TDT Open House

Saturday October 21, 2023
11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. EDT Winchester Street Theatre, 80 Winchester Street, Toronto, ON, M4X 1B2 (VIEW MAP)

Accessibility Info: Unfortunately the Winchester Street Theatre is not currently wheelchair accessible. Full accessibility details: https://tdt.org/your-visit/accessibility/

To celebrate the start of the season, TDT invites the community to its Open House on Saturday October 21 at the Winchester Street Theatre. While people can explore and learn about TDT’s dance hub, there will be opportunities throughout the day to experience a mini-performance in the theatre as well as a hop into an all-ages movement class. In between, you can also enjoy a family fun activity zone and an exhibit that gives you a glimpse into TDT’s rich history. Scroll below for full details about each festivity.

Planning to attend? RSVP to not only receive any updates about the day, but to also be entered into a draw for a chance to win a pass to TDT’s 2023/24 mainstage productions! You are not required to RSVP to attend the Open House. We welcome you to drop in any time between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Detailed Schedule

11:00am: Event Begins
11:30 – 11:45am: Mini-Performance (Theatre)
12:00 – 12:20pm: Workshop with Danah Rosales, all ages (Studio A)
12:00 – 12:20pm: Family dance circle workshop with Michelle Silagy and Yiming Cai, ages 12 and under (Studio B)
12:30 – 12:45pm: Mini-Performance (Theatre)
1:00 – 1:30pm: Graham Dance Workout with Rosemary James, ages 12 and up (Studio A)
1:00 – 1:20pm: Family dance circle workshop with Michelle Silagy and Yiming Cai, ages 12 and under (Studio B)
1:30 – 1:45pm: Mini-Performance (Theatre)
2:00 – 2:20pm: Workshop with Danah Rosales, all ages (Studio A)
2:00 – 2:20pm: Family dance circle workshop with Michelle Silagy and Yiming Cai, ages 12 and under (Studio B)
2:30 – 2:45pm: Mini-Performance (Theatre)
3:00pm: Event Ends

Media release disclaimer: A photographer will be capturing the day. Attending the Open House grants permission for TDT and authorized representatives to use photos or videos that may include you on their website, social media platforms, or within printed marketing materials. If you have any questions, you may email info@tdt.org or speak to TDT’s front-of-house staff upon arrival.

Open House Festivities

KINAJ performing during TDT's event on TIFF's Festival Street (2023). Photo by Joanna Roselli, courtesy of TIFF.

Mini-Performances

While you’re at the Winchester Street Theatre, grab a seat in our theatre to enjoy a mini-performance, including a solo from company dancer Megumi Kokuba, a duet from artistic duo KINAJ (choreographers for the 2023/24 Spring Double Bill), and a duet from company dancer Roberto Soria and 2022/23 guest choreographer Danah Rosales. From this exciting roster of artists, you’ll get a creative dose of the various dance aesthetics and practices you can find at Toronto Dance Theatre!

Each mini-performance is about 15 minutes in total and will occur once every hour during the Open House.

BUCC N FLVR co-founder Matt Cruz leading all-ages workshop during Disko Piknik (2022). Photo by Ömer Yükseker

All-Ages Movement Workshops

Want to learn some new dance moves? Get your groove on during the recreational dance workshops happening throughout the day!

There will be two workshops that will alternate every hour during the Open House.

TDT’s Rehearsal Director Rosemary James will be leading a 30-minute Graham Dance Workout session where you can learn some modern dance moves inspired by Martha Graham technique. This session is suitable for ages 12 and up.

Danah Rosales, former guest choreographer and the new Mother Maldita for the House of Siriano Toronto chapter, will be doing a 20-minute workshop inspired by the kiki ballroom scene. Think runway, vogue, face, and more! This session is suitable for all ages.

Attendees during TDT's event on TIFF's Festival Street (2023). Photo by Joanna Roselli, courtesy of TIFF.

Family Fun Activity Zone

Bring the kids to enjoy a mix of creative activities in one of our studios!

What are the family-friendly activities we have in store for the day?

Family Dance Circle with Live Music: Hop into a fun, engaging, and memorable experience of creative movement and contemporary dance. The Family Dance Circle is a 20-minute movement session for children under 12 and their caregivers, led by multi-generational instructors Michelle Silagy and Yiming Cai along with emerging dancers and live accompaniment from Larry Graves on percussion-based instruments. This session offers a burst of sun-filled moves and creative ideas for you and your child to experience in ways you’ll all enjoy. Come as you are and dance with us for a joyful experience as we turn, reach, and jump around the studio.
In between the movement sessions, take part in dance-inspired craft activities or freely dance around TDT’s studio space while making use of fun props and costumes from our children’s tickle trunk.
Families can complete an artistic scavenger hunt while exploring the building and other activities happening during the Open House!

Claudia Moore and Peter Randazzo in "A Simply Melody" (1977). Costume design by Carol Crawley. Photographer Unknown.

TDT Exhibit

Founded in 1968, TDT has been an iconic name in Canada’s dance landscape and that comes with a bountiful history. One of the studio spaces will be turned into an exhibit for the Open House, featuring a range of costume pieces that span from the 1970s to today, highlighting TDT’s rich repertoire of dance works.