Flashmob Frolic for International Dance Day (Monday April 29th)

If you would like to join in the International Dance Day Flashmob on the 29^th, that would be fantastic! (Flashmob = a group of people meeting in a public space for the purpose of doing an unusual or entertaining activity. Frolic = a playful action or movement.

All that’s needed is a willingness to have fun and dance around like various animals – we’re doing a family-friendly activity called Animals A-Z (we’ll call out an animal for each letter of the alphabet and respond with how we think each moves). We’re also looking for a few people to play boomwhackers (rainbow musical tubes -we won’t be rehearsing a song, just playing around with rhythm). Thank-you to everyone at the first two Fresh-air Frolics for shaping the flashmob – so much laughter and playful brilliance.

The plan for Monday April 29th is to meet behind the Fernwood Community Centre at 5:30pm (at the basketball court or field) to do a warm-up. Then we`ll head half a block away to Fernwood Square for the flashmob at shortly after 6pm, and end with a snack potluck (optional: bringing a snack to share). Both locations and the route are wheelchair- and stroller- accessible. The event is free.

Please invite friends and family – to join in or as spectators.

Plants and Dance: Monday April 22

In celebration of Mother Earth Day and National Dance Week, the theme for the session on Monday April 22 is Plants & Dance.

As with the other Fresh-air Fernwood Frolic sessions, we will meet at 5:30pm behind the Fernwood Community Centre (1240 Gladstone) at William Stevenson Park. We’ll start with a warm-up there and then head to Springridge Commons nearby for family-friendly dance improvisation activities and movement games.

Click here for more details.

Flashmob for International Dance Day

This Monday April 15th, 5:30pm: All are welcome to be part of collectively creating a short dance to perform as an International Dance Day flashmob (on April 29th).

To come up with the flashmob together, we’ll meet this Monday at 5:30pm behind the Fernwood Community Centre (1240 Gladstone) at William Stevenson Park – meeting at the basketball court (or the the field next to it if the basketball court is in use). The paved path to the left of the community centre is wheelchair accessible, although it is a bit steep.

We’ll start with some dance improvisation activities, playing with creating shapes and working in small groups to come up with parts of the dance. This session is part of the Fresh-air Fernwood Frolic series of community dance sessions (click here for more details), and is by donation to cover costs of snacks and boomwhackers.

The plan is to do a rehearsal (practice run-through) on Monday April 29th at 5:30pm, and then go perform it (e.g. at Fernwood Square or wherever the group decides). April 22-29 is also National Dance Week, which is where the ‘i love dance’ logo image is from.

“Come, turn off your television, switch off your computer, and come to dance.
Express yourself through that divine and dignified instrument, which is our body.
Come to dance and join people in the waves of pulses.
Seize that precious and fleeting moment.
Come to celebrate life with dance.”
– from the International Dance Day message from Lin Hwai-min

Fresh-air Fernwood: Mondays April 8-29

In April there will be a weekly fresh-air session in Fernwood: Mondays from April 8th – 29th, 5:30-6:30pm, by donation.

We’ll meet up for a warm-up in the same location each week, and then head to another outdoor space in the neighbourhood, for family-friendly dance improvisation activities and movement games. Please dress for the weather.

Themes for each week:
April 8^th An Unbirthday Party! – Games @ the park
April 15^th Creating a short Flashmob together (to perform on the 29^th)
April 22^nd Plants & Dance – Mother Earth Day & National Dance Week
April 29^th Flashmob Frolic for International Dance Day – rehearsal then Flashmob!

Click here for meet-up location and other details.