ARTISTS IN MOTION
Alphabetically

Shameka Blake
Shameka Blake SHAMEKA BLAKE, Director
"From an early age, I knew dance would play a significant role in my life." Shameka Blake started dancing at the early age of three.  Shortly thereafter, her family migrated from Jamaica to Canada where over the years she further developed her dancing. Shameka has performed in numerous concerts, tours, productions and live shows. She has shared the stage with artists such as Ne-yo and Mob Deep and has opened tours for Kayne West, Lil Jon, and Ciara. Shameka has been featured in videos for recording artists Damian Marley, Kreesha Turner, and Sean Paul.  Also, she has worked with SYTYCDC hip hop judge and choreographer Luther Brown as a principal dancer in his productions "On My Way Home" and "The Red City."  She can be seen on MTV's MADE and the latest Xbox Dance Central commercial. In 2008, after graduating from the George Brown College’s Commercial Dance Program, she started her dance company Artists In Motion (AIM), a multidisciplinary dance group that brings together different styles of dance under the same roof.  In 3 short years AIM has attained a great deal of success, such as: winning the NML Best Dance Crew; starring in commercials for Xbox and Much Music; and dancing for artists such as Lady Gaga, Snoop Dog, Divine Brown, and Flo Rida.  With her unique style of dance and choreography, Shameka has taken the Toronto dance scene by storm... and she’s only getting started
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Allison Bradley
Ally Fashion

ALLISON BRADLEY
Allison has had a passion for dance since the age of three.  She trained at Dansation in her hometown of St. Albert, Alberta.  Allison’s desire to enter into the professional dance scene led her to Vancouver, Los Angeles, New York and Toronto for intensive training.  In 2009, she completed the International Student Visa Program at Broadway Dance Centre in New York City where she received the Outstanding Student Award. Allison has created opportunities for herself and others by creating her own dance company,    A L I Entertainment.  Her dance crew worked with N5 Pictures and performed for the music video Man-0 Kabootar.  Allison performed in the production i think i can as an actor and principal dancer under the direction of Conrad Alexandrowicz at the Lorraine Kimsa Theatre For Young People.  Also danced in the Zapix Awards on YTV, Shawn Byfield’s Live in Rhythm,Luther Brown’s Red City, Hollywood Jade’s Urbanesque, and most recently performed at the MMVA’s with Lady Gaga. Allison continues to grow as a choreographer and performer as she embraces her love for teaching and sharing her passion for dance. She is excited to see what lies ahead for AIM and feels so blessed to be able to work with such wonderful, talented, and hard working company members.

Kristen
Kristain

KRISTIAN DALISAY
Kristian has recently completed a Math degree at Queen’s University, with hopes of becoming a high school math teacher. His interest in hip-hop dance began in high school, with his initial exposure being solely from music videos and Youtube. Aside from doing a couple of talent shows, Kristian’s dance history lies no further than his time at University. During his first year at Queen’s, he was introduced to FLOW Dance Club by Katie Lee. After performing with the club in his first year, he was then asked to be an instructor in 2nd year and then Co-President in 3rd year. It was at this point that Kristian recognized his love for dance, as he began to experiment with elements of both choreography and freestyle. Although Kristian does not have a long history of formal training, he has had many opportunities to train with incredible artists in the industry. In May of 2010, Kristian was fortunate enough to start dancing with the company Artists In Motion (AIM), training under the likes of Shameka Blake, Esie Mensah, and Hollywood Jade. Since training with AIM, he has been able to perform at many large events such as ‘Bazaar’, ‘Breaks, Beats & Culture’ at Harbourfront, ‘Project Dance’ for Pride weekend, and ‘World Partnership Walk”. In addition, Kristian has been chosen to dance back up for Artists such as Danny Fernandez, Nicole Arbour, Alyssa Reid, and most recently Kirk Franklin and Anjulie. Kristian’s main strength lies within his freestyle; however he hopes to continue to grow in all aspects of dance. Through his continued training, Kristian hopes to gain experience in as many dance styles as possible, allowing for a more thorough understanding of not only dance as an art, but himself, as an artist.

