible—the landmark reggae radio program hosted by Luther C. Brown on CHRY 105.5 FM at York University.

Conference Outcomes and Benefits

• Cultural Awareness
  Students deepen their understanding of Jamaican culture and its diasporic impact through dance, storytelling, and historical framing, supporting curriculum goals around cultural appreciation and equity.
• Choreographic and Performance Skills
  Instructor-led workshops develop technique, choreography, and performance confidence, allowing students to interpret movement with intention and context.
• Historical Understanding
  Students explore the social and historical roots of Jamaican dance and music, connecting cultural movements to broader global and Canadian narratives.
• Creative Expression
  Dance Revolt fosters creativity and self-expression, encouraging students to explore identity, voice, and artistic storytelling through movement.
• Community and Connection
  The conference creates space for students to connect with peers, instructors, and community leaders, strengthening collaboration and a sense of belonging.
• Community Engagement

Participating schools are invited to take part in an on-site donation drive supporting the Jamaica Canadian Association (JCA) and Hurricane Melissa relief efforts in Jamaica.

A limited-edition MELANIN Jamaica shirt will also be available as an optional add-on, with $5 from each shirt supporting JCA relief initiatives.

Dance Revolt is more than a conference—it is an extension of the classroom where dance, history, and community intersect. Through movement, learning, and shared experience, students engage with culture in meaningful and lasting ways.

Join us on May 15, 2026, for a full day of learning, movement, and cultural exploration at York University.