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The Toronto Dance Teacher Expo was nothing short of extraordinary – a huge celebration of new connections, learning, and the vibrant diversity that fuels the dance community in Toronto, Canada. The energy at the event was electric, bringing teachers, dancers, and industry professionals together from across the globe to share their passion, exchange ideas, and build new relationships. For Shades Dancewear and TIRED Movement co-founders Stacey Green and Laura Grant, it was an absolutely unforgettable experience that highlighted the sheer importance of community, collaboration, and the powerful role that dance plays in our lives.
One of the many highlights of the Expo was Shades co-founder, Stacey, delivering her moving talk: “Racism and Me.” This educational, eye-opening session was an emotional journey that captivated the audience and sparked deep reflection within ourselves and our dance practice. Stacey’s powerful words offered a raw and honest perspective on the challenges of navigating racism in the dance industry and beyond, that unfortnately many global majority people have and continue to experience. The response and feedback received was overwhelming, and highlighted why Shades Dancewear and the TIRED Movement were created!
Many attendees expressed how they had never felt so seen, so understood, and so inspired as dance educators –
- “Your lady is brilliant, what a beautiful energy and amazing soul.”
- “I’ve never felt that way as a dance teacher.”
- “Thank you for everything, we don’t want you to leave.”
We are so grateful for these heartfelt responses that reflect the deep connections forged throughout our time at the Expo. People from diverse backgrounds came together to support one another, learn from each other, and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the dance world. This collective spirit of openness and mutual respect was a testament to the power of dance as a unifying force, and we can’t thank The Toronto Dance Teachers Expo Team enough for inviting us overseas.
The Toronto Dance Teacher Expo marked an exciting milestone for our small, independent brand as we were given the opportunity to introduce Shades Dancewear to the vibrant city of Toronto! Our mission with Shades Dancewear has always been to create an inclusive dancewear collection that celebrates diversity of skin tones and body types, ensuring that every dancer feels seen, represented and valued. Bringing Shades Dancewear to Toronto was a dream come true, and the response was overwhelmingly positive. We met so many wonderful people who share our vision for a more inclusive dance world, and we’re extremely excited to continue this journey together.
Being part of the Toronto Dance Teachers Expo was not just about showcasing our products – it was about building relationships and creating a network of support that will continue to grow and thrive long after the event is over. We were fortunate to be surrounded by incredible exhibitors like The Balanced Entrepeneur (@the.balancedentrepreneur) and Runway Dance Connection (@runwaydanceconnection) whose support and camaraderie made the experience even more special. The connections we made over those few days will undoubtedly shape the future of our work and help us continue to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the dance community, everywhere.
As we reflect on the Expo, we are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such an inspiring event. The Toronto Dance Teacher Expo was a celebration of everything we stand for—community, diversity, and the transformative power of dance. We can’t wait to continue building on the incredible connections we’ve made, sharing our passion for dance, and ensuring that Shades Dancewear continues to make a positive impact in Toronto, Canada and beyond!
Find us @shadesdancewear 🤎
Blog written and designed by Amy Gibson