Justin headshot
Justin Fashion

JUSTIN DAVID
Justin David, a native of Halifax, NS, self taught from a young age moved to Toronto in 2007 to train with such Canadian\American Hip Hop leaders as Lenny De la Pena, Luther Brown, Leon Blackwood, Romeo, Razor, Chuck Maldonaldo, Shameka Blake and Hollywood Jade. Since then he has worked mainly as a professional dancer in Disney’s Camp Rock 2, Much Music’s Best Dance Crew, commercials for iSkin and Pepsi Max, X box. Also dance for Danny Fernandez and Shawn Desmon for the 2011 CTV New Years Eve Bash and the 2011 Junk Awards. Not to mention going on an 2010 cross Canada Tour with Danny Fernandez and various music videos also being Lead male in a Few. He has danced for major Canadian artists Deborah Cox, Jully Black, Divine Brown, Danny Fernandez, Shawn Desmon, Alicia, Alisha Reid and Gary Beals. He is a member of Black Ice Step Team, which has brought Step Dance to the forefront of the entertainment industry and a part of AIM (Artist In Motion) which won Muchmusic’s Next Best Dance Crew in spring of 2011. Justin has been recognized for his high-energy dance style witch includes Hip Hop, Step, African and Salsa which helps with his standout performance quality. His love for dance and Hard training is easily seen in the quality of his work and his resulting success.

 
Hollywood Jade

HOLLYWOOD JADE
Hollywood Jade is one of Toronto's fastest rising entertainers, showcasing his talents as a dancer, choreographer and innovator in his artform. Hollywod has found creative and dynamic ways to bring his own brand and style of dancing and Choeography to videos, stages and the big screen. Fusing different styles of dance with different gener's of music is how he has set himself apart from other Choreographer's in North America.   As a Choreographer he has created exciting and groundbreaking routines for various entertainment arenas including Much Music, BET and MTV, short films, corporate events, tours and videos. His greatest acheivements include working with Choreographer's such as Fatima Robinson, Rich & Tone, Jamal Sims, Eboni Nickles, AJ, Michael Rooney and Adam Shankman. His appearances in the block buster musical "Hairspray" where he plays the character of Stooie sites on the top of his list.  His work as a Choreographer has been featured with the likes of The Dream, Snoop Dogg, Ludacris and a number of Canadian and international artist like Divine Brown, Kelis and Lauren Pritchard.  Hollywood was also featured on So You Think You Can Dance Canada as not only a dancer but a Choreographer's assistant all in the same year, he is the only Contestant in the history of the show to achieve this in the same year. Hollywood Jade continues to find new and interesting ways to bring his own flavour and personality to the artform of dance - thereby inspiring others in this field to do the same. He is truly a shining star - one whose power and capability are waiting to be seen. As Hollywood  always says "Success lies on the other side of fear"

 
Lamar LAMAR JOHNSON
Lamar is a self taught dancer with a natural flair and rhythm. Being born in Toronto Canada, he grew up in a vast community of dance and arts. Well known for his back flips and amazing tumbling abilities, he was casted at the age of nine as 'Little Man' alongside Jessica Alba in the feature film "Honey". He is however most recognized for his commercial work such as Concerned Children Advertisers and Crush 'Blast'. At the age of eleven, Lamar met up with his dance partner Shemar and they formed the group "2Badd". Together these two blazed new trails and made waves with their impressive dance moves. They have appeared on The Maury Show, Showtime at the Apollo, and BET's 106 & Park.  In 2007 they were noticed by television producer Susan Nation who cast them in 'Pop It!', a dance along kids TV show where Lamar is one of three host's. Lamar's interest and passion for the arts eventually led him to acting where he has been training at the prestigious Dean Armstrong Acting Studios in Toronto. He has since appeared in the films 'Parkdale' and 'Liar', as leading roles. As well as the role of a troubled teen in the American dramatic series 'Covert Affairs'.  With a strong love for the craft, he plans on pursuing his acting dreams. Lamar is an honor roll student, who also enjoys playing many sports including basketball, soccer and running track. He attends the Wexford Collegiate School for the Performing Arts where he has performed the lead roles in many of its musicals, theather shows and dramatic showcases.
Lamar Johnson

Lauren Lyn
Lauren lyn LAUREN LYN
 
Amando

ARMANDO
Armando has been dancing ever since he could walk. He had his first taste of training with salsa lessons from his mother and other various Spanish styles in which he showcased at family events. He then found himself mimicking music videos and concerts, learning that he had a knack for choreography. A newcomer to the industry, Armando has been expanding his dance vocabulary training vigorously in hip-hop with Toronto’s top choreographers for the past year. His credits already include Project dance, Choreographer’s Ball, various Toronto Bazaar’s, Summer Rush, New Music Live, and danced for artists such as Alyssa Reid, Jay Vado, Lauren Elle, Chach, Danny Fernandes, and Danah Martin. Armando continues to train and hopes to continue living his dream in his prospective and promising years to come.

