This year’s DanceWorks brought dancers together from Hamiton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board’s secondary schools for a day of movement, learning, and connection.
Established in 2014, DanceWorks was created to unite school dance classes and offer exposure to dance beyond the classroom through a series of workshops.
“The day encourages students to try something new, take risks, and grow as artists,” said Teacher Organizer Lisa La Mantia.
“St. Jean de Brébeuf Catholic Secondary School hosted the event in collaboration with CM Dancing, who provided students with an inspiring and welcoming dance environment.”
The day began with a powerful large-group workshop entitled, “Awaken your Flame,” led by Michelle Hillier, who delivered an immersive, high-impact movement experience for the dancers. Designed to support students’ mental health and physical well-being, the innovative program used wireless headsets to guide participants through music, breath and movement that regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and spark joy in a fully immersive way.
The secondary small-group workshops offered students the opportunity to dive deeper into hip hop, contemporary, and jazz, exploring style, technique, and personal expression.
“Each workshop was led by alumni of the board, many of whom were participants in this very event years ago,” noted La Mantia.
For instructors Alyssa Acetti, Tatiana Lima, Megan Medeiros and Addi San Juan, leading these sessions was a true full-circle moment, returning not just as dancers, but as mentors, sharing their passion, experience, and growth with the next generation.
“DanceWorks was an event I always loved going to in high school,” said Medeiros, a St. Jean de Brébeuf graduate. “The dance community at SJB deepened my love for the art form and specifically fostered my love for creating and teaching.”
“I admire how this event consistently brings the dance community together in a way that feels both inspiring and uplifting. Being invited to be a guest choreographer at DanceWorks is an absolute privilege. This is my third time teaching at this event, and each time I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the opportunity to give back to a community that has given me so much.”
The day concluded on a celebratory note as participants came together to present the choreographies they had created throughout the workshops. Each group had the opportunity to share their work, showcasing their creativity and collaboration.
“The studio was filled with energy and pride as dancers supported one another, responding to each performance with enthusiastic applause,” said La Mantia.
“This final sharing not only honoured the hard work of the day but also reinforced the sense of community and connection that defined the DanceWorks experience.”
More photos on the HWCDSB Facebook page
