Joy of Dance is pleased to support and be home to professional dance
companies Artists In Motion (AIM) and Urbanesque. Each company brings a
unique style with world-class dancers and choreographers to each
performance.
Artists in Motion (AIM) is a Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving multidisciplinary dance company founded in 2008 by Shameka Blake. Our work seeks to motivate current and future generations by amplifying the voices of Black culture and addressing pressing social justice issues. AIM is deeply committed to representation and strives to create a balanced career path for artists within the industry.
We create art that not only explores the richness of Black culture but also challenges the status quo by confronting the many barriers which include systemic barriers in the arts. AIM’s approach fosters a safe and inclusive space for emerging Black artists while elevating their voices on the global stage.
AIM’s artistic vision emphasizes the intersection of dance, social justice, and cultural representation. Through productions like Black in Canada, AIM provides an immersive exploration of Black identity, history, and cultural expression, while using movement to provoke conversation and inspire change. Our performances engage with themes of race, social equity, and the lived realities of Black Canadians.
Our approach integrates multiple disciplines, from traditional and contemporary dance to multimedia presentations, offering diverse ways to communicate our message. At the heart of all our work is a commitment to making space for Black artists and providing a platform for their voices to be heard and celebrated.


Urbanesque is more than a dance company; it is a unique dance style that is becoming a movement. Urbanesque, created by Hollywood Jade, is the physical expression of urban music and culture. It is inspired by Musical Theatre, Cabaret, Urban Dance and Burlesque and is presented in a modern day style.
Urban dance has been male dominated since inception. Urbanesque embraces and features some of Toronto’s strongest and most dynamic female dancers and performers in all their amazing diversity and strength. Urbanesque invites all generations, especially the 20 to 30 somethings, to experience the old made new and to enjoy, celebrate, and experience the visual and musical sensation that is Urbanesque.
Esie Mensah, founder
AKUMA is a story about courage, perseverance and faith. It is a journey of a young man in pursuit of his dream and the rebirth of a family legacy. In the background, AKUMA presents the pulse of Afro beat and contemporary sounds inspiring audiences and educating us on the very fabric of African society.
Designed with the richness and diversity of African culture, AKUMA is a celebration of our heritage through the performing arts fusing dance, theatre and percussion in an entertaining Broadway style production.

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