Esie Mensah
Esie Mensah

ESIE MENSAH
Esie is a professional dancer and choreographer to the Canadian industry. After almost 3 years she has built an extensive resume that includes an appearance in the Walt Disney film “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam”. Esie has danced for industry icons such as Divine Brown who opened for the Backstreet Boys, Deborah Cox, Anjulie, Flo Rida at the MuchMusic Video Awards, and many more. Appeared in videos by Jully Black, Cascada, Lauren Pritchard, Divine Brown, Carl Henry, Addictiv, Dru, and Grammy Award winner Nelly Furtado. Competed and placed within the top 100 dancers on SYTYCD Canada Season one, two and four and debut her AfroHouse choreography on season four! and performed on stage with the hit South African musical Umoja! Choreographer for World Vision Canada’s “The Other Side of the River” a new youth musical emerging across Canada. Esie is the co-choreographer of Artists in Motion, winners of MuchMusic’s Best Dance Crew sponsored by Xbox Kinect. Other choreography credits include Collection of Black Heritage Arts (COBHA) at Bishop Marracco/Thomas Merton, corporate shows, and stage shows. Her dance vocabulary include Hip Hop, African, AfroHouse, World Pop, Jazz, Dancehall and Stepping. Esie is a graduate of Commercial Dance Studies at George Brown College where she received her training in acting, voice, ballet, jazz and musical theatre.

Brandon
Brandon

BRANDON OWUSU
Born and raised in Toronto Canada in the streets of Rexdale, this young male has been dancing for as long as 4years and does not plan on stopping anytime soon. Brandon was introduced to dancing at the age of 15 when he was randomly asked to dance for a crew by the name of Rated Inc. (dancehall/freestyle troupe). At the same age Brandon was introduced to martial art form of dance called Capoeira. His outgoing attitude and innovated style of learning really allowed him to grasp on to this wonderful art form of dance and wanting to never let go. In his first 3 years of dance Brandon appeared on TV on shows such as FOX TV,CITY TV,SLICE TV,MUCH MUSIC,DIRECT TV,VARIOUS MUSIC VIDEOS and much more. Also Background Dancing for Deesha Sarai (juno nominee) and Michie Mee (world known female MC). Also his wacky creative mind has landed him choreography jobs for 3 different highschools, 2 elementary schools and 3 different community out reach programs. Brandon also employed by an Entertainment company that is known across the border called Magen Boys Entertainment as one of their main dancers/entertainers. Also a member of CULTURE SHOCK a world known youth out reach program that uses dance as their method to help inspire and motivate youth and also ILL SKILLZ which is also a youth out reach/motivational speaking organization. He was introduced to a talent agency By Casting Director Gloria Mann who recommended him to DA COSTA Talent Agency and Boutique Talent agency. Now at the age of 19 Brandon contuines his dance journey working with professional dancers from Canada across to the Philippines on his non-stop journey to grow and learn as much as he can and share his knowledge where ever he can. Brandon's favourite things to say are "Reality sucks!! I like to feel as if I’m living in a cartoon world with endless possibilities" You can catch Brandon playing sports of all kinds and always trying something new just because he is so curious and outgoing. Well known for his positive attitude towards life, self motivational abilities, adaptable personality and inquisitive approach. He is determined to strive for the goal of achieving his full potential.

GG headshot
GG

SAGINE
"GG" began her artistic career in Ottawa, Canada.  Sagine, derived from the french word "sagesse"(meaning Wisdom) studied such dance styles as ballet and modern. She later was introduced to hip hop through Culture Shock Ottawa.  However her love for Musical Theatre lead her to New York City where she was accepted and trained at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy.  After graduating played the lead role in Ntozake Shange's (For Colored Girls....playwright) theatrical work, The Photograph. Her musical credits include Guys & Dolls, A Chorus LineDreamgirls and most recently Hairspray.  Since she decided to pursue her passion full time, about 2 years ago now,  she has opened for such artists as Jason Derulo, Mario and Machel Montano. She has danced professionally for numerous Canadian artists, and been featured in many dance videos including "All You Need" by Jacksoul (released after Haydain Neale's unfortunate passing).   She is also a part of A.I.M (Artists in Motion) a powerful, innovative and unique collective of dancers founded by a great soul and friend, Shameka Blake. In the past year she started pursuing her acting and modeling career as well as some voice-over work. Her TV/Commercial credits include Lava Life and Get Cracking as well as a National Print Campaign for Bud Lite Lime and an advertising campaign for Paradigm Ear Buds.  She was also the new face of the Marc Madness (2011)  Live It Wear It (LIWI68) campaign and movement. EDUCATE.EMPOWER.UNITE. And last but certainly not least, she recently filmed her first movie: Disney's Frenemies. Off stage, Sagine has begun the foundation of fulfilling her dream to mentor young artists in choreography,  stage technique and on camera performances. She recognizes the need to motivate and uplift the youth through positive thinking and leading by example. She hopes to do some public speaking and touch on subjects such as Self-Worth and Leadership, especially geared towards young women. Beyond the entertainment industry, home is never far or forgotten. As a Haitian-Canadian, the catastrophic earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12th 2010 was beyond devastating.  So in March 2010, alongside a great friend Pastel Supernova, Toronto�s first ever Dance-A-Thon (Dance-Up-A-Sweat) was executed for Haiti Relief, for Doctors Without Borders where  over $2000 was raised. With many more projects underway and a busy year ahead, she is so thankful and excited to see what's to come. Never Stop!

 
Alex fashion

ALEXANDRA SPENCE
Alex began dance training at the age of 3, at the Greta Leeming Studio of Dance in Ottawa, Ontario. After spending a year huddled in the corner of the dance studio, she came back the next year with a passion for dance. That passion continues to grow after all these years. After a few years, she began to broaden her horizons and train extensively in jazz, tap, ballet, and contemporary with some of the country’s most influential choreographers. At the age of 11, she was offered a spot along with a full scholarship in the full time program at the National Ballet School of Canada. However, Alex had a passion for more than just ballet so she turned it down. She has twice been the recipient of the Rich Little Performing Arts Scholarship (2001, and 2003). Along with many other accomplishments as a teenager, she won a regional ADA Dancer of the Year in 2006. Once Alexandra graduated from high school, she immediately headed to Toronto to pursue her passion to be a professional dancer. She had the fortunate opportunity of training closely with choreographers Linda Garneau, Tiffany McLean, Blake McGrath, Mikeal Knight, and Luther Brown to name a few. During the summer of 2008, Alexandra was cast in a stage production entitled "Red City: Society In Motion" that was a collaborative fusion of different dance styles. She has also appeared in a number of music videos for artists such as Jazzy B and Divine Brown. In 2008 and 2009, Alex auditioned for CTV's "So You Think You Can Dance Canada". Both seasons she made it to the Top 60. Alex continues to train in all styles and verse herself in many different forms of dance. In the last 2 years she has also moved into the area of choreography where she has already won several awards. Alex has been dancing with Artists In Motion (A.I.M) Dance Company for the last 2 years. Comprised of some of the city’s most talented dancers, A.I.M. is an up and coming company, performing and competing in many shows around Toronto, as well as holding their own workshops. A.I.M. was recently titled the winners of Much Music’s Best Dance Crew Competition.

 
Derick

DERICK ROBINSON
"It takes an athlete to dance, but an artist to be a dancer." and Derick Robinson has made that transition. After many years of training at the provincial and national levels of soccer, Derick left his sporting roots behind to explore the world of dance. Starting out as just a hobby, dance has grown into more than just a passion; it’s his way of life. He has had the opportunity to work with such artists as Divine Brown at the “Toronto New Years Bash” to bring in 2011, and for Lady Gaga at the 2011 “Much Music Video Awards”. Over the past few years Derick has developed and refined his own style of dance that is only starting to be exposed to the Toronto scene. He believes that creating a connection between emotion, movement and the music is what makes his choreography so unique. As an up and coming choreographer in Toronto, his work has been described as creative, innovative and diverse. Derick’s choreography is based with Hip-Hop, but he likes to fuse it with other styles such as African and contemporary. Excited to continue his journey with dance; Derick is eager and enthusiastic to bring something new and different to the stage.

Irvin Washington Headshot
Irvin Washington

IRVIN WASHINGTON
Life and Dance play hand in hand for Irvin Washington! Only a few years as a professional dancer in Toronto, he has done work with industries George Nozuka, Keisha Chante, War Child in Association with Much Music even film work for Disney and The Family Channel. His career has brought him across Canada and over seas to Germany Opening for the likes of Danny Fernandes, Canadian Idol's Eva Avila, Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys, Destiny's Child and Toronto's own Jully Black! Irv has a passion and love for music, dance keeps him working harder everyday to achieve his goals, "It's My way of Life"!

 

 
Contact Artists In Motion Dance Company